Pumpkin Dump Cake

I just love an easy pumpkin dessert, and this Pumpkin Dump Cake is the best! My pumpkin spice dump cake recipe is packed with fall flavors, simply baked into a 9×13 dish. The term “dump” simply refers to the easy method of making this dessert, just dump and bake. This dessert is perfect for any autumn meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings.

I have been making this easy pumpkin dump cake for years. It is so quick to toss together. I make my pumpkin dump cake with spice cake mix, which makes me so happy because it’s one of my favorite cake mixes. You will fall in love the minute you taste it warm with a scoop of ice cream.

I am a huge pumpkin fan. Are you? Here are a couple of must-try pumpkin recipes: Cinderella Cake (Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and crunchy pecans) and Pumpkin Pie Bars (classic pumpkin pie with a shortbread crust) You are sure to love these delicious dessert recipes, too!

Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

Using a cake mix, this recipe is as easy as they get and will feed a crowd. This pumpkin pie cake comes together quickly, any day of the week when you need a little pumpkin spice in your life. It is also a perfect Thanksgiving dessert, capturing all the flavors of pumpkin pie. It is truly like pumpkin pie meets spice cake, making a heavenly pumpkin dump cake dessert.

What is a Dump Cake?

A pumpkin dump cake is similar to a cobbler. The cake mix creates a crunchy topping when sprinkled on top, instead of a spongy texture. The name refers to “dumping” all the ingredients into a baking dish. Most dump cakes use canned fruit fillings, but a pumpkin pie dump cake requires combining the pumpkin mixture before adding it to the pan.

Pumpkin Dump Cake Ingredients

You will find the complete ingredient amounts and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Pumpkin puree – make sure you are using 100% pureed pumpkin, NOT pumpkin pie filling
• Evaporated milk – You can substitute whole milk, half and half, or heavy cream
• Eggs
• Sugar – I use extra fine granulated white sugar
• Pumpkin pie spice – You can easily put this spice mix together with 6 ingredients. Here’s my recipe for this magical seasoning: https://anaffairfromtheheart.com/homemade-pumpkin-pie-spice/ 
• Spice cake mix – You could also use vanilla, white, or yellow cake mix – just add another tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cake mix 
• Melted butter – You can substitute margarine in a pinch…it just won’t have that extra buttery decadence.
• Pecans – you can omit the nuts if you are allergic to them. Walnuts are also a great option if you prefer them.

How To Make a Simple Pumpkin Dump Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.

Beat 3 eggs in a large bowl. Add pumpkin puree, sugar, milk, and pumpkin pie spice; mix well.

Spread the pumpkin mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer.

Drizzle melted butter over the top and add nuts if desired.

Bake for about 1 hour, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For an extra special treat, try my homemade cinnamon vanilla ice cream!.

How to Store Leftover Pumpkin Dump Cake: After baking and cooling, cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To serve, bring the cake to room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave. This pumpkin dump cake dessert is just as delicious the next day.

Love it? Pin it!

If you love this pumpkin dump cake recipe, make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board.

FAQ’s about Pumpkin Dump Cakes

• Should dump cake be refrigerated? Yes, after baking and cooling, store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Can I make pumpkin dump cake ahead of time? Yes, make it a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to serve. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
• What are some other versions of dump cake? Classic dump cakes use canned fruit, cake mix, and melted butter. You simply “dump” each ingredient into a pan and bake.

TIPS AND TRICKS

• Make in a slow cooker: low 4 hrs / high 2 hrs
• Shake the pan after adding ingredients to help combine
• For a more consistent crumble, mix cake mix with melted butter before sprinkling
• Store leftovers in the fridge up to 5 days

MORE FABULOUS FALL PUMPKIN DESSERT Recipes

It’s pumpkin season, and I am here for it! Here are more ways to enjoy pumpkin:

• The BEST Pumpkin Bread  
• Pumpkin Spice Banana Muffins
• Pumpkin Pie Bars
• Cinderella Cake (pictured above)
• Pumpkin Pie Turnovers
• Pumpkin Applesauce

Give in to your pumpkin spice craving today with this easy dump cake recipe. Perfect for pumpkin lovers, this pumpkin dump cake dessert is simple, perfectly pumpkin, and a guaranteed favorite for fall. It’s the perfect Thanksgiving dessert to serve family and friends.

This recipe was originally posted on September 9, 2022 in part with a group of bloggers sharing #FallFlavors recipes. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on October 28, 2025.

More recipes from the event:

• Delicious Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball from Family Around The Table
• Pumpkin Spice White Russian from Our Crafty Cocktails
• Vegan Sweet Potato Cutlets from Magical Ingredients
• Cinnamon Chip Apple Muffins from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Cranberry Walnut Bread from Hostess At Heart
• Pumpkin Banana Muffins from Cheese Curd In Paradise
• Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette from Art of Natural Living
• Autumn Chicken Cobb Salad from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Ham, Apple and Cheddar Quesadillas from A Little Fish in the Kitchen
• Slow Cooker German Pork Roast from Palatable Pastime
• Air Fryer Candied Pecans from Devour Dinner
• Apple Cinnamon Chip Cookies from Sweet Beginnings
• Candy Corn Cookies from Best Cookie Recipes
• Ginger Apple Pear Crisp from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
• Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Candied Sage from The Spiffy Cookie
• Maple Pecan Biscotti from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Pumpkin Caramel Trifle Mason Jar Dessert from Our Crafty Mom
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars from Blogghetti
• Pumpkin Dump Cake from An Affair from the Heart
• Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake from Jen Around the World