Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

This Pumpkin Dump Cake is everything you love about fall in one simple, satisfying dessert. It combines classic pumpkin flavor with a deliciously easy baking method that anyone can master. With the rich warmth of pumpkin pie spice, the buttery crumble of cake mix, and your choice of crunchy toppings, this cake is perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.

A Pumpkin Dump Cake baked in a white oval dish, topped with vanilla ice cream and chopped pecans, finished with caramel sauce and a bowl of ice cream nearby on a wooden board.
Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo Credit: Splash of Taste

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I love recipes that require little effort. You can throw in the ingredients, pop the cake in the oven, and enjoy something delicious. This dump cake ticks every box for ease. It’s the perfect fall dessert, great for the holidays, potlucks, and family dinners. You can make it ahead, freeze it, and customize it, and it’s a real crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

A variety of baking ingredients in bowls, perfect for making Pumpkin Dump Cake, including ice cream, butter, eggs, pumpkin, yellow cake mix, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, caramel syrup, crushed graham crackers, pecans, and pumpkin pie spice.
Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo Credit: Splash of Taste

How to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake with Step-By-Step Instructions

Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.

Preparing the Base

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180ºC) and greasing a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick spray.

In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice. Once mixed, pour this base into your prepared pan.

Adding the Toppings

Next, evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over your pumpkin mixture. Choose between nuts or graham crackers for a crunchy texture and scatter these on top.

A hand pours melted butter over a dish of pecan-topped sweet potatoes in a white oval baking dish, reminiscent of the rich flavors found in a decadent Pumpkin Dump Cake.
Pour the base into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cake mix on top, add the pecans, and drizzle the melted butter all over.

For a final touch, drizzle melted butter all over the cake mix layer.

SERIOUSLY GOOD

DESSERTS!

Two tablets display images of desserts; one shows the cover of a dessert cookbook and the other shows assorted baked goods arranged on a table.

Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.

Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.

Includes ad-free recipes like:

∙  Lemon Pound Cake

∙  Key Lime Bars

∙  Boston Cream Pie

∙  No-Bake Chocolate Lasagna

∙  Raspberry Cheesecake

...and much more!

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Baking

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set, and the edges have turned a light golden brown.

Serve your Pumpkin Dump Cake with a drizzle of caramel syrup, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, and a scoop of ice cream for the perfect finishing touch. The warm cake and cold ice cream create a delicious contrast, while the caramel and pecans add extra sweetness and crunch.

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A red bowl of apple crisp topped with melting vanilla ice cream sits next to a measuring cup with cinnamon, a pine cone, and a cloth napkin, offering an autumnal delight reminiscent of the cozy warmth found in every bite of pumpkin dump cake.

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Pumpkin Dump Cake brings all the cozy fall flavors in a simple, satisfying dessert. With pumpkin pie spice, buttery cake mix, and crunchy toppings, it’s easy and delicious. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners, it’s a versatile treat that can be made ahead or frozen. Minimal effort, maximum flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 675kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pure pumpkin
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup butter melted
  • 1 cup graham crackers or pecans coarsely crushed

To serve:

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (180ºC) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, evaporated milk, brown sugar, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
    1 cup pure pumpkin, 1 cup evaporated milk, 1 cup light brown sugar, 3 eggs, 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • Sprinkle the entire box of dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Then, sprinkle coarsely crushed graham crackers or pecans over the top. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire surface.
    1 box yellow cake mix, 1 cup graham crackers or pecans, 1 cup butter
  • Bake in your preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes. The cake is done when the center is set, and the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving. To bring out the best flavors, serve it warm, paired with caramel syrup, chopped pecans, and a scoop of ice cream for added indulgence.
    Caramel syrup, Ice cream, Chopped pecans

Notes

  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: A little tip—make sure your pumpkin pie spice hasn’t been sitting in the cupboard too long. Fresh spice means more flavor!
  • Cake Mix Layer: Take a moment to ensure the cake mix covers the pumpkin layer evenly. It makes all the difference.
  • Butter Coverage: Getting an even drizzle of butter over the cake mix will help you avoid dry spots and ensure every bite is as moist as the last.
  • Test Doneness:Stick a toothpick in the center to see if it comes out clean—that’s your sign it’s ready to come out of the oven.
  • Serving Suggestion: This cake is divine when served warm. It just cozies up every bite!
  • Go Nuts: Literally! Extra nuts or even toffee chips can add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.

Nutrition

Calories: 675kcal | Carbohydrates: 94g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 132mg | Sodium: 771mg | Potassium: 290mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 61g | Vitamin A: 5642IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 285mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

SERIOUSLY GOOD

DESSERTS!

Two tablets display images of desserts; one shows the cover of a dessert cookbook and the other shows assorted baked goods arranged on a table.

Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.

Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.

Includes ad-free recipes like:

∙  Lemon Pound Cake

∙  Key Lime Bars

∙  Boston Cream Pie

∙  No-Bake Chocolate Lasagna

∙  Raspberry Cheesecake

...and much more!

Logo displaying the words

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

Here are some of my top tips to make sure your pumpkin dump cake turns out perfect every time.

  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: A little tip—make sure your pumpkin pie spice hasn’t been sitting in the cupboard too long. Fresh spice means more flavor!
  • Cake Mix Layer: Take a moment to ensure the cake mix covers the pumpkin layer evenly. It makes all the difference.
  • Butter Coverage: Getting an even drizzle of butter over the cake mix will help you avoid dry spots and ensure every bite is as moist as the last.
  • Test Doneness:Stick a toothpick in the center to see if it comes out clean—that’s your sign it’s ready to come out of the oven.
  • Serving Suggestion: This cake is divine when served warm. It just cozies up every bite!
  • Go Nuts: Literally! Extra nuts or even toffee chips can add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.

How to Store Leftover Pumpkin Dump Cake

If you have leftovers, they’ll keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just make sure to place them in an airtight container to maintain their moisture.

If you’re planning ahead or want to keep your cake a bit longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices tightly, and they will stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months.

When you’re ready for another taste, simply thaw your slices at room temperature or warm them in the oven to bring back that just-baked warmth and texture. This way, you can enjoy your delicious cake on demand any time the craving strikes!

What to Serve With Pumpkin Dump Cake

The richness of this cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, drizzle caramel syrup and sprinkle chopped pecans on top.

More Easy Pumpkin Recipes for You to Try at Home

Here are some of my favorite pumpkin recipes that I think you’ll love.

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