When the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, there’s one dessert that captures the essence of autumn perfectly — a pumpkin dump cake! If you love pumpkin pie but don’t have time for complicated baking, this dessert is your dream come true.
With its sweet, spiced pumpkin filling and buttery cake topping, this Quick & Tasty Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe is everything cozy, delicious, and simple. You don’t need to be a professional baker to make it — just mix, dump, and bake. That’s it!
Let’s dive into how to make this fall favorite in just a few easy steps.
🍂 What Is a Pumpkin Dump Cake?
The term “dump cake” might not sound elegant, but it’s the perfect name for this no-fuss dessert. Instead of layering or mixing like traditional cakes, you simply “dump” the ingredients into a pan — and magic happens in the oven!
A pumpkin dump cake combines the creamy texture of pumpkin pie with the crunchy topping of a cobbler. It’s rich, flavorful, and filled with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or craving a sweet treat on a chilly evening, this Quick & Tasty Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe is a guaranteed hit.
🧁 Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy ingredients for this dessert — just pantry staples and a can of pumpkin puree.
🎃 For the Pumpkin Base:
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 can (12 oz / 354 ml) evaporated milk
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp salt
🍰 For the Topping:
1 box yellow cake mix (about 15 oz / 425 g)
¾ cup melted butter
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Optional but delicious:
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
A sprinkle of pumpkin spice on top
🥣 How to Make This Quick & Tasty Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Making this dessert couldn’t be easier. Just a few simple steps and your kitchen will smell like autumn heaven!
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
Pumpkin puree
Evaporated milk
Eggs
Sugar
Spices
Salt
Whisk until smooth and well combined. The mixture should look similar to pumpkin pie filling — thick, creamy, and fragrant with spices.
Pour this pumpkin mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the pumpkin mixture. Do not stir! The “dump” method means the layers stay separate, giving you that perfect mix of creamy and crunchy textures.
Step 4: Add Butter and Nuts
Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible — this helps create a golden, crisp topping.
If you like a little crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
You’ll know it’s ready when the pumpkin layer is firm and the top is slightly crisp.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 20–30 minutes before serving. This allows the pumpkin layer to firm up slightly while staying creamy inside.
Serve warm or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream — pure bliss!
🍁 Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Dump Cake
There are plenty of pumpkin desserts out there, but this one is special. Here’s why this Quick & Tasty Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe stands out:
Effortless Preparation — No mixer, no frosting, no fuss.
Perfect Fall Flavor — Spiced pumpkin and buttery crumble in every bite.
Crowd-Pleaser — Ideal for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Budget-Friendly — Uses simple pantry ingredients.
Make-Ahead Option — Tastes even better the next day!
If you’re looking for a dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, this pumpkin dump cake is your go-to recipe.
🕓 Storage and Serving Tips
Store in the refrigerator: Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30–40 seconds.
Freeze for later: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Pro Tip: Serve it slightly warm with ice cream — the hot-and-cold combo is irresistible!
🍂 Variations to Try
Want to make this Quick & Tasty Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe your own? Here are some fun twists:
Chocolate Pumpkin Dump Cake: Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow for a rich twist.
Spiced Cake Mix: Swap the yellow cake mix for spice cake mix for extra autumn flavor.
Cream Cheese Swirl: Add dollops of sweetened cream cheese before baking for a cheesecake-like layer.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix — it works perfectly!
Add Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before baking or after cooling for a sweet touch.
These small tweaks can turn one easy recipe into endless flavor combinations.
🧡 Pumpkin Dump Cake vs. Pumpkin Pie
Both are classic fall desserts, but they’re not the same!
Feature Pumpkin Dump Cake Pumpkin Pie
Texture Creamy bottom + crunchy top Smooth and firm
Ease No crust, just dump and bake Requires rolling dough
Prep Time 10 minutes 40+ minutes
Flavor Spiced pumpkin + buttery cake Classic pumpkin custard
If you want something quicker and even more comforting, the pumpkin dump cake wins every time.
🍰 Practical Tips for Perfect Results
Don’t mix the layers: Let gravity and heat do the magic.
Distribute butter evenly: Uneven butter = dry patches on top.
Use pure pumpkin puree: Not pumpkin pie filling (which already contains sugar and spices).
Check the edges: If they’re bubbling and golden, your cake is done.
Let it rest: It thickens as it cools — resist cutting into it too soon!
🎃 Why Pumpkin Dump Cake Is a Fall Essential
Every fall table deserves a pumpkin dessert, but this one is special because it fits into any schedule. Busy parents, working professionals, and last-minute hosts will all appreciate how easy this recipe is.
Plus, it makes your home smell amazing — like cinnamon, nutmeg, and love baked together.
Serve it at:
Thanksgiving dinner
Halloween parties
Autumn picnics
Family gatherings
Once you try this Quick & Tasty Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again — all season long.
🍂 Conclusion: Quick & Tasty Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe!
Fall baking doesn’t get easier than this. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and unbeatable flavor, this Quick & Tasty Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe is everything you love about autumn in one pan.
It’s warm, spiced, buttery, and comforting — the perfect dessert for busy days when you still want something homemade and heartwarming.
So, grab that can of pumpkin and your favorite cake mix, and get ready to “dump and bake” your way to dessert perfection. Once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is loved across North America.
Because when life gets busy, it’s the simple things — like a slice of pumpkin dump cake — that bring the most joy. 🍁💛
✅ Meta Title:
Quick & Tasty Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe – Easy Fall Dessert
✅ Meta Description:
Craving a cozy fall treat? Try this Quick & Tasty Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe! Simple ingredients, rich pumpkin flavor, and ready in no time. Perfect for Thanksgiving!