Pumpkin Dump Cake with Spice Cake Mix

Welcome back to the cozy heart of your kitchen! If you’ve been craving an easy, heartwarming dessert that feels like fall in every bite, this Pumpkin Dump Cake with Spice Cake Mix is about to be your new favorite. It’s the kind of simple recipe that feels homemade, yet effortless—perfect for busy weeknights, holiday tables, or whenever you need a sweet escape into the flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself after a long day, this cake brings together convenience and indulgence. It starts with pantry staples and ends with a decadent, spiced crumb that’s soft underneath and lightly crisped on top. If you loved our nostalgic chocolate chip cookie dough brownie bombs, you’re in for another comforting hit here.

Pumpkin Dump Cake with Spice Cake Mix

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• Author: Chef Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A cozy and comforting fall dessert that layers pumpkin puree with a buttery, spiced crumb topping—made effortlessly with boxed cake mix.

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Ingredients

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• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• Optional: 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
2. In a bowl, mix pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla.
3. Pour mixture into the baking pan.
4. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly on top.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
6. Add chopped nuts if using.
7. Bake 50–60 minutes until golden and set.
8. Cool 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Add cream cheese dollops for richness.
• Reduce sugar slightly for less sweetness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 260mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Let’s dig into what makes this cozy autumn dessert so special.

Key Benefits

There’s a reason why dump cakes, especially pumpkin-based ones, are beloved in American kitchens—they check every box for flavor, ease, and crowd appeal. Here’s why this recipe will become a must-make in your dessert lineup:

• Minimal Prep Time: No need to measure out a dozen ingredients. All you do is layer everything straight into the pan—no mixing bowls needed. That means less cleanup and less fuss.
• Perfectly Spiced: Using a pre-packaged spice cake mix eliminates the need for extra spice blends, while still delivering that familiar warmth of fall.
• Versatile Dessert: You can totally dress this cake up with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a warm caramel drizzle—whatever fits your mood.
• Customizable: Feel free to toss in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or swirl in a little cream cheese to give it your own twist.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its rich, moist base paired with a crumbly topping makes it a go-to for potlucks, Thanksgiving dinners, or cozy family nights.

Not to mention, this is a great recipe for involving kids or beginner bakers. If you’re already a fan of our easy cottage cheese dessert recipes, you’ll find the same level of simplicity here—plus a sweet seasonal twist.

What You’ll Need to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake with Spice Cake Mix

To make this delightful autumn dessert, you’ll need just a few common pantry items—no mixers or fancy equipment required.

For the Base:

• 1 can (15 o) pure pumpkin—not the sweetened pie filling kind
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 box spice cake mix (15.25 oz)
• ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• Optional: 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

This combination results in a deliciously moist bottom layer with a golden, buttery crumble on top. You can also explore other options like adding a cream cheese swirl—similar to the one used in our cream cheese crescent roll appetizer.

How to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake with Spice Cake Mix—Step by Step

Creating this dessert is as easy as mixing, dumping, and baking. Let’s break it down:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with butter or your favorite non-stick spray.
2. Make the Pumpkin Layer: Whisk the pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, spices, and vanilla together in a big bowl until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Pour and Spread: Pour the pumpkin mixture into your pan and smooth it out so it’s evenly spread.
4. Add the Dry Cake Mix: Next, shake the dry spice cake mix evenly over the pumpkin—no need to stir it in.Do not stir.
5. Add the Melted Butter: Pour the melted butter across the surface of the cake mix, trying to coat it as evenly as possible so it bakes up nice and golden.
6. Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle chopped nuts over the top if desired.
7. Bake: Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top turns a rich golden color and the center no longer jiggles.
8. Cool and Serve: Let it cool for about half an hour before slicing. Serve it up with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream if you like.

It’s that simple! This is the kind of go-to recipe you’ll make again and again, just like our blueberry French toast that delivers maximum comfort with minimum work.

Pro Tips and Variations for Pumpkin Dump Cake with Spice Cake Mix

Even a foolproof recipe like this has room for creativity. Here’s how to elevate it or adjust to your tastes:

• Use a Butter Knife for Even Topping: After drizzling butter, gently run a butter knife across the top to help it soak into the dry mix more evenly.
• Add Crunch: Chopped pecans or walnuts give a toasty crunch that complements the softness underneath.
• Cream Cheese Twist: Drop dollops of sweetened cream cheese between the pumpkin and cake layers before baking for a cheesecake effect.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk and dairy-free margarine to accommodate dietary needs.
• Less Sweet Variation: Reduce the sugar in the base by ¼ cup if you prefer desserts that are more mildly sweet.

This recipe also stores beautifully—just like our cottage cheese chips that keep their crunch, this cake stays moist and tasty for several days in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Dump Cake with Spice Cake Mix

What makes this dessert special is just how many delicious ways you can serve it up. Try one of these ideas to make your serving extra special:

• Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream: The hot-and-cold contrast is irresistible.
• Topped with Homemade Whipped Cream: Add a dusting of cinnamon for that coffeehouse feel.
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: Perfect for impressing guests without extra effort.
• Breakfast Twist: Serve a small square with coffee for a cozy morning treat.
• Thanksgiving Favorite: Replace traditional pie with this cake for a no-stress holiday dessert.

Pair it with a comforting drink like our Shirley Temple punch to make every gathering feel festive.

Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about a recipe that brings people together with ease, flavor, and nostalgia. This Pumpkin Dump Cake with Spice Cake Mix captures all of that in every bite—cozy, comforting, and bursting with fall spices.

Whether you’re baking for a family dinner, a festive potluck, or just a quiet evening in, this dessert brings joy to the table with barely any effort. It’s a little slice of autumn love, and it’s here to make your season sweeter.

Be sure to explore more effortless treats like our lemon lush dessert to keep your menu exciting all year round.

Trusted Tips and Techniques from Culinary Experts

1. According to The Kitchn, using pumpkin puree instead of pie filling ensures better control over flavor and sweetness.
2. Bon Appétit recommends pairing spice cake mix with rich dairy ingredients like evaporated milk for deeper flavor.
3. Healthline notes that pumpkin is packed with fiber and beta-carotene, adding nutrition to your dessert.
4. According to Serious Eats, spreading the butter evenly on top of the cake mix helps everything bake up golden and moist, without any dry spots.

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