Pumpkin Dump Cake Autumn Dessert (Printable view)

A quick autumn dessert with pumpkin, warm spices, and buttery cake topping—perfect for gatherings or cozy nights.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pumpkin Filling

01 - 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
02 - 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
03 - 3 large eggs
04 - 1 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
06 - 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Cake Topping

09 - 1 box (about 15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
10 - 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
11 - 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and well combined.
03 - Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly across the bottom using a spatula.
04 - Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture, ensuring complete coverage without pressing down.
05 - Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible.
06 - Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top if using.
07 - Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
08 - Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in literally ten minutes with almost zero effort
  • The contrast between creamy pumpkin and buttery cake topping is absolutely irresistible
02 -
  • The cake mix layer might look dry and powdery going in, but the butter and pumpkin will work their magic during baking
  • Dont rush the cooling time or you'll end up with a soupy mess instead of distinct layers
03 -
  • Use a light hand when sprinkling the cake mix, clumps will create dry spots in the finished dessert
  • If the butter starts pooling in spots, gently tilt the pan to redistribute it before baking