Welcome, friends! Today, I have a twist on a classic dessert to share with you—my Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe. This dessert is a delightful spin on the classic pumpkin pie, offering all the cozy, warm flavors of fall without any of the fuss.

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It’s rich, pumpkin-y, with a delightful crunch from the pecans, and best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. Are you ready?

Ingredients for Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
1 (12-fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
4 eggs
1½ cups white sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon salt
1 (18.25-ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans or pecan halves
1 cup butter, melted
Vanilla ice cream or whipped topping (optional)

Instructions to Make a Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake

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Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This will ensure that our pumpkin dump cake releases easily once it’s ready to serve.

Step 2: Mix Up That Pumpkin Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.

Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well-mixed. This mixture is the luscious, creamy base of your pumpkin pie dump cake. Pour this pumpkin filling into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: The Dump and Sprinkle

Now, for the “dump” part of this easy pumpkin dump cake recipe! Open up your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the pumpkin mixture in the pan.

Use a spatula to pat down the cake mix gently, but don’t mix it in. This creates that classic pumpkin crunch cake texture on top.

Next, sprinkle the chopped pecans (or pecan halves) evenly over the cake mix layer. You can use more or less depending on your family’s tastes.

Finally, drizzle the melted butter over the entire top, ensuring that you get as much coverage as possible. If using thinly sliced pats of butter spread them out evenly over the top.

The butter will combine with the cake mix and create a beautiful, golden crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place your cake in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 80 minutes. The bake time can vary, so start checking around the 60-minute mark.

You’re looking for a lovely golden-brown color on top and a set middle. When it’s done, the edges will be firm, and the center will have a slight jiggle.

final baked pumpkin curnch cake in baking dish

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.

Once out of the oven, let the cake cool slightly before serving. This cooling time allows the pumpkin filling to set up and makes it easier to cut into those perfect slices.

Time to Serve!

When ready to serve, top each slice with extra pecans and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped topping.

final image of pumpkin dump cake recipe a la mode

The contrast of the cool, creamy ice cream with the warm, pumpkin-spiced cake is simply irresistible.

A Fun Pumpkin Dump Cake Twist: Spice It Up!

Now, let’s talk about an easy substitution that gives this pumpkin dump cake recipe a bit of a twist. If you want to change things up, try using Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix in place of the yellow cake mix.

This swap adds an extra layer of flavor, as the spice cake mix already contains delicious cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. When using the spice cake mix, you can skip the pumpkin pie spice since the cake already packs a punch of those warm autumn flavors.

This little variation transforms the cake into something closer to a pumpkin crunch cake, with a deep, spiced flavor that perfectly complements the creamy pumpkin filling.

It’s an effortless way to enhance this already fabulous recipe.

Get in the Fall Mood

This pumpkin pie dump cake is one of those easy recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again throughout the fall.

The aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through the kitchen, the warm, gooey pumpkin filling, and that buttery, crunchy topping all combine to create a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a crisp autumn day.

I’ve got even more pumpkin recipes to get you in the fall mood! From pumpkin cinnamon rolls to muffins, there’s a pumpkin treat for every occasion.

More Easy Pumpkin Recipes

Be sure to check out my other pumpkin-inspired creations for more cozy, delicious ideas.

Now, what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and get ready to enjoy a slice of autumn with this Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe. It’s bound to become a fall favorite in your home. Enjoy!