Name: Pumpkin Dump Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree; 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk; 4 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix; 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

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Fall is the perfect time to cozy up with comforting desserts, and if you’re a pumpkin lover, I have just the recipe for you! This Pumpkin Dump Cake combines all the best parts of pumpkin pie with a delicious cakey topping, pecans, and loads of buttery goodness. Plus, it’s a breeze to make! I love serving it warm, topped with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel—it’s pure heaven in a bowl. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving or just want a simple fall treat, this cake is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon salt
1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
1 ½ cups pecans, chopped
1 cup unsalted butter, melted

How to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake

Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt using an electric mixer. Blend until smooth. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Gently press the cake mix down into the pumpkin filling to ensure it sets properly while baking.
Add Pecans and Butter: Evenly distribute the chopped pecans over the cake mix. Then, drizzle the melted butter across the top, ensuring all areas are covered.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 60-80 minutes. The cake is done when the center is set and a toothpick inserted into just the cake topping comes out clean.
Serve: Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce!

Helpful Tips

Press the Cake Mix: Don’t skip the step of pressing the dry cake mix into the pumpkin filling. This ensures a better texture and more even distribution of flavors.
Check for Doneness: Make sure you only insert the toothpick into the cake layer, not too deep into the pumpkin base. Otherwise, you might think it’s undercooked when it’s actually just right!
Cake Mix Options: I love using yellow cake mix for this recipe, but feel free to experiment! Vanilla cake mix also pairs beautifully with the pumpkin flavors.

Substitutions and Variations

Nuts: Not a fan of pecans? Swap them out for walnuts, or skip the nuts altogether for a softer texture.
Cake Mix Flavors: Besides yellow or vanilla cake mix, you could try a spice cake mix for an extra warm, spicy twist!
Dairy-Free: You can make this dessert dairy-free by substituting evaporated milk with coconut milk and using dairy-free butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Pumpkin Dump Cake stores well. You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven before serving for that fresh-baked warmth.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Can I freeze Pumpkin Dump Cake?

Yes! You can freeze this cake for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up before serving.

Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a warm oven.
Freezer: Freeze cooled cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

More Delicious Fall Dessert Recipes

Pumpkin Spice Crisp

There you have it—Pumpkin Dump Cake! It’s a fall dessert that’s easy to make, tastes incredible, and looks like you spent hours preparing. Perfect for a holiday gathering or just a cozy night in. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!