Pumpkin Dump Cake (Printable View)

Creamy spiced pumpkin topped with buttery cake mix and pecans, baked until golden for a cozy autumn treat.

# 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 & Topping

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

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
02 - In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, granulated sugar, and salt until smooth.
03 - Pour pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly.
04 - Sprinkle dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer, ensuring full coverage without mixing.
05 - Drizzle melted butter evenly over the surface of the cake mix.
06 - Scatter chopped pecans evenly over the top, if using.
07 - Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
08 - Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or chilled, optionally garnished with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The layers come together in minutes, and it’s impossible to mess up—even if you get distracted midway through.
  • Every bite manages to be creamy, buttery, and just spiced enough—a crowd-pleaser every single time.
02 -
  • If you dump the cake mix in uneven piles, you’ll end up with dry pockets—sprinkle it as evenly as possible.
  • Letting the cake cool is not just for patience; it really does help the layers set for perfect squares.
03 -
  • Tap the pan lightly after drizzling butter to help the cake mix settle in and bake evenly.
  • A sprinkle of flaky salt on top takes the flavors up another notch—it’s an easy, unexpected finish.