Easy & Irresistible Pumpkin Dump Cake: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe
Product links may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Autumn is here, and with it comes the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice! For all you pumpkin enthusiasts, get ready to discover your new favorite fall dessert: the incredibly easy and utterly delicious **Pumpkin Dump Cake**. This simple recipe is a true celebration of autumn, brimming with warm pumpkin spice flavors and boasting an unbelievably moist, tender texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Best of all, it requires just 7 straightforward ingredients and minimal effort, making it the ideal treat for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or simply when a craving for something sweet and comforting strikes.
Forget complicated baking techniques and lengthy preparation times. Our Pumpkin Dump Cake lives up to its name – you literally “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, and let your oven do the rest! It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, especially for those who prefer a cake-like consistency or when you’re short on time but still want to impress. Imagine a golden, buttery crust topping a rich, spiced pumpkin base, perfectly baked to a moist perfection. Serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel, and you’ve got a dessert that tastes like pure autumn bliss.
Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner party, bringing a treat to a potluck, or just want to cozy up with a delightful dessert at home, this pumpkin cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its effortless preparation means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the crisp fall air and good company. Let’s dive into making this comforting classic that captures the essence of the season in every bite!
Why This Pumpkin Dump Cake Will Be Your Go-To Fall Treat
This irresistible pumpkin dump cake isn’t just easy to make; it’s packed with benefits that make it an absolute must-try for the autumn season. Here’s why it will quickly become your favorite:
- Effortlessly Simple: True to its “dump cake” name, this recipe involves minimal mixing and layering. You just “dump” the ingredients and bake, making it perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike who appreciate a fuss-free dessert.
- Rich Fall Flavors: Every bite is a delightful burst of autumn. Packed with pure pumpkin and warm, aromatic cinnamon spice, it embodies all the comforting tastes of the season, satisfying your cravings for classic fall treats.
- Incredibly Moist Texture: Thanks to the strategic use of evaporated milk in the pumpkin layer and thinly sliced butter over the cake mix, this cake boasts an irresistibly moist, dense, and tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: From a casual family dinner to a grand Thanksgiving feast, a Halloween party, or a cozy evening by the fire, this pumpkin dessert fits right in. It’s elegant enough for guests but simple enough for everyday enjoyment.
- Customizable Toppings: Easily elevate your cake and make it your own! It’s fantastic served plain, but also pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings like vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, a sprinkle of nuts, or a decadent caramel drizzle.
- Crowd-Pleasing Alternative: For those who love pumpkin flavor but might prefer cake over traditional pie, this recipe is a brilliant alternative. It delivers all the beloved pumpkin goodness in a unique and delightful cake form.
- Minimum Cleanup: With most ingredients going directly into one baking dish, cleanup is a breeze, leaving you more time to savor your delicious creation.
Simple Ingredients for an Amazing Pumpkin Dump Cake
One of the best things about this delicious pumpkin dump cake is its short and sweet ingredient list. You likely have many of these staples in your pantry right now! Here’s what you’ll need to create this autumn masterpiece that’s bursting with fall flavor:
- Pure Pumpkin Purée: This is the heart of our pumpkin dump cake. Make sure you grab a standard 15-ounce can of pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already contains spices and sweeteners, and using it would alter the delicate balance of flavors in this recipe. Using pure purée allows us to control the spice and sugar levels perfectly. If you’re feeling ambitious and want an extra fresh flavor, you can even use homemade pumpkin puree.
- Evaporated Milk: For the ultimate moist and creamy texture, evaporated milk is absolutely key. Its concentrated richness, achieved by removing about 60% of the water from regular milk, contributes to a wonderfully dense, almost custardy, and incredibly flavorful pumpkin layer, much like a good pumpkin pie filling. While you technically *could* use heavy cream as a substitute for a slightly different texture, evaporated milk truly gives the best and most authentic results for this specific dump cake recipe, ensuring a deeply satisfying base.
- Large Eggs: We’ll use three large eggs, which act as a vital binder in the pumpkin mixture. They help to set the pumpkin layer, contributing to its overall richness, structure, and a smooth consistency once baked. Using them straight out of the fridge is perfectly fine for this recipe.
- Granulated Sugar: A precise amount of granulated sugar sweetens the pumpkin base to perfection. It balances the earthy notes of the pumpkin and the warmth of the spices, creating a harmonious and sweet flavor profile that isn’t overly sugary.
- Ground Cinnamon: This classic autumn spice is utterly essential for that signature “pumpkin spice” flavor we all adore. We’ll use ground cinnamon to generously infuse the pumpkin layer with its warm, aromatic, and comforting notes. For an even richer spice profile, feel free to add a pinch of other pumpkin pie spices like ground nutmeg, ginger, or cloves to the pumpkin mixture.
- Spice Cake Mix: This is the ingenious shortcut behind the “dump cake” method! A standard box of dry spice cake mix forms the magical dry, crumbly topping that transforms into a buttery, cake-like crust as it bakes. Using a spice cake mix adds an extra layer of delightful fall flavor and aroma, complementing the pumpkin beautifully. If a spice cake mix isn’t available, a yellow cake mix or butter pecan cake mix with an added teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or extra cinnamon would also work as a suitable alternative.
- Unsalted Butter: Thinly sliced, cold unsalted butter is crucial for achieving that irresistible golden, crisp, and wonderfully buttery topping. As the butter melts over the dry cake mix during baking, it saturates the mix, creating a delicious, crumbly crust reminiscent of a streusel topping. Using unsalted butter gives you precise control over the overall saltiness of your delicious pumpkin dessert.
Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pumpkin Dump Cake
Creating this delightful pumpkin dump cake is truly as simple as its name suggests. With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a warm, fragrant dessert baking in your oven in no time, filling your home with the comforting scents of autumn!
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures your cake comes out easily after baking and makes for a much quicker and easier cleanup process.
- Whisk the Pumpkin Base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the entire can of pure pumpkin purée, the evaporated milk, three large eggs, the granulated sugar, and the ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, well combined, and uniform in color. Make sure there are no lumps, as this will form the rich and creamy pumpkin layer, the moist foundation of your delicious dump cake.
- Pour the Pumpkin Mixture: Carefully pour the whisked pumpkin mixture into the prepared 9×13 baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Take your time to ensure the layer is uniform, as this will be the consistent base upon which the rest of your cake builds.
- Sprinkle the Dry Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the entire box of dry spice cake mix over the pumpkin layer. This is a crucial step – do not mix it into the pumpkin layer! Gently spread the dry mix across the surface using a spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even, consistent layer. The goal is to completely cover the pumpkin mixture without disturbing it or stirring it in, allowing the “dump cake” magic to happen during baking.
- Add the Butter Slices: Arrange the thinly sliced unsalted butter pieces over the dry cake mix layer. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible with the butter slices. It’s okay if there are small gaps; the butter will melt and spread as it bakes. As the cake bakes, the butter will slowly melt, saturating the dry cake mix and transforming it into a beautiful, golden, crumbly, and wonderfully rich topping.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes. The cake is ready when the top is beautifully golden brown, slightly bubbly around the edges, and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center (through the cake-mix layer, but not necessarily deep into the pumpkin layer) comes out mostly clean. The pumpkin layer underneath should feel set.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the pumpkin dump cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the cake to set further and makes it easier to scoop and serve without falling apart. This pumpkin delight is absolutely divine served warm!
Storing Your Delicious Pumpkin Dump Cake
Proper storage ensures your pumpkin dump cake remains fresh and delicious for as long as possible, allowing you to enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come. This makes it an excellent dessert for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Here’s how to best store your delectable creation:
- At Room Temperature (Short Term): While some dump cakes can be left at room temperature for a short period, due to the dairy (evaporated milk) and egg content in the pumpkin layer, it’s generally best to refrigerate this particular pumpkin dump cake once it has fully cooled. If you do leave it on the counter for a short time (e.g., for serving at a party), ensure it’s covered with a lid or plastic wrap to protect it from air once it reaches room temperature. However, for extended freshness and food safety, refrigeration is strongly recommended.
- In the Refrigerator (Longer Term): Once your pumpkin dump cake has completely cooled to room temperature (this is important to prevent condensation), cover the cake pan tightly with several layers of plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, if you have transferred any leftover portions to another dish, place them into an airtight container. Stored this way, the cake will stay wonderfully fresh and moist in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. This shelf life makes it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy weeks or upcoming holiday events.
- Freezing for Later: Yes, you can absolutely freeze pumpkin dump cake! This is a great option if you want to prepare it far in advance or simply save some for a future craving. For best results, allow the cake to cool completely. You can freeze it directly in the baking dish (if it’s freezer-safe) tightly wrapped in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. For individual servings, cut the cake into portions, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.
- Thawing and Reheating Instructions: To enjoy frozen pumpkin dump cake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you prefer your dump cake warm (which is highly recommended!), individual slices can be reheated in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. For a larger portion or the entire cake, cover it loosely with foil to prevent drying, and reheat in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed to your liking.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Pumpkin Dump Cake
While this pumpkin dump cake recipe is incredibly forgiving and easy, a few expert tips can elevate your baking experience and ensure a consistently perfect outcome every time. Here’s how to make your easy pumpkin dessert even better, achieving that ideal balance of flavor and texture:
Evaporated Milk vs. Heavy Cream: The Moisture Secret
You might be wondering why evaporated milk is specifically called for in this recipe, and it’s a fantastic question! Evaporated milk, which is cow’s milk with about 60% of the water removed through a heating process, is significantly thicker and creamier than regular milk. This concentrated richness is absolutely crucial for the pumpkin layer in our dump cake. It contributes significantly to a super moist, dense, and almost custardy texture, giving it a luxurious mouthfeel that’s wonderfully reminiscent of a classic pumpkin pie filling. While heavy cream can offer a rich alternative, evaporated milk’s unique properties truly shine in this specific context, providing the optimal creaminess and body without making the pumpkin mixture too thin or watery. It’s the unsung hero for that perfectly luscious pumpkin base.
Delicious Topping Ideas for Your Pumpkin Dump Cake
While this easy pumpkin dump cake is absolutely divine on its own, adding a topping can take it to the next level and truly customize it for your taste or occasion. Here are some fantastic suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:
- Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: A timeless and universally loved pairing! The cold, creamy vanilla ice cream melts slightly into the warm pumpkin cake, creating a heavenly contrast of temperatures and textures that is simply irresistible.
- Light & Fluffy Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of freshly made or good quality store-bought whipped cream adds lightness, a smooth texture, and a touch of elegance. For an extra special touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top of the whipped cream.
- Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting: A rich and tangy cream cheese frosting (either a thin glaze or a thicker spread) provides a wonderful balance to the sweet and spiced pumpkin flavor. Spread it over the cake once it has completely cooled for a delightful treat.
- Crunchy Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: For an added layer of texture and nutty flavor, sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the dry cake mix layer before baking, or add them as a beautiful garnish after the cake has cooled slightly.
- Luscious Caramel Drizzle: A warm, gooey drizzle of caramel sauce elevates this dessert with an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence. Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly, or you can make your own.
- Sweet Maple Syrup Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of pure maple syrup and a splash of milk for a simple, yet incredibly flavorful glaze that perfectly complements the fall theme and pumpkin spice.
- Decadent Chocolate Chips: For a delightful and unexpected twist, sprinkle some semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips over the dry cake mix layer just before adding the butter. They melt into pockets of creamy chocolate goodness.
Can I Make This Into Pumpkin Muffins or Cupcakes?
While the idea of individual pumpkin muffins or cupcakes from this recipe sounds appealing and convenient, I highly recommend against altering this recipe to fit muffin tins. The “dump cake” method relies on a very specific chemical reaction and layering process. The dry cake mix is designed to be sprinkled evenly over a wet base, and the melting butter then slowly seeps through the dry mix, creating a unique, crumbly-cake-like topping that is distinct from a traditional poured batter. For this popular recipe to turn out correctly, the butter needs to slowly absorb into the dry cake mix across a flat, wide surface during baking. Trying to adapt this into smaller, individual portions like muffins or cupcakes would likely result in an unevenly baked product, with some parts remaining dry and powdery, while others could become greasy or soggy. Stick to the classic 9×13 pan for the best and most consistent results!
Choosing the Right Cake Mix for Flavor
While spice cake mix is absolutely ideal for enhancing the warm, festive fall flavors of this dump cake, don’t hesitate to experiment if you can’t find it or simply want to try something different! A plain yellow cake mix or even a butter pecan cake mix can also work beautifully. If you opt for a plain yellow cake mix, consider whisking in an extra teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice blend or an additional half teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the dry mix for an added flavor boost that still captures that autumn essence.
The Golden Rule: Don’t Stir the Cake Mix!
This is arguably the most important “dump cake” rule, and following it is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Once you’ve sprinkled the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture, resist the urge to stir or mix it into the wet layer. The magic of a dump cake happens as the butter melts down through the dry ingredients during baking, creating that signature crumbly, golden, and wonderfully cake-like topping. Stirring it will result in a dense, chewy, and less appealing texture, rather than the light, buttery crumble we’re aiming for. Trust the process, and let the oven do its work!
Pumpkin Crumble Dump Cake
Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 15 oz can pumpkin purée
- 12 oz can evaporated milk
- 3 eggs
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 box spice cake mix
- ¾ cup thin sliced butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- To a medium bowl add in the pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon whisk well.
- Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non stick spray add the pumpkin mixture in Sprinkle the cake mix on the top and don’t move it but carefully spread it out Place the slices of butter over the top bake for 50 minutes.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Quick Links for Making Dinner and Dessert Easy:
Looking for more ways to simplify your kitchen routine or discover delicious new recipes? Check out these helpful resources:
- Family Meal Plans: Discover stress-free meal ideas perfect for busy families.
- Tools for the Kitchen and More: Browse our favorite kitchen gadgets and essentials that make cooking and baking a joy.
- The Best Cookbook for Family Dinner Recipes: Find a treasure trove of easy and delicious recipes designed for family dinners.
- FREE Budget Meal Plan: Get complimentary meal plans to help you save money and eat well without sacrificing flavor.
- Cooking Videos to Watch: Visual learners rejoice! Watch step-by-step cooking videos to master new recipes.
We hope you love this easy and delicious Pumpkin Dump Cake as much as we do! It’s truly a perfect fall dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. If you give this recipe a try, or any of our other fantastic creations, make sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and let us know how much you liked the recipes! Your feedback and photos make our day. Happy baking!