The Easiest Pumpkin Dump Cake

Posted on November 1, 2025

pumpkin dump cake served

This delicious Pumpkin Dump Cake is prepared in one baking dish for a quick and easy dessert that your family will love! Switch up the nuts or make it with a different flavor of cake mix to suit your taste, or use it as a “clean out the fridge” recipe to get rid of those odds and ends you have stashed away!

Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Dump Cake

  • 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin puree: This is where all the flavor and creaminess comes from!
  • 3 large eggs: For binding everything beautifully.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: This will give you that sweetness.
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: You can never have too much cinnamon, right?
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a lovely warmth to the cake.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Because what’s a dessert without a little vanilla love?
  • 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix: The shortcut to a fluffy texture!!
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional), I like to toss some of these in for a little crunch, but it’s totally optional.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture. You could use margarine, but real butter is the best here!
  • Salt, Just a couple pinches to kick up the flavor!
pumpkin dump cake ingredients
pumpkin dump cake ingredients

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Y’all, it doesn’t get much easier than this dump cake! Ready? Let’s do this in about ten simple steps:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A nice warm oven is essential for that scrumptious baking magic!

  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will ensure your cake slides right out later, nobody wants a stuck cake!

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. The smell is already heavenly, isn’t it?

  • Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared dish. It should look all smooth and inviting!

  • Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer without stirring. I know it seems odd, but trust the process. It will work wonders!

  • If you’re using them, scatter the chopped nuts on top of the cake mix. It’s like adding jewels to your dessert!

  • Drizzle the melted butter generously over the top. This step is key because it makes that cake mix layer all crunchy and amazing.

  • Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell incredible! Just wait for it…

Golden pumpkin dump cake
  • Allow to cool slightly before serving. I usually can’t wait, but trust me, it’s better this way!

  • Serve warm and watch your family devour it. Expect second helpings!

pumpkin dump cake served
Served pumpkin dump cake

I absolutely adore this recipe. It’s become my go-to recipe for fall gatherings and cozy evenings in! The combination of pumpkin and spices brings such warmth and comfort to my family table, and even my picky 8-year-old, who usually turns her nose up at anything ‘foreign’, actually asked for seconds last time I made it!

Oh! And the best part is you can literally use whatever you’ve got on hand, as long as there’s pumpkin and cake mix involved, you’re golden!

If you loved this Pumpkin Dump Cake, be sure to check out my Pumpkin Pie, or my Chocolate Chip Protein Muffin! All of them are crowd-pleasers and perfect for fall!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

Comes together in under 10 minutes! No complicated preparations here. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or last-minute dessert.

One Dish Wonder

Minimal cleanup required. Since everything happens in one baking dish, your kitchen stays mess-free!

Kid-Friendly

The whole family will love it. The familiar flavors of pumpkin pie and cake are a hit at the dinner table. Even the “I don’t like pumpkin” crowd often gets on board, trust me!

Customizable

You can use whatever ingredients you have! Change up the nuts, use a spice cake mix, or add in chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. Be creative!

Comfort Food

Loaded with tons of flavor. Just imagine digging your spoon into that creamy pumpkin layer topped with golden cake… Ahhh, it’s pure bliss!

Serving and Storage Tips

What to Serve With This

Serve this Pumpkin Dump Cake with a big dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or for some extra flair, drizzle on a little caramel sauce. Yum!

How Long It Keeps

It keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, if it lasts that long, of course!

Best Method to Reheat

To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. It’s best enjoyed warm!

Freezer Friendly

Yes! You can freeze leftovers. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up!

I just love how comforting and nostalgic this Pumpkin Dump Cake is. It’s good for my soul, like the world’s coziest dessert hug. It’s become a staple in my holiday gatherings, and honestly, it’s a breeze to whip up. There’s something magical about how humble ingredients can come together to create such a delightful treat.

So, next time you’re runnin’ low on time but want something sweet and comforting, remember this gem! And while you’re at it, let me know how it turns out! It simply ticks all the boxes: easy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. This is comfort food at its finest!

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pumpkin dump cake served

Quick and Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake


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  • Author: maya-refresher
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This delicious pumpkin dump cake comes together in about 50 minutes and is perfect for fall gatherings and cozy evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin puree
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • Salt (a couple pinches)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla; whisk until smooth.
  4. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
  5. Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer without stirring.
  6. If using, scatter the chopped nuts on top of the cake mix.
  7. Drizzle the melted butter generously over the top.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
  10. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Serve with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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