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dessert

Pumpkin Dump Cake

By Grandma Millie

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Delicious pumpkin dump cake topped with pecans and butter, served on a wooden table.

A pumpkin dump cake recipe is the easiest way to enjoy all the cozy flavors of fall in one simple dessert. Creamy pumpkin puree is blended with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, then topped with a buttery cake mix layer that bakes into golden, crunchy perfection. As it cooks, the kitchen fills with the sweet aroma of warm spices, promising a dessert that’s both comforting and effortless. Serve pumpkin dump cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing treat that captures autumn in every bite.

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 50 mins
Total: 1 hr 15 mins
Serves: 8 servings
Calories: 300

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Pumpkin Dump Cake

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Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
50 mins
resting
10 mins
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

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. 1

    Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy.

  2. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories300
Fat15g
Protein3g
Carbs40g
Sugar20g
Fiber2g

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!

Ingredients for pumpkin dump cake recipe displayed on a kitchen table.
  • 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-by-step preparation of a pumpkin dump cake recipe, showcasing mixing ingredients and layering in a baking dish.

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

FeatureDetails
CategoryDessert
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Extra Time10 minutes (resting)
Total Time75 minutes
DietaryVegetarian
Serves8
Best ServedWarm 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?
One of the biggest mistakes to avoid when making a dump cake is not layering the ingredients correctly. Make sure to follow the order specified in the recipe, as this ensures even cooking and the right texture. Additionally, avoid overmixing the ingredients, as this can lead to a dense cake rather than the light, fluffy texture you want. Remember, the beauty of a dump cake is in its simplicity!
What ingredients do you need for a pumpkin dump cake?
To make a delicious pumpkin dump cake, you will need canned pumpkin puree, a box of yellow cake mix, melted butter, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. The beauty of this recipe is that it requires minimal ingredients, making it easy to whip up for any fall gathering!
What’s the difference between cobbler and dump cake?
The main difference between cobbler and dump cake lies in their textures and preparation methods. Cobbler typically has a biscuit or pie crust topping, while dump cake is made by simply dumping the ingredients in layers without mixing. Dump cakes often have a more cake-like texture, while cobblers are more fruit-forward with a thicker topping. Both are delicious, but they offer different experiences!
Can I make a dump cake the night before?
Yes, you can make a dump cake the night before! Just prepare it as directed, but instead of baking it right away, cover it and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as instructed. This makes it a convenient option for busy days or gatherings, allowing you to enjoy your time with family and friends without the last-minute rush!

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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