Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (2024)

Pumpkin Dump Cake is the perfect fall dessert alternative to pumpkin pie! With a dense pumpkin base and a cake topping both loaded with Pumpkin Pie Spice and chopped nuts, this dessert's amazing layers will impress the whole family!

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Pumpkin Dump Cake is the perfect fall dessert alternative to pumpkin pie! With a silky pumpkin base and a crumbly cake topping both loaded with Pumpkin Pie Spice and chopped nuts, this dessert’s amazing layers will impress the whole family!

I love Dump Cakes because they are so easy to make! If you love them too, try my Apple Dump Cake, Blueberry Dump Cake, and Hot Chocolate Dump Cake recipes!

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (2)

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You will love this Recipe for Pumpkin Dump Cake

This simple Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe was one of the first I posted on the blog. This cake recipe is amazing and I’ve made it for many family get-togethers over the years.

What Is A Dump Cake?

The word dump doesn’t exactly spark a craving, does it? But I promise you, dump cakes are so easy and good! The idea is that everything is sort of dumped into the pan and baked.

A dump cake is an easy dessert recipe made with a store-bought cake mix that is sprinkled on top before baking. This pumpkin version is a delicious fall version but does require an extra step of mixing the pumpkin layer.

This warm, delicious, layered dessert is perfect for any fall occasion!

The silky pumpkin pie base, the delicious yellow cake topped with crunchy nuts and fresh made whipped cream with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s PERFECT!

If you’re looking for a more classic style cake, try my Pumpkin Pound Cake recipe!

Going thru pinerest and found your recipe for Pumpkin Crumble Cake and decided to try it. Mixed it up fairy quickly. I have tried quick pumpkin cake in the past where all you add was pumpkin and not happy without doctoring it up, but I thought let’s give this one a try because of all the butter. I am so glad I did!Thank you this is going to be one of my go to quick desserts because of the ease and taste. Pumpkin is our favorite all year round and now another good recipe to use. May next time try a chocolate cake mix just cause I can. Again, thank you!

Bonnie

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (3)

This is a great alternative to the traditional pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, your family will love it! And you’ll love how easy it is to make!

Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe ingredients

The base is made with a mixture of pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and spices.

The crumble topping is made from dry cake mix, nuts, and butter.

And I highly recommend topping it with either whipped cream or ice cream before serving.

How to make Pumpkin Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

Then mix together the pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and spices together in a large bowl.Make sure you use pumpkin puree andNOTpumpkin pie filling.

Step 2: Pour the pumpkin mixture it into the baking dish.

Step 3: Evenly sprinkle the cake mix on top of the pumpkin puree mixture. I like to sprinkle mine with a little extra pumpkin pie spice after the dry cake mix has been added.

Step 4: Melt the butter and pour it over the cake mix. Then, sprinkle chopped pecans (or nut of choice) evenly over the top of the cake. Add an additional 1/2 cup of nuts if you really like it crunchy. Bake for 1 hour.

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (4)

Can You Make Pumpkin Dump Cake Gluten Free?

Yes, you can. I have made this gluten free and it was still wonderful and super easy! You couldn’t even tell the difference. You just have to switch the cake mix with a gluten free version.

Can You Make Dump Cake Without Nuts?

I have made it without nuts, but it’s just not the same. The nuts really give a nice crunch and texture to the cake. But can be made without them if you have an allergy or strong aversion to them.

Can I make this Recipe for Pumpkin Dump Cake ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, it’s one of the things I love most about this cake – it tastes amazing both warm or cold!

My favorite way to enjoy it is to let it cool completely and then reheat it by the slice in the microwave for 15 seconds. This allows the cake to fully set up after baking but the warm cake is just so cozy!

How to know when Pumpkin Crumb Cake is done

This Pumpkin Dump Cake with yellow cake mix won’t come clean when a toothpick is inserted into it, but the top should look slightly crunchy and have a nice golden coloring to it. The pumpkin layer will remain soft.

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (5)

Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake Variations

Chocolate: Use your favorite chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a pumpkin and chocolate mashup!

Spice Cake: Use a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for an even spicier version!

More Crunch: Instead of melting the butter before adding it to the top of the cake. Try cutting cold butter into thin slices and arranging them over the top of the cake before making. This method tends to add a but more crunch to the top of the cake.

Toffee: Sprinkle some Toffee Bits over the top of the cake before baking for a rich and salty twist.

How to serve Pumpkin Crumb Cake

This cake is best served warm. I like to let it sit for at least 20 to 30 minutes after it comes out of the oven.

Then I serve it with a variety of toppings like Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, whipped topping, caramel sauce, and more!

Storing leftover Pumpkin Dump Cake

Like most cakes, this pumpkin crumble cake doesn’t need to be refrigerated. It can be stored covered at room temperature for a few days. However, it can be stored in the refrigerator if preferred, but I would recommend popping it in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds to warm it up before enjoying.

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (6)

More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes!

  • Pumpkin Coffee Cake– The best way to start the day!
  • Pumpkin Kahlua Cupcakes– Slightly boozy and crazy delicious!
  • Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies– An fall favorite!
  • Impossible Pumpkin Pie– Crustless and easy!
  • Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes – You’ll want a huge stack of these!

Let’s Connect!

If you’ve tried thisrecipe, please let me know how you liked it in the comments below and leave a review. I love hearing from you!

Don’t forget to tag me – @sugarandsoulco on Instagram and Pinterest with your photos or join our Sugar & Soul Show-offs Community and share them there, where you can join our recipe challenges!

This post was originally published in September 2013, content and photos were updated in August 2019.

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (7)

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (8)

4.90 from 245 votes

Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake


Author Rebecca Hubbell

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Pumpkin Dump Cake is the perfect fall dessert alternative to pumpkin pie! With a dense pumpkin base and a cake topping both loaded with Pumpkin Pie Spice and chopped nuts, this dessert's amazing layers will impress the whole family!

Ingredients

  • 30 ounces pumpkin puree1
  • 12 ounces evaporated milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 box yellow cake mix2
  • 1 cup salted butter
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • whipped cream for serving
  • vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and set aside a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  • Mix together the pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, and spices and pour it into the baking dish.

  • Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the top of the pumpkin puree mixture. I like to sprinkle mine with a little extra pumpkin pie spice after the cake mix has been added.

  • Melt the butter and pour over the cake mix or cut the butter into thin slices and evenly distribute to cover the top of the cake with them.

  • Finally, spread the nuts evenly over the top of the cake. Bake for 1 hour.

  • Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, and a dash of pumpkin spice.

Video

Notes

Recipe Card Notes:

  1. Make sure you use Pumpkin Puree and NOT Pumpkin Pie Filling.
  2. Cake mix is dry when added.

Recipe Variations:

  • Chocolate: Use your favorite chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a pumpkin and chocolate mashup!
  • Spice Cake: Use a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for an even spicier version!
  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix instead of regular cake mix. No additional changes need to be made to the recipe.
  • More Crunch:Instead of melting the butter before adding it to the top of the cake. Try cutting cold butter into thin slices and arranging them over the top of the cake before making. This method tends to add a but more crunch to the top of the cake.
  • Toffee:Sprinkle some Toffee Bits over the top of the cake before baking for a rich and salty twist.

Serving & Storing Tips:

  • This cake is best served warm, but can be served at room temperature or cold.
  • Cake should be consumed within 4 to 6 hours after baking or covered and refrigerated for 3 to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 223mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 1.1mg

Did You Make This Recipe?

Don’t forget to share it with me on Instagram @sugarandsoulco and follow on Tiktok @sugarandsoulco and Pinterest @sugarandsoulco for more!

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake? ›

It's not a step that you'll see in most other cake recipes, but dump cakes are a different breed. The rule is simple and resolute: Don't mix it. When making a simple and classic dump cake, the last two steps are always the boxed cake mix and the butter.

Why is my dump cake still powdery? ›

If you've baked your dump cake and there's still cake mix powder on the top, it's likely because the butter wasn't evenly distributed on top of the cake. When assembling your dump cake recipe, be sure to spread the cake mix in a thin even layer and space the pats of butter evenly across the top.

Is dump cake supposed to be gooey? ›

Layering ingredients instead of mixing them might look silly and feel counter-productive, but it's the trick to ensuring a crusty, crumbly, buttery top, and a gooey interior.

Do dump cakes taste good? ›

Besides the cringe-worthy name, most dump cakes are way too sweet and can be kind of a one-note experience. Using canned pie filling and cake mix also means loads of preservatives and who knows what else going into your cake. Also, sometimes when you just "dump" things into a pan, they don't always bake evenly.

Do you have to refrigerate dump cake overnight? ›

Do you refrigerate dump cake? There's no dairy in this recipe, but we'd still recommend you refrigerate dump cake. It'll help it last longer in the fridge. Cover the dish in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge 4 to 5 days.

How to tell when dump cake is done? ›

Sprinkle the cake mix over the top of the fruit. Slice the butter into tablespoons and distribute evenly over the surface of the cake mix. Bake until the tops are brown and bubbly, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Serve with whipped cream.

What happens if you stir a dump cake? ›

For some reason, nearly every dump cake recipe insists that the ingredients are not to be stirred. (In fact, most recipes add extra emphasis to this instruction by writing it in all-caps: DO NOT STIR!!!) The result of this laissez-faire approach is a half-baked cake.

What is another name for a dump cake? ›

For the uninitiated, a dump cake (also sometimes called a drop cake) is exactly what it sounds like: a cake that asks you to dump all of its ingredients into a vessel, give things a quick stir, and bake.

Why did my cake turn out dense and not fluffy? ›

If your cakes consistently turn out dense, it's worth checking the expiration date on your baking powder or baking soda. These leavening agents lose their effectiveness over time, which can lead to flat and dense cakes. Make sure to use fresh leavening agents for the best results.

Do you dump cake from the pan before or after cooling? ›

It's important to pay attention to the specifics called for in a recipe, but in general, most cakes are best removed from the pan after cooling for 10 to 20 minutes. Try it too soon, and it may fall apart. Wait too long, and it may stick.

Why did my cake turn out like jelly? ›

Most common reason is when the oven door is opened too soon and the cake hasn't set up and baked properly. The mixture could be too soft due to not enough ingredients or if there is too much liquid added.

Why did my cake come out gluey? ›

Why does my cake have a gummy streak in the center? Developing too much of the flour's gluten can make the cake rise beautifully in the oven, but sink as soon as you pull it out. The sinking part is what makes the dense and gluey streaks. This can be result of over-creaming the eggs, butter and sugar.

Why do Costco cakes taste so good? ›

In true Costco fashion, the costs are low but the quality is high. Costco has in-house bakers, so the baked goods are fresh and made by pros. It's hard to choose a top pick from Costco's bakery, but the Costco cakes are a fan favorite.

Who invented dump cake? ›

The origins of the dump cake are somewhat unclear. It has been suggested that the name originated with a recipe published by Duncan Hines in 1980, though the name is attested in a number of American community cookbooks and periodicals from the 1970s and 60s.

What are the common errors in cake making? ›

Here are seven common cake baking mistakes you may be making and what you can do about them:
  • Not Properly Prepping Your Pan. ...
  • Using Expired Leaveners. ...
  • Using Cold Ingredients. ...
  • Not Measuring Properly. ...
  • Opening the Oven. ...
  • Oven Temperature. ...
  • Over Or Under Mixing.
Apr 14, 2022

What are the three common causes of failure in cakes? ›

We've provided an in-depth explanation of these three crumbly cake culprits.
  • Overbaked. If your oven temp is too high, you will bake the cake past 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the temperature where water evaporates. ...
  • Undermixed. ...
  • Too Much Flour.

What not to do when making a cake? ›

Common Baking Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
  1. Baking at the wrong temperature. ...
  2. Not measuring ingredients. ...
  3. Checking on your items too frequently. ...
  4. Your ingredients are at the wrong temperature. ...
  5. Your dough isn't rising. ...
  6. Nothing is baking evenly. ...
  7. Your dough or batter is too tough. ...
  8. Wrap Up.

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