Pumpkin Dump Cake (Print Version)

Creamy spiced pumpkin layered beneath yellow cake mix, melted butter and pecans for a simple, comforting autumn bake.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pumpkin Layer

01 - 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
02 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
03 - 3 large eggs
04 - 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Cake and Topping

07 - 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
08 - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

# How to Cook:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, sugar, and salt until fully blended.
03 - Transfer the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading the surface evenly.
04 - Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture, taking care not to stir.
05 - Drizzle melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix, covering as much as possible. Distribute chopped pecans across the top if using.
06 - Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes until the surface is golden and the center no longer jiggles. The dessert will set further as it cools.
07 - Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or chilled as desired, optionally accompanied by whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It’s as easy as pie but takes half the effort—just mix, layer, and bake, no fussy steps.
  • This is one of those hidden gems that pleases a crowd, disappears fast, and works as well on holidays as it does on a random Tuesday.
02 -
  • If you forget to spread the butter evenly, you’ll get unexpected floury patches—trust me, it’s worth being patient here.
  • Letting it cool is not optional; the flavors actually become richer and the texture perfects as it sits.
03 -
  • Test the center with a knife or toothpick—the cake is done when it comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
  • For a caramelized finish, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top before baking.

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