Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

As soon as autumn breezes start whispering through the trees, my kitchen comes alive with the sweet, spicy scent of pumpkin. If you adore pumpkin pie but want something even easier (and dare I say, a little more foolproof), this Cozy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe is about to steal your heart.

this Recipe

I first whipped up a version of this cake years ago for a church fall festival when time was short and the craving for something homemade was strong. The way folks lined up for second helpings told me everything I needed to know — this recipe was pure magic.
It’s soft and creamy underneath, with a buttery, golden crumble on top that practically begs for a scoop of ice cream. And the best part? It’s nearly effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

• Incredibly Easy: No fancy gadgets or baking skills required. Just layer, bake, and enjoy!
• Flavor-Packed: Creamy pumpkin spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger wrapped in a sweet, buttery topping.
• Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or cozy holiday gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Hero: This cake only gets better as it sits, making it a perfect prep-ahead dessert for busy days.

If you’re a lover of comfort food and crave a recipe that feels like a warm autumn hug, this one’s made just for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather everything you need to make your kitchen smell like heaven:

• Pure Pumpkin Purée: (not pumpkin pie filling) — just pure, rich pumpkin goodness.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess and body to the filling.
• Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: A perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: The heart of fall flavor — cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
• Yellow Cake Mix: Creates that irresistible crumbly topping.
• Butter: Melted to golden perfection over the top.
• Optional Extras: Chopped pecans, a drizzle of caramel, or whipped cream for serving.

Step-by-Step: How to Make This Cozy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish or give it a light mist of nonstick spray. A little love on the pan means no sticking later!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Pumpkin Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:

• 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin purée
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Whisk until everything’s silky and smooth, like a rich custard. Pour this into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out gently.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Evenly scatter an entire box of yellow cake mix right over the top. No stirring! Let it sit beautifully atop that pumpkin goodness.

Step 4: Drizzle on the Butter

Melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter and slowly drizzle it across the cake mix layer. It doesn’t have to cover every speck — little dry patches are just fine. Trust the process!

Step 5: Add Optional Crunch

If you’re feeling fancy, toss a handful of chopped pecans over the top. They toast up beautifully in the oven, adding a warm, nutty crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and a little bubbling around the edges — like the coziest autumn quilt.

Step 7: Let It Cool a Bit

Resist the temptation to dive right in! Let your cake rest for at least 30 minutes so it sets up nicely and slices like a dream.

Pro Tips for Baking the Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

• Dot with Cold Butter for Extra Crumble: Instead of drizzling melted butter, try scattering thin slices of cold butter across the cake mix. You’ll get glorious little pockets of buttery goodness.
• Layer, Don’t Stir: It’s tempting to mix everything together — but don’t! Keeping the pumpkin base and dry cake mix separate gives you that perfect layered texture.
• Peek Early: Start checking around the 50-minute mark. You want a firm center with a slight jiggle and a topping that’s golden and crispy.
• Give It a Rest: Letting your cake cool a bit after baking helps it set up beautifully. Plus, the flavors mellow and deepen — making that second bite even better than the first.

Tasty Variations to Try

• Pecan Crunch Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe: Mix chopped pecans into the cake mix before layering for a nutty, rich topping.
• Caramel Pumpkin Dump Cake: Right after baking, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top. It melts into every crack and crevice — pure decadence.
• Chocolate Lover’s Pumpkin Dump Cake: Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips between the pumpkin base and cake mix for a sweet, melty surprise.
• Maple Kissed Pumpkin Dump Cake: Finish your cooled cake with a drizzle of pure maple syrup to bring out those warm autumn spices.

FAQs About Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

• With a Cloud of Whipped Cream: Soft, billowy whipped cream melts right into every warm, spiced bite.
• Topped with Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream on warm dump cake? Mercy, it’s good.
• Drizzled with Caramel: A golden caramel drizzle adds sticky-sweet magic.
• Dusted with Cinnamon Sugar: A quick sprinkle brings out the cozy spice even more.

No matter how you serve it, this cake feels like a celebration of fall in every forkful.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

This Cozy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe is everything we love about autumn — simple, nostalgic, and soul-warming.
It’s the kind of dessert you whip up without stress, knowing it’ll deliver that homemade comfort every time.

Whether you’re bringing it to Thanksgiving dinner, a neighbor’s potluck, or just treating yourself on a crisp afternoon, this cake is pure happiness baked into every bite.

I hope it becomes part of your family traditions too, just like it did mine.

If you try this Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe, I’d be tickled to hear about it!
Share your baking adventures in the comments or tag me @PaisleyRecipes on Instagram — your beautiful cakes make my day.

And if you’re on the hunt for even more cozy fall recipes, don’t miss my collection of easy, heartwarming bakes!

From my kitchen to yours — happy baking, friends!

Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

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An effortless and cozy fall dessert, this Pumpkin Dump Cake layers creamy spiced pumpkin with a buttery, golden topping. Perfect for holidays or any crisp autumn day.

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin purée
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup (2 sticks) melted butter
• Optional: chopped pecans, whipped cream, caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, sugars, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour pumpkin mixture into prepared dish and spread evenly.
4. Sprinkle yellow cake mix evenly over pumpkin layer without stirring.
5. Drizzle melted butter evenly across the top.
6. Sprinkle with optional chopped pecans if desired.
7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until golden and set around the edges.
8. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Be sure to use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.

• For extra texture, use cold butter diced into small cubes instead of melted butter.

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Author: Paisley Morgan
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 375 kcal
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 340 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg