Pumpkin Dump Cake for Fall Baking is the ultimate cozy dessert—quick, easy, and family-friendly. Just like my approach to cooking, it’s all about comfortable, customizable dishes that bring people together. With simple ingredients and a no-fuss method, this cake is perfect for busy weeknights or festive fall gatherings. Whether you love one-pot meals or seasonal treats, this recipe captures the warm flavors of autumn in every bite. It’s comfort food made simple.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pumpkin Dump Cake for Fall Baking is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug on a chilly autumn evening. You’ll love it because it’s incredibly simple—no complicated steps, no long prep time, and no need for fancy equipment. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you can have a delicious dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is also wonderfully flexible. Whether you’re using a box of yellow cake mix for convenience, adding sweetened condensed milk for extra richness, or going old-fashioned without a mix, you’ll still end up with a dessert that delivers cozy fall flavor in every bite.
It’s also family-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Kids adore the sweet, spiced pumpkin layer, while adults appreciate the buttery, golden topping. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and it instantly becomes the star of any fall gathering. From weeknight treats to holiday parties, this pumpkin dump cake is a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients for This Recipe
To make Pumpkin Dump Cake for Fall Baking, you only need a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a dessert bursting with autumn flavor. Start with one can of pumpkin puree (15 oz), making sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. For a smooth, custard-like base, combine it with one can of evaporated milk (12 oz), three large eggs, and a cup of granulated sugar. If you want a deeper flavor, brown sugar is a delicious substitute.
Next, add a tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice for that cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, use the individual spices listed as an alternative. A teaspoon of vanilla extract rounds out the flavor beautifully.
The topping is where the magic happens. Sprinkle one box of yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer, then drizzle with a cup of melted butter for a golden, buttery crust. For extra crunch, add half a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. These ingredients create a dessert that’s simple yet perfect for any fall celebration.
How to Make This Recipe
Making Pumpkin Dump Cake for Fall Baking is simple, quick, and perfect for beginner or busy bakers. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Next, sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer—resist the urge to mix; the layers should remain distinct. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much as possible to create a golden, buttery topping. If you like, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. Let it cool slightly before serving—it’s delicious warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This easy, comforting pumpkin dump cake is perfect for fall gatherings, weeknight treats, or any time you want a cozy seasonal dessert.
Expert Cooking Tips
- Use Pure Pumpkin, Not Pumpkin Pie Filling: For the best flavor and texture, always use pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, which can throw off the balance of this Pumpkin Dump Cake for Fall Baking.
- Evenly Distribute the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer without mixing. This ensures a distinct pumpkin base with a perfectly golden, buttery topping.
- Butter Matters: Melt the butter slowly and pour it evenly over the cake mix. This creates a rich, crisp topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft pumpkin layer.
- Optional Nuts: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives crunch and adds a lovely nutty flavor, but they’re completely optional for a simpler dessert.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Oven temperatures can vary. Check the cake at 50 minutes, and bake until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Serve Warm: This pumpkin dump cake is at its coziest when served warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
FAQS
What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
The most common mistake is stirring the layers together. Pumpkin Dump Cake for Fall Baking works best when the pumpkin base and cake mix topping remain separate. This ensures a moist pumpkin layer with a crisp, buttery topping.
Can pumpkin dump cake be made ahead?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate. Reheat before serving, or bake it slightly longer if it was chilled.
Is pumpkin dump cake good?
Absolutely! It’s sweet, spiced, and comforting—the perfect fall dessert for family dinners or seasonal gatherings.
What are some other fall cakes?
Other favorites include apple spice cake, caramel cake, gingerbread cake, and pumpkin bread. Pumpkin Dump Cake for Fall Baking stands out for its simplicity, buttery topping, and cozy autumn flavors.
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Pumpkin Dump Cake for Fall Baking is the ultimate cozy dessert for autumn. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a golden, buttery topping, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave a comforting treat. This easy, family-friendly recipe can be customized with nuts, different spices, or even alternative cake mixes, making it versatile for any taste. Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert that embodies the flavors of fall. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying dump cake for the first time, this Pumpkin Dump Cake for Fall Baking is a reliable, delicious way to celebrate the season.
Print
Pumpkin Dump Cake for Fall Baking
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This pumpkin dump cake combines creamy spiced pumpkin filling with a golden, buttery cake mix topping. It’s like a shortcut pumpkin pie meets cobbler—perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or when you crave something sweet and seasonal.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients:
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for richer flavor)
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (or 2 tsp cinnamon + ½ tsp nutmeg + ½ tsp ginger + ¼ tsp cloves)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box yellow cake mix (about 15 oz)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Pumpkin Base: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the pumpkin mixture. Do not stir.
- Top with Butter & Nuts: Drizzle melted butter evenly across the top (or dot with thin slices of cold butter for more crumbles).
- Sprinkle with nuts if using.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pumpkin layer is set.
- Serve: Let cool at least 20 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
📝 Notes & Tips:
- Extra Spiced: Add a dash more cinnamon or nutmeg if you love bold pumpkin spice flavor.
- Richer Version: Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
- Topping Variation: Swap yellow cake mix with spice cake mix for an even more autumnal flavor.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Tastes even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American