As October settles in and the air becomes crisp, the call of warm desserts grows irresistible. The moment I whip up this Pumpkin Dump Cake, I'm transported back to cozy gatherings with friends, where laughter mingles with the rich aroma of pumpkin and spices wafting from the oven. Imagine a dessert that effortlessly combines the smooth, creamy texture of pumpkin filling with a buttery, crumbly cake topping—it's pure autumn magic! Whether you're diving into the world of baking or simply looking for a stress-free treat to wow your guests this Thanksgiving, this easy Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe fits the bill. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser at your fall festivities. Let’s get baking!

Why is this Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe a must-try?

Simplicity at Its Best: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve deliciousness without stress.
Autumn-Inspired Flavors: This cake bursts with warm spices that capture the essence of fall, making it a perfect dessert for festive gatherings.
Irresistible Texture: The contrast of silky pumpkin filling and buttery crumbly topping creates a delightful mouthfeel that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Versatile Delight: Customize it easily with gluten-free options or try different cake mixes to suit your taste.
Effortless Make-Ahead: Prepare it ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones, just like during those memorable get-togethers!

Pumpkin Dump Cake Ingredients

For the Filling

Pumpkin Puree – This creamy base provides rich flavor and moisture, bringing the essence of fall to your dessert.
Evaporated Milk – Adds creaminess and enhances richness; unlike regular milk, it’s concentrated for a luscious filling. Substitution: Heavy cream can be used for a thicker consistency.
Eggs – Essential for binding and a smooth texture; don’t skip this crucial ingredient for structure!
Granulated Sugar – Balances warmth from spices and adds sweetness to the creamy filling. Substitution: Brown sugar can deepen the flavor profile.
Ground Cinnamon – Infuses a classic fall flavor, elevating the pumpkin experience with cozy warmth. Substitution: Pumpkin pie spice mix can be used for a twist on flavor.
Ground Nutmeg – This fragrant addition complements pumpkin perfectly; a little goes a long way! Substitution: Sparingly use clove for extra depth in flavor.
Ground Ginger – Adds a warm zing; feel free to leave it out if you prefer a milder cake.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors, making it an essential part of the mix.

For the Topping

Yellow Cake Mix – It provides the cake-like topping effortlessly, saving you time and effort in baking. Substitution: Gluten-free yellow cake mix works beautifully if needed.
Unsalted Butter – Melted over the cake mix, it creates a rich, moist topping. Tip: Use cold butter sliced thin to ensure even melting across the surface.

This easy Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe will surely become a beloved addition to your fall dessert lineup!

How to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your cake won’t stick and makes serving a breeze.
Mix together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in a large bowl until smooth and well combined. You’ll want a rich, creamy mixture that smells amazing!
Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Make sure the layer is nice and even for a uniform bake.
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer. Ensure there are no big clumps so it bakes uniformly, creating that lovely crumbly topping.
Top with thinly sliced cold butter, distributing it evenly over the cake mix. This will melt into the mix, creating a wonderfully moist topping.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is mostly set. It’s okay for the center to have a little jiggle—this adds to the dessert's charm!
Cool the cake for at least 15–20 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

Optional: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Dump Cake

Room Temperature: Keep the Pumpkin Dump Cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Use a cake keeper or plastic wrap to maintain freshness.

Fridge: Store leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure it’s covered tightly to avoid drying out and preserve its delightful texture.

Freezer: To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating: Thaw the cake in the fridge overnight or at room temperature, then warm it in the microwave for 15-30 seconds before serving. Enjoy the cozy fall flavors all over again!

Expert Tips for Pumpkin Dump Cake

Cold Butter Required: Always use cold, thinly sliced butter for the topping. This ensures an even melt and prevents soggy spots.
Layering is Key: Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly in the pan before sprinkling the cake mix on top to achieve consistent baking.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cake towards the end of the baking time. It should be golden brown, but don’t worry if the center has a slight jiggle—it's normal for this Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe!
Add Flavor Variations: Experiment with spices like allspice or nutmeg to customize the flavor profile according to your taste preferences.
Cool for Easy Slicing: Let the cake cool for at least 15–20 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Pumpkin Dump Cake Variations

Feel free to get creative with this Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe and tailor it to your taste buds!

Gluten-Free: Swap in a gluten-free yellow cake mix to enjoy this dessert without gluten.
Spice Cake Mix: For a twist, try using a spice cake mix instead of yellow for an added depth of flavor.
Additional Spices: Sprinkle in a dash of allspice or nutmeg for a surprise zest that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Fold in a handful of chopped pecans or chocolate chips into the pumpkin mixture for delightful texture and flavor.
Sweeteners: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup for a unique twist on sweetness with that autumnal flair.
Coconut Milk: Use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk for a dairy-free version that adds a subtle tropical note.
Pie Crust Bottom: For a pie-inspired feel, press a pre-made pie crust into the bottom of your baking dish before adding the pumpkin layer for added crunch.
Chili Flakes: If you enjoy a kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the pumpkin mixture for a subtle heat that surprises in every bite.

These variations will not only spice up your Pumpkin Dump Cake but also let you enjoy this seasonal delight just the way you like it!

What to Serve with Pumpkin Dump Cake?

Indulge in the warmth and delightful flavors of fall with this comforting dessert that's perfect for gatherings.

Whipped Cream: A fluffy, sweet topping that enhances the creamy pumpkin filling, making each bite feel like a hug in dessert form.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm pumpkin cake, adding a luxurious touch.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over each slice elevates the sweetness and adds a rich, buttery note that complements the spices.
Fresh Apples: Sliced apples offer a crunchy texture and refreshing tartness that balances the sweet cake beautifully. Try pairing with cinnamon dust for an extra kick!
Pecans or Walnuts: Chopped nuts add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the cake’s autumnal vibe. They are delicious on top or as a side sprinkle.
Hot Apple Cider: Sip on a warm glass of spiced apple cider, blending perfectly with the flavors of pumpkin and spices, creating a nostalgic autumn atmosphere.
Coffee or Chai Latte: A warm beverage with earthy undertones pairs fantastically, elevating the comforting experience of enjoying this dessert together.
Sweet Potato Pie: For those who love choices, serving a slice of sweet potato pie alongside offers a delightful variety of fall flavors at the table.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: For the coffee lovers, this seasonal favorite is a match made in heaven, tying together the pumpkin theme beautifully.

Make Ahead Options

This easy Pumpkin Dump Cake is a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to savor the flavors of fall without the last-minute rush! You can assemble the entire cake up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the pumpkin filling and pouring it into the prepared baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain its freshness and prevent drying out. When you're ready to bake, simply sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix on top, add the cold butter slices, and pop it in the oven. This way, you'll enjoy the convenience of a homemade dessert that's just as delicious and satisfying as if you made it last minute!

Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe FAQs

What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely! For this Pumpkin Dump Cake, I recommend using pure pumpkin puree, which you can find in cans at your local grocery store. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices that may alter the intended flavor. If you prefer fresh, you can roast a sugar pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth, but canned puree offers more convenience.

How should I store leftover Pumpkin Dump Cake?
Leftover Pumpkin Dump Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure it's covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to keep it fresh and moist. Leaving it uncovered may cause it to dry out, so wrap it securely to lock in that delicious autumn flavor!

Can I freeze Pumpkin Dump Cake?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Pumpkin Dump Cake, allow it to cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and warm it up in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds before serving for that freshly baked taste!

What if my Pumpkin Dump Cake didn't set properly?
If your Pumpkin Dump Cake didn’t set properly, don't worry; it happens! A slightly jiggly center is typical for this dessert. Make sure that you baked it for at least 50 minutes—if it still appears too runny, you can return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. Also, letting it cool for a bit is crucial after baking, as this can help the filling firm up more as it sits.

Is this Pumpkin Dump Cake suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Very! This Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe is vegetarian and can be easily modified to be gluten-free by using gluten-free yellow cake mix. Additionally, for those with dairy allergies, you can substitute the evaporated milk with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk, though texture and flavor may vary slightly. Always be sure to check the specific ingredients in any substitutes you use!

Can pets share in this Pumpkin Dump Cake?
It's best to keep this delectable treat to yourself! The ingredients in Pumpkin Dump Cake, like sugar and spices, can upset your pet's stomach. While pumpkin itself is safe for dogs in moderation, the added sugar and spices are not ideal. So, treat yourself to this comforting dessert and keep your furry friend happy with their own pet-friendly snacks!