Last Updated on October 2, 2025 by recipeinspire
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Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake: 7 Steps to Your New Favorite Dessert
Are you ready for a dessert that’s both delicious and hassle-free? Dive into our Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe, and relish 7 simple steps to pure joy. Uncover the secrets now! With fall just around the corner, this cake effortlessly combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon, creating a comforting and delightful treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients List

To create your Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree: Provides the rich pumpkin flavor. Make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk: This adds creaminess; you can substitute with coconut or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- 3 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together; you can use flax eggs for a vegan option (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness can be adjusted, or you can use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The spice of fall! Consider adding nutmeg or cloves for more depth.
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): This is the magical base that simplifies the recipe. Gluten-free cake mix can also be used.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: You can opt for vegan butter if desired.
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional): Adds a nice crunch; walnuts or pecans work well.
Timing
The total preparation and cooking time for your Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake is approximately 90 minutes. This is 20% less time than the average cake recipe, making it a speedy choice for your gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfect baking temperature for a golden and fluffy cake.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Ensure there are no lumps for a smooth texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little melted butter to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Pour in the Pumpkin Mixture
Pour your smooth pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out to cover the bottom of the dish completely.
Step 5: Sprinkle Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix over the pumpkin mixture. Don’t worry about mixing it; this is where the ‘dump’ part comes into play!
Step 6: Add Butter
Drizzle the melted butter generously over the cake mix. Don’t skip this step; it creates a lovely golden top as it bakes!
Step 7: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will fill with delicious aromas, making it hard to wait!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (1/12 of the cake):
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 3g
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For those looking to make this dessert a bit lighter, consider substituting:
- Greek yogurt or applesauce for part of the butter to reduce saturated fat.
- Whole wheat cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for added fiber.
- Reducing sugar by 25% or using a natural sweetener such as Stevia.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra special touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with pecans before serving for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not preheating the oven: This can lead to uneven baking.
- Skipping the greasing step: Ensure your cake comes out cleanly from the dish.
- Overmixing the wet ingredients: Too much mixing may create a dense cake; just blend until combined.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To store leftovers:
- Cool completely before covering.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake: 7 Steps to Your New Favorite Dessert
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A super simple, no-fuss pumpkin dessert where you ‘dump’ ingredients into a pan and bake — perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Spread the pumpkin puree evenly in the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves over the pumpkin.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix on top of the pumpkin layer.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix.
- Optional: sprinkle chopped nuts over the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
- Allow to cool slightly, then serve with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
Notes
You can use a boxed spice cake mix instead of yellow cake for extra flavor. Great for potlucks or casual fall desserts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: pumpkin dump cake, easy pumpkin dessert, fall dessert, pumpkin recipe, no-fuss pumpkin cake
Conclusion
In just seven simple steps, you can create an indulgent yet easy dessert that captures the essence of fall. This Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake is sure to become a beloved recipe in your household. We invite you to try it and share your feedback! Don’t forget to explore similar posts for more delightful recipes.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the cake and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
2. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Be sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin before using.
3. What toppings work best?
Aside from whipped cream, try a sprinkle of cinnamon or chocolate chips for a twist!
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