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? ›

What Is the Biggest Mistake to Avoid When Making Dump Cake? If this is your first time making a dump cake, it may appear that we've forgotten an important instruction — stirring. But stirring is exactly what you do not want to do for this style of dessert.

Is dump cake supposed to be gooey? ›

Once baked, a dump cake comes out like a cross between fluffy cake and melty cobbler. Soft ooey-gooey bars come to mind, except more scoopable. Many people choose to use store-bought pie filling or canned fruit as the base, but you can really customize it to fit your taste.

Why is it called a dump cake? ›

A dump cake is an American dessert similar to a cobbler but with a cake-like topping. It is so named because it is prepared by "dumping" ingredients (typically canned fruit or pie filling, followed by a boxed cake mix) into a cake pan without mixing.

What is pureed pumpkin? ›

Pumpkin puree is made from the cooked insides of the squash—the good, soft, sweet parts—that can be used in a wide range of recipes, sweet, savory, baked, boiled, and more.

How do you tell if a dump cake is done? ›

Bake until the tops are brown and bubbly, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Serve with whipped cream.

Why is my dump cake still powdery on top? ›

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.

What happens if you stir 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.

Why is my dump cake not cooking in the middle? ›

The pan is too small. There's too much liquid. Opening the oven or moving pans during baking. Oven temperature is too low, or cake isn't baked long enough.

How do you fix a watery dump cake? ›

Add more dry ingredients: To thicken the batter, you can try adding more of the dry ingredients called for in the cake mix recipe, such as flour or cake mix powder. Start with small amounts and mix the batter thoroughly, adding more as needed until the batter reaches the desired consistency.

What is the alternative 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.

Is there another name for dump cake? ›

Both grump and slump were alternate terms for the cake long ago so some people may also just recognize it. You're welcome!

Can I use pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree? ›

Is Pumpkin Puree the Same as Pure Pumpkin? Yes, canned pumpkin can be labeled as 100% pure pumpkin or just as pumpkin puree. They are the same product. Both canned pumpkin puree and pie filling are useful, shelf-stable ingredients that can help speed up your kitchen prep time.

Can I use pumpkin instead of puree? ›

Canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are the same thing, and you'll often see the terms used interchangeably in recipes and cookbooks. Unlike pumpkin pie mix, canned pumpkin does not have any spices, sugars, or other additives. In many cases, the only ingredient is pumpkin.

Can you use real pumpkin instead of puree? ›

Canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are the same thing. These terms are often used interchangeably in recipes, though you may also see the term solid-pack pumpkin. All these terms mean 100% steamed and pureed pumpkin—no extras, no add-ins—not even in the canned variety.

What are the common errors in cake making? ›

Common Baking Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
  • Baking at the wrong temperature. ...
  • Not measuring ingredients. ...
  • Checking on your items too frequently. ...
  • Your ingredients are at the wrong temperature. ...
  • Your dough isn't rising. ...
  • Nothing is baking evenly. ...
  • Your dough or batter is too tough.

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

Below we go in-depth about these cake mistakes:
  • Underbaked. The number one culprit of a sunken cake is underbaking. ...
  • Too Much or Too Soft of Butter. Another common cake mistake is using a type of butter that's the wrong temperature. ...
  • Opened Oven Door Too Much. ...
  • Overmixed.

What can go wrong when making a cake? ›

7 Easy Errors That Mess up Your Cakes and How To Prevent Them
  1. Not Obeying the Order of Operations. ...
  2. Using Too Much Flour. ...
  3. Making Too Many Ingredient Substitutions. ...
  4. Using Ingredients at an Improper Temperature. ...
  5. Overmixing or Undermixing the Cake Batter. ...
  6. Using the Wrong Pan. ...
  7. Baking By Time Only.
Apr 29, 2021

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