• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
🍁 Get our Best Fall Recipes 🍁
About
Free Resources
Contact

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

YouTube

TikTok

Thriving Home

Food & Lifestyle

  • Recipe Index
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch & Dinner
      • Sides & Salads
      • Soups & Chilis
      • Appetizers
      • Snacks
      • Desserts
      • Baked Goods
      • Beverages
      • Condiments
    • Method
      • Freezer Meals
      • Stovetop
      • Oven
      • Slow Cooker
      • Instant Pot
      • Grill or Smoker
      • 6 Ingredients or Less
      • Air Fryer
    • Diet
      • Gluten-Free
      • Dairy-Free
      • Vegetarian
    • Ingredients
      • Chicken & Turkey
      • Beef
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Pasta & Pizza
    • Holiday
      • Birthday
      • Christmas
      • Easter
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
      • Valentine's Day
    • All Recipes
  • Freezer Cooking
    • Start Here
    • Freezer Meal Recipes
    • 1 Hour Freezer Prep
    • Cookbooks
  • Menu Plans
  • Shop
    • Cookbooks
    • Our Recipe Ebooks & Digital Products
    • 1 Hour Freezer Prep
    • Shop Our Favorites
    • Gift Guides
Home Recipe Index Desserts

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Polly Conner
By: Polly ConnerPosted: 8/25/25Updated: 10/2/25

Jump to Recipe Email

Pumpkin Dump Cake is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleaser recipe that goes a long way (serves 9-12 people). It is a delicious twist on classic pumpkin pie that almost any age will like. It’s also a great make-ahead recipe. Perfect for holiday parties!

Pumpkin dump cake served from a white casserole dish with a small bowl of chopped pecans on the side. this …


 

“Oh, my! I just tried it and served it at our church community group and it was a hit! It’s a favorite for us too. Not only because it’s really tasty and pumpkiny, but it’s so easy!” – Ann

Table of Contents
  • Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Polly’s Testing Tips
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake
  • FAQs
  • More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes
  • Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s a tasty twist on pumpkin pie – Pumpkin pie haters like this recipe. They also would love our Pumpkin Spice Muffins.
  • It’s delicious! While it does have a pumpkin pie as a base, it is also is partnered with a crumbly, buttery crust that is invaded with toasted pecans. Top with Homemade Whipped Cream or Maple Whipped Cream–yum!
  • Like with our Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix, you can use our Homemade Yellow Cake Mix in place of the boxed cake mix if you want.
  • You can make it in advance – Either prep it and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days or cook it up before a holiday meal or gathering. My husband even requests it at his Birthday Dinner.
polly

Polly’s Testing Tips

I’ve been making this recipe for YEARS. Here are some things I’ve learned:

  • It’s a GREAT recipe for large groups – It makes a lot and all ages love it.
  • We are a house divided on if this recipe tastes better warm or cold. I’m team cold but you can serve it either way.
  • Be sure to let it cool at least an hour or else it doesn’t hold together well.
  • Try to break up any big chunks of cake mix, otherwise you end up with some dry spots.

Ingredients

Pumpkin dump cake ingredients measured out and labeled.

Key Ingredient Notes

  • Pumpkin puree – NOT pumpkin pie mix.
  • Non-fat evaporated milk – Regular evaporated will work as well.
  • Spices – Nutmeg, ginger, ground cloves, cinnamon. You know, all the good stuff!
  • Yellow cake mix – This is what makes this recipe so easy! Use store bought or make your own.
  • Optional: Maple Whipped Cream or Homemade Whipped Cream for topping.

How to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake

Prep the Dump Cake

Start by combining your pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, and seasonings. Add in one egg at a time. Once all these ingredients are mixed, pour them into a prepared 9×13-baking dish.

Wet ingredients for pumpkin dump cake in a mixing bowl.
Eggs being whisked in to wet ingredients for pumpkin dump cake.

Sprinkle the entire contents of one box of yellow cake mix over the pumpkin mixture. If you want to make your own cake mix, try our Yellow Cake Mix. Sprinkle chopped pecans all over your mix and then drizzle it with melted butter.

A casserole dish that's been buttered and floured in prep for a dump cake.
Yellow cake mix sprinkled over wet ingredients for pumpkin dump cake.
Chopped pecans sprinkled over yellow cake mix on top of wet ingredients for dump cake in a casserole dish.

Bake it!

Bake 40 minutes with a piece of foil loosely wrapped over it (to prevent pecans from burning). Remove the foil and bake 15 more minutes.

Give it lots of time for the cake to cool before serving. Be sure to store it in the refrigerator.

Pumpkin dump cake straight from the oven cooling on a rack.

Top with Whipped Cream

Now here is the key difference in an OK pumpkin dump cake and an amazing pumpkin dump cake: Homemade Whipped Cream. You can also use our Maple Whipped Cream recipe. Or, if you really want to go for it, top with some vanilla ice cream.

Pumpkin dump cake on a plate with homemade whipped cream and chopped pecans on top.

Done! Serve it at your holiday meal with our Homemade Stuffing, Roasted Turkey Breast, and Crock Pot Pumpkin Spice Latte and you’ll be in heaven!

FAQs

Can I make this in advance?

Yes! I have tested this by prepping it 2-3 days in advance. I then baked it and while it took an extra 10 minutes to bake, it worked to prep in advance. You can also fully cook it and store it in the refrigerator 2-3 days. Just reheat when you want to eat it.

How long can pumpkin dump cake be left out at room temperature?

Pumpkin Dump Cake can be left at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that it needs to be refrigerated.

Is Pumpkin Dump cake better warm or cold?

Pumpkin dump cake can be enjoyed both warm and cold, and the choice often comes down to personal preference.

Can I freeze Pumpkin Dump Cake?

Yes, this recipe will freeze and thaw well. Let it fully cool store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 1-2 Months: Pumpkin dump cake can typically be stored in the freezer for 1-2 months and still maintain good quality.

More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes

Pumpkin chocolate muffins on a cooling rack.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Pumpkin chili in a dutch oven ready to be served.

Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin waffles on a white plate with a dollop of whipped cream and chopped pecans on top.

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Waffles

Pumpkin spice muffins with crumble topping on a cooling rack.

Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Crumble Topping

How to Video

Pumpkin dump cake on a plate with homemade whipped cream and chopped pecans on top.

Pumpkin Dump Cake

This easy to make, crowd-pleaser recipe goes a long away (serves 9-12 people). It is a delicious twist on classic pumpkin pie that almost any age will like.
5 from 7 votes
Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time:15 minutes mins
Cook Time:55 minutes mins
Total Time:1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Print Pin Rate Email

Ingredients
 

  • Cooking spray and a little flour (for prepping the pan)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
  • 1 (12-ounce) can non-fat evaporated milk
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 batch yellow cake mix (sub: 15.25 ounce box yellow cake mix)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions
 

  1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and sprinkle a little flour all over a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Wet Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and salt. Then, whisk in the eggs until smooth and well combined.
  3. Assemble: Pour wet mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle all of the cake mix all over the top of the pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle pecans over the cake mix. Drizzle melted butter all over the top. (Don't worry, there will be dry mix where the butter doesn't cover.) 
  4. Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil (to prevent pecans from burning). Bake on the center rack for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake 15 more minutes, until pecans are toasted.
  5. Serve: Let cool for a few hours. Serve with whipped cream. It can safely sit out for 2 hours, but then store in the refrigerator.

Freezer Instructions

Freeze for Later: Let it fully cool and store in an airtight container. It can typically be stored in the freezer for 1-2 months and still maintain good quality.
Prepare from Frozen: Let fully thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Notes/Tips

  • Serve it with our Maple Whipped Cream.
  • Pumpkin dump cake can be enjoyed both warm and cold, and the choice often comes down to personal preference.
  • Use our homemade Yellow Cake Mix for extra delicious results. 
  • Allow at least an hour for the dump cake to cool before serving. 
  • To prepare in advance: 
    • Option 1: Prep and Bake later. You can prepare the dump cake 2-3 days in advance and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time since it will be doing into the oven cold. 
    • Option 2: Fully bake and let it cool. Store in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat before serving.
  • Be sure to check out all our best Fall Potluck Dishes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 385 kcal (19%) | Carbohydrates: 54 g (18%) | Protein: 7 g (14%) | Fat: 17 g (26%) | Cholesterol: 76 mg (25%) | Sodium: 476 mg (21%) | Fiber: 3 g (13%) | Sugar: 37 g (41%)
If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe!
Author: Polly Conner

Photos and video by Whitney Reist of Sweet Cayenne.

A serving of pumpkin dump cake being lifted by a spatula from a white casserole dish.
721 shares
  • Share
  • Email
Polly Conner

Polly Conner

As co-founder of Thriving Home, Polly’s passionate about helping busy parents get dinner on the table. With a house full of kids, dogs, and (usually) a DIY project in the works, she knows firsthand how every minute (and every dollar) counts. As a business owner, she enjoys wearing multiple hats and serves best as a project manager for Thriving Home.

Read more...

Reader Interactions

5 from 7 votes

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Whitney says

    Posted on 9/22/25 at 1:01 pm

    This is a must-make for fall and all pumpkin lovers! It has a complex pumpkin spice flavor and is so great for feeding a crowd – we enjoy it best cold! I took this to my son’s preschool for the teachers and it was received with rave reviews!

    Reply
    • Rachel Tiemeyer says

      Posted on 9/23/25 at 10:21 am

      Yay!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. And I have to agree that cold is the way to go. Those are some spoiled preschool teachers. 😉

      Reply
Older Comments

sidebar

polly and rachel

Welcome

We’re moms, cookbook authors, and freezer cooking evangelists. Our mission is to help your home thrive, one delicious meal at a time. Let’s make the most of your time in the kitchen! Read more.

Follow Us On Instagram!

freezer cooking

Order On:

Amazon • Target

Learn More

freezer to table

Order On:

Amazon • Target

Learn More

FREEZER MEALS

grilled chicken cutlets on a gas grill.

Southwest Chicken

Taco bar with all the toppings lined up

Totally Tasty Taco Bar

Tomato bisque in bowls with spoons and croutons on top.

Tomato Bisque

Chicken taco soup in a white bowl with toppings.

Chicken Taco Soup

TOP RECIPES

Boursin chicken and wild rice soup in a pot with a wooden spoon ready to serve.

Boursin Chicken and Wild Rice Soup (Gluten-Free)

Meatball subs that have been under the broiler, side by side.

Easy Meatball Subs

Rigatoni in a creamy tomato sauce ready to serve.

20-Minute Sausage Rigatoni (with Boursin Cheese)

Seasoned cooked steak sliced on a plate with steamed broccoli and a baked potato.

The Perfect Pan-Seared Steak

Popular Round-Ups

Fall potluck meal ideas including chili, casseroles, salads, dessert, and more.

25 Best Fall Potluck Dishes

20+ Inexpensive, Easy Meals for Large Groups

Collage image for freezer meals.

Easy Freezer Meals for One or Two

20+ Easy Crock Pot Recipes

freezer meal update
New to freezer cooking?

Grab Our Freezer Meal Quick Start Guide!

5 days of recipes & tips from freezer meal experts.

Loading

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

YouTube

TikTok

About
About Us
Work With Us
Press
Recipes
All Recipes
Freezer Meals
Menu Plans
Shop
Cookbooks
1 Hour Prep Sessions
Gift Guides
Explore
Free Resources
Shop Our Favorites
Facebook Group
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Disclaimers
Contact
© 2025 Thriving Home
Site Credits
Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top
721 shares

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.