Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (2024)

Fall is the time for all things pumpkin, and this simple pumpkin dump cake recipe will not disappoint!

There is nothing better on a chilly autumn afternoon than filling the house with the heavenly aroma of pumpkin, cinnamon, and spice as the most delicious moist, and buttery cake bakes away as you decorate, or curl up on the couch with a latte and a good book!

Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (1)

Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

This post contains affiliate links.

Fall is a time of gatherings–from tailgating parties, to Halloween, Thanksgiving, and so much more!

With how busy this time of year is, it can be hard to find the time to bake. That’s why I love dump cakes so much! It really doesn’t get any easier!

Combine minimal pantry staple ingredients, along with just a few steps, and in no time at all you will have a mouthwatering dessert that is sure to be a hit!

This Pumpkin dump cake recipe

  • Serves: 12-15
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (2)

Ingredients needed

  • 1 can (29 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or golden butter cake mix
  • 1 ½ cups chopped pecans, divided
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, sliced thinly
  • Fresh whip cream for serving, optional
  • Ice Cream for serving, optional

instructions to make a pumpkin dump cake

STEP 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 13×9 baking dish with cooking spray and coat with flour.

STEP 2

In a large bowl combine pumpkin, milk, sugar, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice.

Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (3)

STEP 3

Whisk together until completely combined.

Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (4)

STEP 4

Pour into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (5)

STEP 5

Sprinkle with cake mix.

Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (6)

STEP 6

Then, sprinkle with 1 cup chopped pecans.

Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (7)

STEP 7

Cut butter very thinly and cover the cake mix.

Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (8)

STEP 8

Bake in oven for 60 minutes or until center is set and edges are lightly browned.

STEP 9

Allow to cool slightly and serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream and additional ½ cup chopped pecans.

Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (9)

How Long Will Pumpkin Dump Cake Last?

In my house, not very long! {giggle}

To maximize freshness, once your pumpkin dump cake has cooled, store it in an airtight container. If refrigerated, it will stay good for a couple of days (if you even have any leftovers!).

Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (10)

Can You Freeze Pumpkin Dump Cake?

Yes! You can also freeze your pumpkin dump cake (in an airtight container) for 1-2 months.

Simply let it defrost on the counter or in the fridge.

Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (11)

What Toppings Can I add To Pumpkin Dump Cake?

There are SO many choices!

A scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a touch of whipped cream are solid choices. Followed by buttery-smooth homemade caramel sauce, a sprinkling of pumpkin pie seasoning, or even chocolate shavings!

Be creative and try whatever you like!

Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (12)

Is This Pumpkin dump cake recipe gluten free?

It is very easy to tweak this recipe ever so slightly in order to make a gluten free pumpkin dump cake!

All you need to do, is swap out the regular cake mix for a gluten free cake mix, instead!

As always, double check the label on all of your ingredients, just to be safe!

Yield: Serves 12-15

Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (13)

There's nothing more "fall" than biting into a tender, gooey slice of the best pumpkin dump cake, with a crispy pecan topping! This is the easiest recipe, and perfect to make for all of your fall and holiday gatherings!

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time1 hour

Total Time1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 can (29 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or golden butter cake mix
  • 1 ½ cups chopped pecans, divided
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, sliced thinly
  • Fresh whip cream for serving, optional
  • Ice Cream for serving, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray and coat with flour.
  2. In a large bowl combine pumpkin, milk, sugar, eggs and pumpkin pie spice.
  3. Whisk together until completed combined.
  4. Pour into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  5. Sprinkle with cake mix.
  6. Then sprinkle with 1 cup chopped pecans.
  7. Cut butter very thinly and cover cake mix.
  8. Bake in oven for 60 minutes or until center is set and edges are lightly browned.
  9. Allow to cool slightly and serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream and additional ½ cup chopped pecans.

More of the best pumpkin desserts for the holidays

  • Whether you need ideas for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas–we’ve got the yummiest pumpkin dessert recipes that you MUST make this season!
  • Start your fay with fluffy fall sweetness–a big stack of yummy homemade pumpkin pancakes!
  • Need a quick and easy treat for a party? Whip up a batch of pumpkin bars.
  • Now here’s a basic but delicious treat that is perfect for Thanksgiving–make a platter of simple pumpkin chocolate chip cookies!
  • This is hands down the TASTIEST recipe for pumpkin spice seasoning! There’s no need to buy it at the store when it’s so easy to make at home.
  • It may not be pumpkin in flavor, but this adorable pumpkin patch pudding treat will look great on your Halloween or thanksgiving dessert table (and it’s yummy, too!).
  • Don’t forget to wash it all down with a delicious and easy homemade pumpkin spice frappe!
  • You will love these epic baking hacks!
  • These pumpkin recipes are perfect for fall!
  • Make this delicious and easy caramel recipe to add over your dessert!
  • This zucchini cake recipe is soooo delicious!

Which pumpkin dessert are you going to try first? Comment below and tell us!

Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake? ›

However, anyone well-versed in the ways of the dump cake will tell you that there is one rule you should never break when making a dump cake. Since it's not a step that you'll ever see in most other cake recipes, it can be easily missed. The mistake to avoid is simple: Don't mix it.

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.

Can you substitute pumpkin pie filling for pumpkin puree? ›

You'll need to add sweetener, spices, and possibly a thickener (like eggs). However, you cannot use pumpkin pie filling in place of pure pumpkin unless you are making a pie or dessert that calls for the extra ingredients.

Does dump cake need to be refrigerated? ›

Do you refrigerate dump cake? There's no dairy in this recipe, but we'd still recommend you refrigerate dump cake. It'll help it last longer in the fridge. Cover the dish in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge 4 to 5 days.

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? ›

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.

Do you dump cake from pan before or after cooling? ›

It's important to pay attention to the specifics called for in a recipe, but in general, most cakes are best removed from the pan after cooling for 10 to 20 minutes. Try it too soon, and it may fall apart. Wait too long, and it may stick.

How do you ensure that a dump cake is properly baked and not undercooked in the center? ›

Make sure you don't over fill the bake pans. Make sure there is good and even flow of heat to all sides of the pan. Make sure to keep your baking pan at the centre of the oven. Consider using fabric pan belts that prevent cake from getting heated too much at the side adjacent to the pan.

What's the difference between a dump cake and a cobbler? ›

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 the difference between Libby's pumpkin and pumpkin pie filling? ›

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.

Is canned pumpkin just pumpkin 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's the difference between pure pumpkin and pumpkin puree? ›

Solid pack pumpkin is just pumpkin. You won't find any other ingredient in it, it's just pumpkin. Pumpkin puree is also simply pumpkin, nothing else. Some stores use the term pumpkin puree but this just means it's better for baking.

Is dump cake supposed to be mushy? ›

When done right, dump cakes are crusty on the outside and ooey-gooey on the inside! Make sure to let it bake until the top is dry and the filling is thick -- but not too runny.

When was dump cake invented? ›

We did some research and it seems that the first reference to a dump cake was in 1980. A basic recipe using a can of crushed pineapple, a can of cherry pie filling, a box of yellow cake mix, and sliced butter was published in Duncan Hines holiday baking brochure.

How many hours can cake sit out unrefrigerated? ›

How long can cake sit out unrefrigerated? If your cake is frosted with buttercream, it will last covered at room temperature for up to four days. However, it is best to refrigerate cakes with other frostings such as cream cheese or ganache. A fully covered unfrosted cake will last for up to 2 days at room temperature.

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? ›

We've provided an in-depth explanation of these three crumbly cake culprits.
  • Overbaked. If your oven temp is too high, you will bake the cake past 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the temperature where water evaporates. ...
  • Undermixed. ...
  • Too Much Flour.

What causes a cake to collapse after baking? ›

Cakes sink in the middle due to several reasons. One reason is that the cake batter might be too moist, causing it to collapse during baking. Another reason could be that the oven temperature is too low, leading to uneven baking. Opening the oven door too frequently while baking can also cause cakes to sink.

What makes a bad cake? ›

Most common reason is when the oven door is opened too soon and the cake hasn't set up and baked properly. The mixture could be too soft due to not enough ingredients or if there is too much liquid added. Using too much raising agents can make the cake rise too much too quickly and it implodes on itself.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jonah Leffler

Last Updated:

Views: 6364

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jonah Leffler

Birthday: 1997-10-27

Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

Phone: +2611128251586

Job: Mining Supervisor

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.