Pumpkin Dump Cake
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Pumpkin dump cake made with pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, yellow cake mix and topped with chopped pecans is the perfect pumpkin dessert!
Pumpkin dump cake (also called pumpkin cobbler) carries all the classic pumpkin pie flavors but is served up like a piece of cake and it will be your new favorite treat! Enjoy it as is or top it with something sweet like brown sugar cream cheese frosting, pumpkin spice frosting!
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Pumpkin Dump Cake
Pumpkin Dump Cake
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Why you’ll love this recipe!
📌 The easiest dump and go recipe!
📌 A simple dessert to make around the holidays or anytime you’re craving a little pumpkin spice.
📌 Delicious chopped pecans on top to add the perfect crunch!
Pumpkin Dump Cake Ingredients
- Pumpkin – Pumpkin puree, this is different from pumpkin pie filling. Make sure to grab the puree.
- Evaporated milk – Different from sweetened condensed milk, make sure to buy evaporated.
- Sugar – Light brown sugar.
- Eggs – Large.
- Spices – Pumpkin pie spice.
- Cake Mix – Yellow cake mix.
- Pecans – Chopped.
- Butter – Salted butter, melted.
How do you make a pumpkin cobbler? (step-by-step directions)
⭐ First, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, brown sugar, eggs and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
⭐ Next, sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture and top with the chopped pecans.
⭐ Then, pour the melted butter over the top.
⭐ Finally, bake until the cake is golden brown. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
Can I make pumpkin dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve. It is best served warm so either heat individual pieces in the microwave or reheat the entire cake in the oven.
What is the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?
Pumpkin puree is simply mashed pumpkin with no added sugar or seasonings. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and seasonings such as cinnamon and nutmeg mixed into the puree. We like to use pumpkin puree for this recipe as we are adding sugar and spices of our own.
Can I use something other than yellow cake mix?
Yep! We love yellow cake mix for this recipe but you could use white cake mix or spiced cake mix for a variation of flavor. If using spiced cake mix, you could probably leave the pumpkin pie spice out.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No problem! We have a simple homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe made with only three ingredients!
Leftovers and storage
How long does pumpkin dump cake last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for serving. You could also leave this cake at room temperature if desired as long as it’s in an airtight container.
Can I freeze pumpkin dump cake?
Yes, this cake will freeze well. Let cool completely and place in an airtight container. Freeze up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven by covering with foil and baking at 350F in the oven for about 15 minutes, until warmed through. If the dish is still partially frozen, you may need to add time.
Tips and tricks
- Mix in Some Texture: For added texture and a burst of sweetness, consider incorporating some mini chocolate chips or butterscotch chips into the cake mix.
- Go Gluten-Free: If you have dietary restrictions, try using a gluten-free yellow cake mix, which will still yield a delicious pumpkin dump cake.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Warm slices of pumpkin dump cake pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold, creamy and spiced, is heavenly!
- Add a Drizzle: Elevate the presentation and taste by drizzling a caramel sauce or maple syrup over the cooled cake before serving.
- Try Different Nuts: While pecans are traditional, feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a unique flavor profile.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice adds a delightful touch of lightness and creaminess to the dessert.
Frequently asked questions
Why do they call it a dump cake?
This comes from the fact that you just “dump” the ingredients into the pan and bake. There really isn’t a specific order you need to add everything.
What if I don’t like pecans?
No problem, just leave them out. Add some pumpkin spice frosting instead after the cake is completely cooled for some added sweetness.
How do I know when my dump cake is done?
The toothpick method doesn’t work for this recipe as the inside will remain a bit gooey. Your best bet is to pay attention to the top. It should turn golden in color and almost look like a crust.
My cake fell apart when serving, help!
Make sure to allow your dump cake to cool 10 minutes or so before serving. You need to allow the cake to ‘set’ a little or you’ll end up with a pile of cake instead of a piece of cake on your plate.
What to enjoy with pumpkin dump cake (serving suggestions)
Dump cakes are the easiest dessert to prepare and we LOVE to make pumpkin dump cake around the holidays. Make an entire pumpkin meal by whipping up some pumpkin pasta, pumpkin pie pudding shots and some pumpkin cheesecake.
More great simple cake and cobbler recipes to try
- Apple dump cake
- Pineapple dump cake
- Peach dump cake
- Banana pudding poke cake
- Lemon poke cake
- Strawberry poke cake
- Chocolate dump cake
- See all our delicious recipes using cake mix!
More amazing pumpkin recipes to enjoy
- No bake pumpkin pie
- Pumpkin bundt cake
- Pumpkin crinkle cookies
- Pumpkin pie bites
- Pumpkin soup
- Pumpkin cream cheese bread
- Pumpkin pastry
- See all our pumpkin recipes!
Tools we love
- Glass casserole dish with lid – I love this dish, it can go from freezer to oven!
- Spatula – These ingredients are ooey gooey and sticky. You for sure want to be using a spatula to make sure you’re properly measuring and using all your ingredients.
- Stainless steel mixing bowls – Classic, basic, mixing bowls that everyone should have in your kitchen. You’ve seen me use them on the cooking show at least seventy bajillion times. Ish.
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How to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake
Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans pumpkin puree 15 ounces each
- 1 can evaporated milk 15 ounces
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup butter melted
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, brown sugar, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture, then top with the chopped pecans, and lastly pour the melted butter over the top.
- Bake at 350℉ for 50 to 60 minutes, until the cake is golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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I make this all the time and it’s so delicious!!!! YUM!!
Now that September has arrived, I’m alllll about the pumpkin recipes! This dump cake was a fun and easy new one to try. Everyone in my family went back for seconds! Guess that means I’ll be making it again. 🙂
I would like to make this for Thanksgiving tomorrow and was wondering if I could make this evening? Do you refrigerate it or leave out until tomorrow?