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Print / PDFPumpkin Dump Cake
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- Prep Time
- 15 mins
- Cook Time
- 50 mins
- resting
- 10 mins
- Total Time
- 1 hr 15 mins
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree (the star of the cake)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adds warm spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (gives a zesty kick)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (enhances the fall flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (adds depth to the spice blend)
- 1 15.25 oz box yellow cake mix (the base of our dump cake)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) (for a crunchy texture)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (to bring it all together)
Equipment
- 1 9×13-inch baking dish — For baking the dump cake
- 1 Mixing bowl — For combining the pumpkin filling
Method
- 1
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy.
- 2
Step 2: In a bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious base of your cake!
- 3
Step 3: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly across the bottom. Make sure it’s nice and even for the best results.
- 4
Step 4: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer. Don’t worry about mixing it in; it will create a lovely texture as it bakes!
- 5
Step 5: If you’re using pecans, scatter them over the cake mix. Then, drizzle melted butter evenly on top. This will give your cake a rich, buttery flavor.
- 6
Step 6: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- 7
Step 7: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before serving. This will help it set a bit and make it easier to slice. Enjoy your delicious pumpkin dump cake!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 40g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Why You’ll Love This pumpkin dump cake recipe
- It’s super easy to make—just dump and bake!
- Perfectly captures the cozy flavors of fall.
- Great for gatherings; everyone will ask for the recipe!
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Deliciously moist and topped with a crunchy layer.
Ingredients
Get ready to whip up this delightful pumpkin dump cake with these simple ingredients!

- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree – the star of the cake
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – adds warm spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – gives a zesty kick
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – enhances the fall flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – adds depth to the spice blend
- 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix – the base of our dump cake
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) – for a crunchy texture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – to bring it all together
How to Make the Recipe
This delightful pumpkin dump cake is perfect for fall! With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 45–50 minutes, you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert ready to enjoy. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving for the best experience.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy.
Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Filling
In a bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious base of your cake!
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly across the bottom. Make sure it’s nice and even for the best results.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer. Don’t worry about mixing it in; it will create a lovely texture as it bakes!
Step 5: Add Pecans and Butter
If you’re using pecans, scatter them over the cake mix. Then, drizzle melted butter evenly on top. This will give your cake a rich, buttery flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before serving. This will help it set a bit and make it easier to slice. Enjoy your delicious pumpkin dump cake!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 50 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 75 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Warm with whipped cream! |
Pro Tips for Making pumpkin dump cake recipe
- Opt for fresh pumpkin puree for a richer flavor.
- Layer the cake mix evenly for consistent baking.
- Consider adding chopped nuts for a delightful crunch.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy touch.
How to Serve this pumpkin dump cake recipe
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra sweet touch.
- Pair with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Enjoy with a cup of spiced chai or pumpkin spice latte.
- Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Serve alongside a slice of apple pie for a delightful dessert duo.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Cool the cake completely before freezing.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve warm for the best texture and taste.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try this easy pumpkin dump cake recipe as we are! It’s the perfect blend of cozy flavors and effortless preparation, making it a delightful addition to your fall gatherings. So grab your ingredients, let the aroma fill your kitchen, and enjoy every delicious bite. Happy baking!
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.
What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
What ingredients do you need for a pumpkin dump cake?
What’s the difference between cobbler and dump cake?
Can I make a dump cake the night before?
Kitchen notes
Nutrition & sources
Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.
Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.
For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.






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