I’ll never forget the first time I baked mini pumpkin dump cakes on a chilly autumn evening. Inspired by my mission to make balanced, one-pot meals, I created this easy dump cake recipe that’s both cozy and family-friendly. Muffin-style servings make it ideal for holiday gatherings, winter dessert recipes, or a quick treat after school. This pumpkin dump cake is customizable, quick, and the perfect simple dessert recipe for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick dessert recipe that’s both delicious and fuss-free, this mini pumpkin dump cake (muffin-style) is exactly what you need. This easy dump cake is perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings because it requires minimal prep and just one pan. Family-friendly and comforting, these pumpkin dump cakes are customizable—you can add nuts, chocolate chips, or a cream cheese swirl. They make a cozy winter dessert recipe and a standout holiday dump cake.
The muffin-style portions are ideal for serving at parties or packing for lunchboxes, giving you the same rich flavor in a perfectly sized treat. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this simple dessert recipe is forgiving, fun, and quick to assemble. From apple crisp dump cake to chocolate lava dump cake variations, this versatile recipe can satisfy every craving. For anyone searching for an easy Christmas dessert or the best winter desserts, this mini pumpkin dump cake recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients for This Recipe
This mini pumpkin dump cake (muffin-style) uses simple pantry staples to create a cozy, family-friendly dessert. The pumpkin purée and evaporated milk provide a creamy base, while eggs add structure and richness. A touch of sugar and pumpkin pie spice brings warmth and seasonal flavor, making this easy dump cake perfect for winter dessert recipes or holiday gatherings. The boxed cake mix creates a quick and convenient topping that bakes into golden, muffin-style portions. Melted butter adds a rich, buttery texture, and optional nuts like pecans or walnuts bring a delightful crunch. Every ingredient is designed to make this pumpkin dump cake both simple to assemble and irresistibly comforting, giving you a quick dessert recipe that works for weeknights or festive occasions.

🛒 Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 box yellow or spice cake mix (15 oz)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
This ingredient list makes it easy to create a delicious, holiday dump cake or winter dessert recipe in no time.
How to Make This Recipe
Making mini pumpkin dump cakes (muffin-style) is a breeze, perfect for anyone searching for an easy dump cake recipe or a quick dessert recipe for busy weeknights. This holiday dump cake starts with a creamy pumpkin base mixed with eggs, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice to give it that warm, cozy flavor. The boxed cake mix sprinkled on top, combined with melted butter, creates a golden, soft, and slightly crunchy muffin-style topping. Optional nuts like pecans or walnuts add a satisfying crunch. This simple dessert recipe is versatile, family-friendly, and ideal for winter dessert recipes, easy Christmas desserts, or even themed variations like apple crisp dump cake or chocolate lava dump cake.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups.
- Sprinkle cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture in each cup.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix layer.
- Add optional chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving and enjoy a cozy, easy pumpkin dump cake muffin.
This method guarantees a quick, family-friendly one-pan dessert, perfect for winter dessert recipes or holiday gatherings.

Expert Cooking Tips
Making the perfect mini pumpkin dump cakes (muffin-style) is all about using the right ingredients and techniques. The pumpkin purée provides a moist, flavorful base, while evaporated milk and eggs give structure and richness. Sugar balances the pumpkin’s natural flavor, and pumpkin pie spice adds that cozy, warm taste that makes this holiday dump cake irresistible. The boxed cake mix creates a simple, golden topping, and melted butter ensures a soft yet slightly crisp finish. Optional nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch, enhancing this easy dump cake into a standout winter dessert recipe or quick dessert recipe for busy nights. These tips will help you achieve perfectly baked, family-friendly mini pumpkin dump cakes every time.
💡 Expert Tips:
- Use canned pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best texture and flavor.
- Allow melted butter to drizzle evenly over the cake mix to create a golden, crisp topping.
- Don’t overmix the pumpkin base; keep it smooth but light.
- Add chopped nuts sparingly to avoid soggy muffins.
- For faster cleanup, use a nonstick muffin tin or silicone liners.
- Experiment with variations like apple crisp dump cake, chocolate lava dump cake, or sticky toffee dump cake for a creative twist.
- Let muffins cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to set.
These tips ensure your mini pumpkin dump cakes remain a favorite winter dessert recipe or holiday dump cake every time.

FAQs
What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients like canned fillings, cake mix, and butter are layered or “dumped” into a pan and baked. This mini pumpkin dump cake (muffin-style) is an easy dump cake perfect for quick dessert recipes or holiday dump cake occasions.
Can I make this pumpkin dump cake in muffin form?
Yes! Portioning the batter into a muffin tin creates individual servings. This is ideal for family-friendly winter dessert recipes, easy Christmas desserts, or a fun twist on a traditional dump cake recipe.
Can I customize the flavor of my dump cake?
Absolutely. You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or swirl in cream cheese. Variations like apple crisp dump cake, chocolate lava dump cake, or sticky toffee dump cake work beautifully with this simple dessert recipe.
Can I prepare mini pumpkin dump cakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the batter in advance and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. This makes it a convenient holiday dump cake or one-pan dessert option for busy weeknights or winter dessert recipes.
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Mini pumpkin dump cakes (muffin-style) are a quick, easy, and family-friendly dessert that’s perfect for winter dessert recipes or holiday dump cake occasions. This easy dump cake combines simple ingredients like pumpkin purée, cake mix, and butter into a one-pan dessert that’s customizable and comforting. Whether you’re serving it as an easy Christmas dessert, a quick dessert recipe for weeknights, or experimenting with variations like apple crisp dump cake or chocolate lava dump cake, it’s a versatile treat everyone will love.
These pumpkin dump cakes are ideal for busy schedules and festive gatherings alike, offering a simple, satisfying dessert that’s as cozy as it is delicious. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe stands out as one of the best winter desserts, making it a go-to choice for families, parties, or holiday celebrations. Try it today and enjoy a warm, comforting, and easy-to-make holiday dump cake.
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Mini Pumpkin Dump Cakes (Muffin-Style)
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These mini versions of the classic pumpkin dump cake are baked in a muffin tin for single-serve convenience. Each cake features a spiced pumpkin base, a golden cake topping, and optional nuts for crunch. Perfect for fall gatherings, brunch, or dessert trays.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients:
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
2 large eggs
½ cup sugar (or brown sugar)
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 box yellow or spice cake mix (15 oz)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
Pumpkin Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
Assemble Mini Cakes:
Spoon a portion of the pumpkin mixture evenly into each muffin cup (about ¼ cup each).
Sprinkle a little dry cake mix over each portion of pumpkin.
Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix in each cup.
Sprinkle nuts on top if desired.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin. Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel.
Notes
- For a faster version, use pre-spiced pumpkin pie filling instead of mixing spices separately.
- Mini versions are perfect for freezing; wrap individually and reheat in the microwave for 30–40 seconds.
- Swap the cake mix for a gluten-free or low-sugar mix to suit dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American / Fall