Easy Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake Recipe

Easy Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake Recipe: Cozy Fall Sweetness in a Flash

Baking a delightful pumpkin pie dump cake brings pure comfort to your autumn kitchen.

Layers of sweet, spiced goodness promise a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Creamy pumpkin mingles with buttery cake crumbles, creating a magical texture that melts in your mouth.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing treat.

Simple ingredients transform into a decadent dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Forget complicated techniques and embrace this foolproof recipe that celebrates seasonal flavors.

What Makes Easy Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake a Simple Dessert Winner

What Makes Easy Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake a Simple Dessert Winner
  • Simplify Seasonal Dessert: Transform classic pumpkin pie into a hassle-free dump cake that requires minimal culinary skills and delivers maximum flavor impact.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Create a dessert that appeals to all ages, perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or spontaneous sweet cravings with its rich, nostalgic taste profile.
  • Versatile Baking Experience: Develop a recipe that welcomes both novice and experienced bakers, offering a forgiving method that doesn't demand precise techniques or complicated measurements.
  • Customize with Creativity: Adapt the recipe by experimenting with different nuts, adding extra spices, or incorporating alternative toppings to make the dessert uniquely yours while maintaining its core deliciousness.

Ingredients for Easy Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake

Main Ingredients:

Pumpkin Base:
  • Pumpkin Puree: A smooth and creamy base that provides the signature autumn flavor and rich texture of the dessert.
  • Eggs: Help bind the pumpkin mixture and create a stable, cohesive filling.
  • Evaporated Milk: Adds richness and creaminess to the pumpkin base.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps balance the pumpkin's natural flavor.
Spice Components:
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall depth and warmth of the dessert's flavor profile.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend: Delivers the classic, comforting autumn spice combination.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet aromatic note to the pumpkin mixture.
Topping and Texture Ingredients:
  • Pecans: Bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dessert.
  • Spice Cake Mix: Creates a golden, crumbly topping that contrasts with the creamy pumpkin base.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a moist, tender cake texture.
  • Whole Milk: Provides additional moisture and helps integrate the cake mix layer.

How to Prepare Easy Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake

How to Prepare Easy Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat And Prepare Oven

Set your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Pumpkin Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Eggs
  • Evaporated milk
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Ground cinnamon

Mix until the ingredients are completely smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Create First Layer

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Sprinkle Nut Topping

In a separate bowl, mix:
  • Chopped pecans
  • Dry cake mix

Distribute this nutty mixture evenly over the pumpkin layer.

Step 5: Add Butter Drizzle

Melt butter and combine with milk. Slowly pour this liquid over the entire cake mix layer, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 60 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set.

Step 7: Cool And Serve

Remove from oven and let the dump cake cool for 15 minutes. Slice and serve warm with whipped cream if desired.

Pro Tips for Moist and Delicious Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake

Pro Tips for Moist and Delicious Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake
  • Swap regular milk for dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk to create a vegan-friendly version of this delightful dessert.
  • Enhance the nutty flavor by toasting pecans before chopping them, which brings out their rich, deep taste and adds extra crunch to the cake.
  • Prevent the top from burning by covering the dish with aluminum foil halfway through baking if you notice rapid browning.
  • Test the cake's doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should come out clean with minimal moist crumbs for perfect texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify over time.

Flavorful Variations of Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake

Flavorful Variations of Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix and use almond flour instead of traditional wheat-based flour for celiac-friendly preparation.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Dump Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk, and swap butter with coconut oil for plant-based version.
  • Nutless Autumn Dump Cake: Eliminate pecans completely and replace with sunflower seeds or rolled oats for those with nut allergies or preferences.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Dessert: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce granulated sugar quantity, and incorporate sugar-free cake mix for diabetic-friendly option.

Pairing Suggestions for Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake

Pairing Suggestions for Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake
  • Match the cake's warm spices with a smooth cinnamon whiskey that amplifies the dessert's rich, autumnal notes and adds a delightful boozy kick.
  • Select a dark roast or bourbon-infused coffee to enhance the cake's deep, caramelized flavors and provide a robust counterpoint to the sweet dessert.
  • Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting its cool, creamy texture balance the cake's warm, dense texture and spiced profile.

Storage Guidelines for Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake

Storage Guidelines for Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve delicious flavor. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual portions or entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date to track storage time. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Place single slice on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and continue heating in 15-second intervals if needed. Ensure even warming to prevent cold spots.

FAQs

  • What makes this pumpkin pie dump cake different from traditional pumpkin pie?

This dessert combines the classic pumpkin pie flavors with a convenient dump cake method, creating a more rustic and easier-to-prepare dessert that requires less precise technique than a traditional pie.

  • Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The dump cake method is incredibly forgiving and straightforward, making it perfect for novice bakers who want to create a delicious dessert without complex steps or advanced baking skills.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the standard cake mix with a gluten-free alternative, and ensure all other ingredients like spices and milk are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

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Easy Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake Recipe

Easy Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Pumpkin pie dump cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its simple preparation and rich autumn flavors. Warm spices and creamy pumpkin blend seamlessly, promising you a comforting slice of seasonal happiness.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
  • 4 eggs (room temperature)
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 15.25 oz spice cake mix (Duncan Hines)
  • 1½ cups pecans (finely chopped)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 12 oz evaporated milk
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice blend
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well-integrated.
  3. Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a consistent base layer.
  4. Combine the chopped pecans with the dry cake mix in a separate bowl, then sprinkle this mixture uniformly across the pumpkin layer.
  5. Melt the butter and mix with milk, then gently pour the liquid over the entire cake mix layer, ensuring complete coverage and moistening all dry ingredients.
  6. Use a spoon to lightly press any dry cake mix patches, helping them absorb the liquid without disrupting the layers.
  7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the top turns a rich golden brown and the center appears fully set.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the dump cake to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving, which helps the layers stabilize and makes cutting easier.

Notes

  • Customize the spice blend by adjusting pumpkin pie spice ratios to match personal taste preferences or regional flavor profiles.
  • Swap pecans with alternative nuts like walnuts or almonds for dietary restrictions or regional ingredient availability.
  • Consider using gluten-free cake mix to transform this dessert into a celiac-friendly option without compromising delectable texture.
  • Enhance serving presentation by adding whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence and visual appeal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 386
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 360 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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