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Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

5 from 106 reviews

This Best Pumpkin Dump Cake is an easy and delicious fall dessert combining pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a buttery cake topping. It requires minimal prep and delivers a moist, flavorful treat perfect for holidays or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkin Mixture

  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 3/4 cup melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
  2. Mix Pumpkin Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  3. Pour Pumpkin Base: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform base layer.
  4. Add Cake Mix Topping: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the pumpkin mixture without stirring, allowing it to form a dry topping layer.
  5. Sprinkle Pecans: Distribute the chopped pecans evenly over the cake mix layer to add texture and flavor.
  6. Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the entire surface, which will help the topping bake into a crispy, golden crust.
  7. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and set in the center.
  8. Cool: Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool for 15 to 20 minutes to set before serving.
  9. Serve: Serve warm with optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added creaminess and flavor.
  10. Storage: Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze individual portions for future enjoyment.

Notes

  • Do not stir the cake mix into the pumpkin mixture; it needs to sit on top to form the characteristic dump cake crust.
  • Use fresh pumpkin pie spice or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for best flavor.
  • Letting the cake cool slightly before serving helps the filling set and makes it easier to cut.
  • Optional toppings like whipped cream or ice cream complement the warm spices beautifully.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with seeds.

Keywords: Pumpkin Dump Cake, Easy Pumpkin Dessert, Fall Dessert, Pumpkin Pie Spice Cake, Holiday Dessert