On a chilly afternoon, I wanted a comforting dessert without the stress of multiple bowls or complicated steps. Enter Caramel Swirl Pumpkin Dump Cake—a vegan-friendly, easy dump cake that’s perfect for holiday dessert spreads. This quick dessert recipe transforms pantry staples into a warm, family-friendly treat, making it one of the best winter desserts, ideal as a sticky toffee or apple crisp dump cake variation for any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Caramel Swirl Pumpkin Dump Cake is one of the easiest and most satisfying desserts you can make. This easy dump cake recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or when you want a quick dessert recipe without complicated steps. As a one-pan dessert, it saves time on prep and cleanup while delivering rich flavors that everyone will love. The combination of pumpkin, caramel, and moist cake topping makes it a standout winter dessert recipe.
This holiday dump cake is family-friendly, customizable, and ideal for creating a comforting, cozy dessert in minutes. You can also transform it into a vegan or gluten-free dump cake variation while keeping all the warmth and flavor. It’s perfect for a quick Christmas dessert, sticky toffee dump cake, or even a fun apple crisp dump cake twist.
With this simple dessert recipe, you’ll enjoy a balanced, delicious treat that’s perfect for one-pan baking. Caramel Swirl Pumpkin Dump Cake is your go-to easy dump cake for winter dessert recipes, special occasions, and any time you crave a quick, indulgent dessert.
Ingredients for This Recipe
Every ingredient in this Caramel Swirl Pumpkin Dump Cake has a purpose, creating a simple dump cake recipe that’s flavorful, moist, and perfect for holiday dessert recipes or winter dessert recipes. The pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice bring that classic fall flavor, while evaporated milk and eggs make the filling creamy and rich. Sugar sweetens the dish and can be swapped for brown sugar to deepen the flavor. The cake mix forms a light, golden topping that pairs perfectly with the gooey caramel drizzle. Melted butter helps the cake bake evenly, adding extra richness and a golden crust. Optional toppings like chopped pecans, whipped cream, or extra caramel elevate this one-pan dessert to a family favorite. This easy dump cake recipe is versatile, quick, and customizable, making it ideal for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or easy Christmas desserts.

🛒 Ingredients:
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
3 large eggs
1 cup sugar (or brown sugar for deeper flavor)
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 box yellow or spice cake mix (15 oz)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
½–¾ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans for topping
Optional: whipped cream or extra caramel for serving
How to Make This Recipe
Making Caramel Swirl Pumpkin Dump Cake is easier than it sounds, and this easy dump cake recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a quick dessert recipe. The ingredients combine effortlessly in a single baking dish, making this one-pan dessert a convenient and family-friendly treat. Pumpkin, caramel, and cake mix come together to create a moist, flavorful dessert that’s ideal for winter dessert recipes, easy Christmas desserts, or even a sticky toffee dump cake variation. This simple dessert recipe is customizable, so you can add nuts or extra caramel to make it uniquely yours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and pumpkin ie spice
Pour pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish
Evenly sprinkle cake mix over the pumpkin mixture
Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix
Pour caramel sauce in swirls over the top
Optional: sprinkle chopped pecans for extra crunch
Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and set
Let cool slightly, then serve with whipped cream or extra caramel
This easy dump cake recipe turns pantry staples into a festive holiday dump cake or a quick winter dessert recipe in no time.

Expert Cooking Tips
Making the perfect Caramel Swirl Pumpkin Dump Cake is all about understanding how each ingredient works together in this easy dump cake recipe. Pumpkin purée adds moisture and classic fall flavor, while eggs and evaporated milk create a creamy base for a rich, satisfying one-pan dessert. Sugar sweetens and balances the spices, and cake mix forms a golden, fluffy topping. Melted butter ensures even baking and a crisp crust, while caramel sauce adds indulgent sweetness. Optional pecans or whipped cream elevate this quick dessert recipe, making it ideal for holiday dump cake variations, easy Christmas desserts, and winter dessert recipes.
💡 Expert Tips:
Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother pumpkin filling
Stir pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until fully combined
Evenly distribute cake mix to prevent clumping
Drizzle melted butter in sections for a perfectly golden top
Swirl caramel sauce lightly to avoid sinking
Add pecans for texture, or extra caramel for richness
Bake until the top is golden and the filling is set
Let it cool slightly before serving for the best flavor
Following these expert tips ensures your Caramel Swirl Pumpkin Dump Cake is an easy dump cake recipe success every time, perfect for quick dessert recipes, winter dessert recipes, and holiday dump cake celebrations.

FAQs
What is a dump cake, and why is it so easy?
A dump cake is a simple one-pan dessert where you “dump” ingredients like pumpkin purée, cake mix, and caramel into a baking dish. This easy dump cake recipe saves time on prep and cleanup, making it perfect for quick dessert recipes, holiday dump cake variations, and winter dessert recipes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble this Caramel Swirl Pumpkin Dump Cake in advance and store it in the refrigerator until baking. It’s a convenient one-pan dessert for busy weeknights, easy Christmas desserts, or last-minute holiday dump cake needs.
Can I customize this pumpkin dump cake?
Absolutely! Swap sugar for brown sugar, try gluten-free cake mix, or add pecans for texture. This easy dump cake recipe is family-friendly, versatile, and perfect for sticky toffee dump cake or apple crisp dump cake variations.
What’s the best way to serve this dump cake?
Serve warm with whipped cream or extra caramel sauce for a rich winter dessert recipe. This quick dessert recipe is ideal for holiday dump cake gatherings, easy Christmas desserts, or one-pan dessert occasions.
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Caramel Swirl Pumpkin Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dump cake recipe for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or cozy winter dessert recipes. This one-pan dessert combines pumpkin, caramel, and cake mix to create a quick dessert recipe that’s family-friendly, customizable, and full of flavor. Perfect as a sticky toffee dump cake, apple crisp dump cake, or easy Christmas dessert, this simple dessert recipe makes entertaining effortless. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s your go-to winter dessert recipe and holiday dump cake favorite.
Print
Caramel Swirl Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This dessert takes the classic pumpkin dump cake up a notch by adding luscious caramel swirls throughout. Each bite is a perfect balance of warm pumpkin spice, golden cake, and gooey caramel — ideal for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients:
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
3 large eggs
1 cup sugar (or brown sugar for deeper flavor)
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 box yellow or spice cake mix (15 oz)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
½–¾ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans for topping
Optional: whipped cream or extra caramel for serving
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Pumpkin Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Pour into the prepared dish.
Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Do not stir.
Add Butter & Caramel: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Using a spoon, drop dollops of caramel sauce over the top and gently swirl with a knife into the cake mix.
Add Nuts (Optional): Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top if desired.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and the pumpkin mixture is set.
Cool & Serve: Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with whipped cream or extra caramel drizzle.
Notes
- For a stronger caramel flavor, fold 2 tablespoons of caramel into the pumpkin mixture before topping with cake mix.
- Frozen pumpkin puree can be used directly; just ensure it is well-drained if very watery.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days; warm gently before serving.
- Optional: sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top to create a salted caramel effect.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American / Fall