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Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

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If you’re craving fall flavors without spending hours in the kitchen, this easy pumpkin dump cake recipe is the answer! With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you can make a deliciously rich and moist dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or a cozy treat to enjoy with coffee. Packed with pumpkin, warm spices, and topped with a crunchy pecan layer, this cake has all the flavors of pumpkin pie but with the ease of a dump cake.

pumpkin dump cake

Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

To make this pumpkin dump cake, you’ll mix together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, and a blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. These give the cake its signature warm, spiced aroma that will make your whole kitchen smell incredible. Topped with a layer of yellow cake mix and buttery pecans, this dessert creates a perfectly textured treat that’s a cross between pumpkin pie and a crumble.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this pumpkin dump cake recipe is virtually foolproof and takes just minutes to prep. Simply pour, mix, and bake, and you’ll have a comforting fall dessert ready to go. Read on for the step-by-step instructions and pro tips to make this your go-to autumn dessert!

pumpkin dump cake

What You Will Love About This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: No complicated steps or equipment here! Just mix, layer, and bake. It’s a lifesaver for busy people who want a homemade dessert without the hassle.
  • Warm Fall Flavors: The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates a cozy, autumn-inspired aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes. It’s the ultimate comfort food for the season.
  • Texture Contrast: The creamy pumpkin filling pairs perfectly with the crumbly cake mix topping and crunchy pecans, giving you a delicious blend of textures in every bite.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is great for gatherings and holiday dinners, and it’s easy to dress up with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra-special touch.

pumpkin dump cake

What Is A Dump Cake

A dump cake is a simple dessert that gets its name from the way it’s prepared. Instead of mixing ingredients in a bowl, you “dump” them directly into a baking dish, layer them, and bake. This method makes it incredibly easy and quick to prepare, which is why it’s a popular choice for home bakers looking for a fuss-free dessert.

Key Features of Dump Cake:

  1. Minimal Mixing: The ingredients are typically layered rather than mixed, allowing the flavors to meld as they bake. This often results in a unique texture, with a gooey filling underneath and a cake-like topping.
  2. Common Ingredients: Dump cakes often use cake mix (like yellow or chocolate), canned fruit, and sometimes nuts or toppings like butter. For pumpkin dump cake, pumpkin puree and spices are key ingredients.
  3. Versatility: Dump cakes can be made with a variety of flavors, including fruit (like cherry or peach), pumpkin, chocolate, and more, making them adaptable to different seasons and tastes.
  4. Easy Cleanup: Since it requires minimal mixing and typically one baking dish, cleanup is a breeze!

Overall, dump cakes are a great way to whip up a delicious dessert with minimal effort, making them perfect for busy families or last-minute gatherings.

pumpkin dump cake

Ingredients

  • 1 (30 oz) can pumpkin puree
  • 1 (16 oz) can evaporated milk
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 package yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • ¾ cup butter, melted or thinly sliced

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, cloves, sugar, eggs, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and well blended.

  • Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or spray with canola spray to prevent sticking.
  • Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

  • Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pumpkin mixture in an even layer.

  • Top with chopped pecans, spreading them evenly across the cake mix.

  • Cover the top with butter. You can either drizzle melted butter or place thinly sliced butter pieces evenly over the surface.

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the top is golden and the center is set.

pumpkin dump cake

  • Serve warm and enjoy!

pumpkin dump cake

Tips & Tricks

  • Use Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps them blend more smoothly with the pumpkin mixture, making for a more uniform filling and better texture. Just take them out about 30 minutes before baking.
  • Try Different Cake Mixes: While yellow cake mix is classic, feel free to experiment! Spice cake mix, for example, adds an extra layer of warm spice, while vanilla cake mix offers a milder base.
  • Butter it Up: For an extra buttery topping, try slicing the butter thinly and evenly over the cake mix rather than melting it. This helps give the topping a nice golden, slightly crunchy finish.
  • Go Nutty (or Not): Pecans add a great crunch, but you can swap them for walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of nuts. For a nut-free version, try topping with some oats or crushed graham crackers for a similar texture.
  • Serve Warm for the Best Flavor: This cake is especially delicious when served warm, so if you’re making it ahead of time, gently reheat it before serving. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate cozy dessert!
  • Make It Your Own: Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or even a swirl of caramel on top before baking for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

pumpkin dump cake

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this pumpkin dump cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pumpkin filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just layer it with the cake mix and butter right before you’re ready to bake.

2. How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover pumpkin dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s also delicious cold or warmed up in the microwave!

3. Can I freeze pumpkin dump cake?

Absolutely! To freeze, let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

4. What can I substitute for evaporated milk?

If you don’t have evaporated milk on hand, you can substitute an equal amount of heavy cream or half-and-half. Alternatively, you can make a homemade version by simmering regular milk to reduce it by about half.

5. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free yellow cake mix, and make sure your other ingredients (like the pumpkin puree and spices) are gluten-free as well.

6. How can I make the topping crispier?

For a crispier topping, try using less butter, or bake it a bit longer. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. You can also broil it for a minute or two at the end of baking for an extra golden finish.

7. Can I add other flavors or ingredients?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, caramel sauce, or even a bit of bourbon or rum for a boozy twist. The possibilities are endless!

pumpkin dump cake 

Check out my other variations and flavors of dump cakes on the blog.

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Ingredients

  • 1 (30 oz) can pumpkin puree
  • 1 (16 oz) can evaporated milk
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 package yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • ¾ cup butter, melted or thinly sliced

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, ginger, cloves, sugar, eggs, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and well blended.
  • Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or spray with canola spray to prevent sticking.
  • Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pumpkin mixture in an even layer.
  • Top with chopped pecans, spreading them evenly across the cake mix.
  • Cover the top with butter. You can either drizzle melted butter or place thinly sliced butter pieces evenly over the surface.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!
  • Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    8

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 732Total Fat: 37gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 157mgSodium: 718mgCarbohydrates: 93gFiber: 4gSugar: 62gProtein: 12g

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