Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (2024)

Pumpkin Dump Cake is the perfect fall dessert alternative to pumpkin pie! With a silky pumpkin base and a crumbly cake topping both loaded with Pumpkin Pie Spice and chopped nuts, this dessert’s amazing layers will impress the whole family!

I love Dump Cakes because they are so easy to make! If you love them too, try my Apple Dump Cake, Blueberry Dump Cake, and Hot Chocolate Dump Cake recipes!

You will love this Recipe for Pumpkin Dump Cake

This simple Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe was one of the first I posted on the blog. This cake recipe is amazing and I’ve made it for many family get-togethers over the years.

What Is A Dump Cake?

The word dump doesn’t exactly spark a craving, does it? But I promise you, dump cakes are so easy and good! The idea is that everything is sort of dumped into the pan and baked.

A dump cake is an easy dessert recipe made with a store-bought cake mix that is sprinkled on top before baking. This pumpkin version is a delicious fall version but does require an extra step of mixing the pumpkin layer.

This warm, delicious, layered dessert is perfect for any fall occasion!

The silky pumpkin pie base, the delicious yellow cake topped with crunchy nuts and fresh made whipped cream with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s PERFECT!

If you’re looking for a more classic style cake, try my Pumpkin Pound Cake recipe!

This is a great alternative to the traditional pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, your family will love it! And you’ll love how easy it is to make!

Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe ingredients

The base is made with a mixture of pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and spices.

The crumble topping is made from dry cake mix, nuts, and butter.

And I highly recommend topping it with either whipped cream or ice cream before serving.

How to make Pumpkin Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

Then mix together the pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and spices together in a large bowl.Make sure you use pumpkin puree andNOTpumpkin pie filling.

Step 2: Pour the pumpkin mixture it into the baking dish.

Step 3: Evenly sprinkle the cake mix on top of the pumpkin puree mixture. I like to sprinkle mine with a little extra pumpkin pie spice after the dry cake mix has been added.

Step 4: Melt the butter and pour it over the cake mix. Then, sprinkle chopped pecans (or nut of choice) evenly over the top of the cake. Add an additional 1/2 cup of nuts if you really like it crunchy. Bake for 1 hour.

Can You Make Pumpkin Dump Cake Gluten Free?

Yes, you can. I have made this gluten free and it was still wonderful and super easy! You couldn’t even tell the difference. You just have to switch the cake mix with a gluten free version.

Can You Make Dump Cake Without Nuts?

I have made it without nuts, but it’s just not the same. The nuts really give a nice crunch and texture to the cake. But can be made without them if you have an allergy or strong aversion to them.

Can I make this Recipe for Pumpkin Dump Cake ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, it’s one of the things I love most about this cake – it tastes amazing both warm or cold!

My favorite way to enjoy it is to let it cool completely and then reheat it by the slice in the microwave for 15 seconds. This allows the cake to fully set up after baking but the warm cake is just so cozy!

How to know when Pumpkin Crumb Cake is done

This Pumpkin Dump Cake with yellow cake mix won’t come clean when a toothpick is inserted into it, but the top should look slightly crunchy and have a nice golden coloring to it. The pumpkin layer will remain soft.

Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake Variations

Chocolate: Use your favorite chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a pumpkin and chocolate mashup!

Spice Cake: Use a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for an even spicier version!

More Crunch: Instead of melting the butter before adding it to the top of the cake. Try cutting cold butter into thin slices and arranging them over the top of the cake before making. This method tends to add a but more crunch to the top of the cake.

Toffee: Sprinkle some Toffee Bits over the top of the cake before baking for a rich and salty twist.

How to serve Pumpkin Crumb Cake

This cake is best served warm. I like to let it sit for at least 20 to 30 minutes after it comes out of the oven.

Then I serve it with a variety of toppings like Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, whipped topping, caramel sauce, and more!

Storing leftover Pumpkin Dump Cake

Like most cakes, this pumpkin crumble cake doesn’t need to be refrigerated. It can be stored covered at room temperature for a few days. However, it can be stored in the refrigerator if preferred, but I would recommend popping it in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds to warm it up before enjoying.

More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes!

• Pumpkin Coffee Cake– The best way to start the day!
• Pumpkin Kahlua Cupcakes– Slightly boozy and crazy delicious!
• Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies– An fall favorite!
• Impossible Pumpkin Pie– Crustless and easy!
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes – You’ll want a huge stack of these!

Let’s Connect!

If you’ve tried thisrecipe, please let me know how you liked it in the comments below and leave a review. I love hearing from you!

Don’t forget to tag me – @sugarandsoulco – on Instagram and Pinterest with your photos or join our Sugar & Soul Show-offs Community and share them there, where you can join our recipe challenges!

This post was originally published in September 2013, content and photos were updated in August 2019.