Pumpkin Cheesecake Dump Cake – The Best Holiday Dessert Recipe

I remember hosting my first holiday dinner and realizing I needed a dessert everyone would love without hours in the kitchen. That’s when I created this Pumpkin Cheesecake Dump Cake. It’s an easy dump cake recipe that turns simple pantry ingredients into a rich, flavorful treat. Perfect as a quick dessert recipe or one-pan dessert, it’s ideal for family-friendly meals and cozy winter celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy dump cake recipe that impresses without hours in the kitchen, this Pumpkin Cheesecake Dump Cake is your answer. It’s the ultimate one-pan dessert, perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or cozy winter evenings. The creamy cheesecake layer pairs beautifully with spiced pumpkin, creating a family-friendly dessert everyone will love.

This recipe is highly customizable—you can turn it into a slow cooker dump cake or add mix-ins like chocolate chips or pecans. It’s quick to prepare, making it one of the best winter desserts or easy Christmas desserts you can serve. Comforting, indulgent, yet simple, this dump cake embodies the balance of fuss-free preparation and rich, decadent flavor. Whether you’re craving a sticky toffee dump cake, a red velvet dump cake, or a classic pumpkin dessert, this recipe is adaptable for every occasion.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Dump Cake is more than a dessert; it’s a convenient, one-pan solution that transforms ordinary ingredients into a warm, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for holiday dessert tables or last-minute dinner parties.

Ingredients for This Recipe

To make this Pumpkin Cheesecake Dump Cake, each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, spiced, and comforting flavors. Pumpkin puree gives the dessert its rich, autumnal taste, while cream cheese adds the luscious cheesecake layer. Evaporated milk and eggs create a smooth, custardy texture, and sugar sweetens and enhances the spices. Pumpkin pie spice delivers classic holiday flavors, while the cake mix and melted butter form the signature dump cake topping. Optional nuts add crunch and depth, making it even more indulgent. This combination results in a one-pan dessert that is both quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

ingredients for pumpkin cheesecake dump cake
Pumpkin Cheesecake Dump Cake – The Best Holiday Dessert Recipe 13

🛒 Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into small cubes
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sugar (or brown sugar for richer flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp ginger, 1/8 tsp cloves)
  • 1 box yellow or spice cake mix (15 oz)
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for topping

How to Make This Recipe

Making this Pumpkin Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple, one-pan process that delivers a creamy, spiced, and indulgent dessert in minutes. The recipe combines the ease of a dump cake with the rich flavor of cheesecake and pumpkin, making it an ideal holiday dump cake or easy Christmas dessert. Each step is designed for busy weeknights or festive occasions, so you can create a crowd-pleasing dessert without the stress. The combination of pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and cake mix ensures a moist, flavorful base, while melted butter on top creates the signature crisp topping. Optional nuts add crunch and texture, turning this one-pan dessert into a family favorite and one of the best winter desserts you can make.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Spread the pumpkin puree evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.
  • Scatter cream cheese cubes over the pumpkin layer.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Pour over the pumpkin and cream cheese layers.
  • Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly on top.
  • Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much as possible.
  • Optionally, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top.
  • Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is set.
  • Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm for a comforting one-pan dessert experience.
baking pumpkin cheesecake dump cake
Pumpkin Cheesecake Dump Cake – The Best Holiday Dessert Recipe 14

Expert Cooking Tips

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Dump Cake is easier when you understand how each ingredient contributes to the final dessert. Pumpkin puree provides moisture and autumn flavor, while cream cheese adds a rich, creamy cheesecake layer. Evaporated milk and eggs ensure a smooth, custardy texture. Sugar balances the spices, and pumpkin pie spice delivers the warm, holiday flavor. Cake mix and melted butter form the classic dump cake topping, while optional nuts add crunch. Following these expert tips ensures your dessert is an easy dump cake recipe that’s family-friendly, customizable, and one of the best winter desserts for any occasion.

💡 Expert Tips:

  • Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth, creamy layers.
  • Whisk eggs, sugar, and evaporated milk thoroughly to avoid lumps.
  • Spread pumpkin puree evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Sprinkle cake mix carefully and drizzle melted butter to get the perfect crispy topping.
  • Add nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture and holiday flair.
  • For a slow cooker dump cake version, layer ingredients in the same order and cook on low for 2–3 hours.
  • Let the cake cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set.
variations of pumpkin cheesecake dump cake
Pumpkin Cheesecake Dump Cake – The Best Holiday Dessert Recipe 15

FAQs

What is a dump cake and how is it different from regular cakes?

A dump cake is an easy dump cake recipe where ingredients are simply “dumped” into a pan without extensive mixing. Unlike traditional cakes, it’s quick to prepare and has a moist, cobbler-like texture. Variations include pumpkin cheesecake dump cake, apple crisp dump cake, and chocolate lava dump cake, making it one of the best winter desserts or easy Christmas desserts.

Can I make Pumpkin Cheesecake Dump Cake in a slow cooker?

Yes! You can make this recipe as a slow cooker dump cake by layering ingredients in the same order and cooking on low for 2–3 hours. It’s a perfect one-pan dessert for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.

Can I customize this dump cake?

Absolutely. You can swap the cake mix, add chocolate chips, or sprinkle nuts like pecans or walnuts on top. This family-friendly dessert is versatile and can easily become a sticky toffee dump cake, red velvet dump cake, or hot chocolate dump cake.

How should I serve this dessert?

Pumpkin Cheesecake Dump Cake is best served warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It works beautifully as a holiday dump cake, easy Christmas dessert, or quick dessert recipe for any occasion.

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Easy Classic Pumpkin Dump Cake – Perfect for Holidays

Pumpkin Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dump cake recipe for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or cozy winter evenings. This one-pan dessert combines creamy cheesecake with spiced pumpkin, creating a family-friendly and customizable treat. Whether you bake it traditionally or try a slow cooker dump cake version, it’s quick to prepare and always delicious. Perfect as a sticky toffee dump cake, red velvet dump cake, or easy Christmas dessert, this recipe is one of the best winter desserts you can make.

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pumpkin cheesecake dump cake served hot

Pumpkin Cheesecake Dump Cake


  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Rich pumpkin puree, warm spices, and creamy cheesecake come together under a golden cake topping in this easy-to-make dessert. It’s like pumpkin pie and cheesecake combined into one indulgent treat — perfect for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or cozy autumn nights.


Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into small cubes

  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 cup sugar (or brown sugar for richer flavor)

  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp ginger, 1/8 tsp cloves)

  • 1 box yellow or spice cake mix (15 oz)

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

  • Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for topping


Instructions

📝 Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Pumpkin Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Pour into the prepared dish.

  3. Add Cheesecake: Scatter cream cheese cubes evenly over the pumpkin mixture.

  4. Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the top; do not stir.

  5. Top with Butter & Nuts: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix and sprinkle nuts if desired.

  6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is set.

  7. Cool & Serve: Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or chilled with whipped cream.

Notes

  • Use a spice cake mix for a deeper fall flavor.
  • For extra creaminess, add ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt to the pumpkin mixture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days; warm gently before serving.
  • For a prettier presentation, sprinkle with cinnamon or drizzle caramel sauce before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American / Fall

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