Pumpkin Dump Cake

Table of Contents

1. Pumpkin Dump Cake Ingredients
2. Pumpkin Cake Dump Cake Substitutions And Additions
3. How To Make This Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
4. How To Serve This Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
5. Pumpkin Pie Cake Storage Tips
6. Why This Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe is the Best
7. When to Serve This Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake
8. Pumpkin Dump Cake Frequently Asked Questions
9. More Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love
10. JUMP TO RECIPE
11. Even More Recipes You’ll Love

Craving a taste of autumn but short on time? Look no further than our tried and true pumpkin dump cake! This deceptively simple dessert combines the warm flavors of pumpkin with a buttery cake topping for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Here at Spaceships and Laser Beams, our dream team of recipe developers has spent over a decade perfecting delicious dishes, and the pumpkin dump cake is no exception.

Our commitment to quality extends beyond just ingredients. We believe in providing honest reviews of every recipe we test, highlighting not only the successes but also any potential roadblocks you might encounter. This way, you can confidently approach every culinary adventure, knowing exactly what to expect.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, our detailed instructions will guide you through the process, ensuring your pumpkin dump cake is perfect.

Pumpkin Dump Cake Ingredients

PRO TIP: Watch out when you are at the grocery store that you buy pure pumpkin purée and not canned pumpkin pie filling.

Pumpkin Cake Dump Cake Substitutions And Additions

CAKE MIX: There are multiple flavors of cake mixes that would work in this easy dump cake recipe.

Try vanilla, butter, or yellow cake mix. Instead of using the spiced cake mix, you can add two teaspoons of pumpkin spice blend to the cake mix.

NUTS: You could top your pumpkin pie dump cake with one and a half cups of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

PUMPKIN PUREE: If you’re in a pinch and don’t have canned pumpkin puree, you can use freshly cooked and mashed pumpkin or butternut squash.

Just make sure it’s well-drained to maintain the desired consistency.

VANILLA EXTRACT: Add a twist to the flavor by using almond extract or maple extract instead of vanilla.

These alternatives can give your pumpkin dump cake a unique and delightful flavor.

How To Make This Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

Dump cakes are as easy as mixing up your ingredients, adding them to a baking dish, and sprinkling cake mix over top before baking until bubbling.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS: You’ll want to use a 9×13-inch cake pan so that the texture and consistency are right.

We’ve tested this in an 11x 7-inch baking pan before, and it turned out a little too thick, which changed the delicious texture of the dump cake.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with baker’s spray. Set aside.

STEP TWO: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together by hand the pure pumpkin puree, eggs, evaporated milk, and granulated sugar.

Next, add the vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice blend, and cinnamon.

Mix until smooth and all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

STEP THREE: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

STEP FOUR: Sprinkle the spice cake mix evenly over the top of the pumpkin filling.

STEP FIVE: In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter and whole milk.

STEP SIX: Slowly pour the butter and milk mixture over the top of the entire dry cake mix layer.

You want to make sure that no large dry pockets of spiced cake mix are showing.

If there is, take a spoon and gently push the dry mix under the butter.

Be careful not to stir the butter and cake mix, but just submerge the cake mix under the butter.

A few small spots of dry mix showing are okay. However, you really want as much of the dry mix submerged under the butter and milk mixture.

PRO TIP: temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your cake as the suggested baking time approaches.

STEP SEVEN: Bake for one hour or until the top is golden and the center has set.

PRO TIP: Because dump cakes are so gooey and moist, it can be hard to determine if they’re done.

It’s normal to see some wet spots and some spots that are more crisp and done. 

How To Serve This Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

I like to allow this pumpkin dump cake to cool down until it is just warm but not hot on the counter.

This easy fall dessert is best served with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, a spoonful of whipped cream or Cool Whip on top, and maybe even a decadent drizzle of caramel sauce.

Want more amazing pumpkin desserts? This no-bake pumpkin pie recipe is a huge hit with anyone who tries it.

I’m also obsessed with this from scratch pumpkin spice latte recipe. 

Pumpkin Pie Cake Storage Tips

Let’s talk about the best ways to keep your cake fresh and tasty.

MAKE AHEAD: Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking. Cover your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it.

When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it according to the recipe, adding a few extra minutes to account for the cold start.

This make-ahead option is perfect for saving time when you have a busy schedule.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftovers covered in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to four days.

I actually love the texture and consistency of this cake served cold. You can also warm it back up before serving if you’d like. 

IN THE FREEZER: If you have leftover dump cake, you can store it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to three months.

I would suggest thawing in the refrigerator before serving.

REHEATING: To reheat your cake, there are a few methods to choose from:

• OVEN: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the cake from the freezer or fridge, and if it’s frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight. Once it’s at room temperature, place it in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until it’s heated through. You can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning if needed.
• MICROWAVE: For a quick individual serving, microwave a slice of pumpkin dump cake for 20-30 seconds on medium power. Keep an eye on it to avoid overheating.

Why This Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe is the Best

EFFORTLESS PREPARATION: This recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. With just a few simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering dessert.

AMAZING FALL FLAVORS: The combination of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a spiced cake mix results in a dessert that captures the quintessential flavors of autumn.

SENSATIONAL TEXTURES: With its moist, custard-like bottom layer and crisp topping, this dessert offers a delightful contrast in textures.

When to Serve This Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Fall gatherings: Pumpkin dump cake is a quintessential fall dessert, so it’s ideal for potlucks or casual get-togethers during the autumn season. The warm spices and pumpkin flavor will have everyone feeling cozy and festive.

Weeknight comfort food: Sometimes you just need a quick and easy treat after a long day. Pumpkin dump cake comes to the rescue with its minimal prep time and simple ingredients. Plus, leftovers can be enjoyed for a satisfying afternoon snack.

Holiday dinner: Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving are prime opportunities to bring a crowd-pleasing dessert. Pumpkin dump cake is guaranteed to be a hit with its familiar flavors and ease of serving.

Casual dessert for a crowd: Do you have a last-minute gathering or playdate? Pumpkin dump cake is a lifesaver. Whip it up before guests arrive and serve it warm or at room temperature.

Bake sale or bake off: This easy recipe is perfect for beginners who want to contribute to a bake sale or participate in a friendly baking competition. The delicious flavor and impressive presentation will surely win over the judges or customers.

This pumpkin dump cake is a fun twist on a classic pumpkin pie. It combines all the things you love about a homemade dessert into one simple dish, baked and served with love.

(Pssst – if you love dump cake recipes, try our amazing chocolate dump cake, too!)

More Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love

• Pumpkin Delight
• Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
• Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Chocolate Dump Cake with Cherries
• Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Scones

Even More Recipes You’ll Love

Pumpkin Recipes

• Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Pumpkin Banana Bread
• Pumpkin Donuts
• Pumpkin Truffles
• Pumpkin Spice Roll Cookies

Cake Recipes

• Kentucky Butter Cake
• Rainbow Roll Cake
• Poke Cake with Condensed Milk
• Carrot Cake Roll
• Coca Cola Cake
• Cajun Cake
• Mini Lava Cake
• Neapolitan Cake
• Ding Dong Cake
• Easy Lava Cake Recipe
• Easy Vanilla Cake Recipe
• Easy Earthquake Cake Recipe

Easy Recipe Ideas

• Easy Blackberry Cobbler
• Easy Sugar Cookie Icing
• Easy Slutty Brownies
• Easy Chicken Pot Pies
• Easy Lasagna with Ravioli
• Easy Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
• Easy Hamburger Casserole with Noodles

Slow Cooker Recipes

• Slow Cooker Brisket
• Crockpot Rotel Dip
• Chicken Buffalo Dip
• Chili Crockpot Recipe
• Crock Pot Crack Chicken
• Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
• Mac and Cheese Crock Pot Recipe
• Sweet Baby Rays Crockpot Chicken

Dump Cake Recipes

• Apple Dump Cake
• Blueberry Dump Cake
• Cherry Dump Cake
• Pecan Dump Cake
• Strawberry Dump Cake
• Caramel Apple Dump Cake
• Blueberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
• Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
• Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake