There’s something truly magical about a pumpkin dump cake recipe– it captures the feeling of autumn in one warm, gooey bite. The first time I tasted it at a family gathering, the aroma from the oven gave me that cozy fall vibe. And when I took the first bite, I knew this dessert would become a forever favorite. It’s simple, comforting, and doesn’t need any fancy skills– just basic pantry staples and a little layering magic.
Start with a thick layer of pumpkin puree in your baking pan, mixed with eggs, sugar, and spices to boost the flavor. Then comes the fun part- sprinkling cake mix (I love yellow or spice) over the top. Don’t stir it! That’s the secret behind those delicious layers. The mix bakes into its place, making every bite rich and flavorful.
Now for the best part: pour melted butter all over the cake mix. It sinks in and forms a golden, crisp crust, while the bottom stays soft and creamy. Pop it into a preheated oven, and in just under an hour, your kitchen will be filled with the smell of fall and the taste of pure comfort.
Serve this beauty warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply craving something cozy, this layered dessert never disappoints. It’s not just about flavor- it’s about the memories you bake into each slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is that it uses pantry staples. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Pumpkin puree | 1 can (15 oz) | Not pumpkin pie filling |
| Evaporated milk | 1 can (12 oz) | Adds creaminess |
| Eggs | 3 large | Helps bind the filling |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | You can reduce to ¾ cup for less sweetness |
| Pumpkin pie spice | 1 tbsp | Or mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves |
| Yellow cake mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) | Spice cake mix also works well |
| Salted butter | ¾ cup (melted) | Creates that golden, crispy top |
| Chopped pecans | ½ cup (optional) | For added crunch |
Pro Tip: You can replace sugar with coconut sugar or date sugar if you want a healthier twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This cake is called a “dump” cake because you just dump everything into the pan. But there’s a little layering involved to get the best results.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Base
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
Step 3: Add the Cake Layer
- Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the pumpkin filling. Do not stir!
- Top with melted butter, pouring it as evenly as possible.
- If using pecans, scatter them on top.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 50–60 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
UAE Keyword Tip: If you’re searching in the UAE, use terms like “easy pumpkin cake UAE”, “no-mix pumpkin cake Dubai”, or “fall desserts Abu Dhabi” to find similar recipes online.
Tips for Best Results
Make your cake fail-proof with these baking insights:
- Don’t stir the cake mix – let it form that lovely top crust.
- Use cold pumpkin puree for a thicker base.
- Spice cake mix works wonders with extra flavor.
- Want a crunchy top? Add pecans or walnuts.
- Use full-fat evaporated milk for the creamiest texture.
- For more aroma, add a dash of cardamom, popular in Middle Eastern kitchens.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving so the layers set.
Real Example: Mariam, a home baker in Dubai, adds a pinch of saffron for a unique Emirati touch- and her kids love it!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your pumpkin dump cake with a twist:
- Vanilla ice cream – for a hot-and-cold combo
- Whipped cream – simple and light
- Drizzle of caramel sauce – adds a rich sweetness
- Dust of cinnamon sugar – extra autumn vibe
- Date syrup – for a local UAE flavor
| Topping | Best For |
| Vanilla Ice Cream | Classic comfort |
| Caramel Sauce | Richer, deeper sweetness |
| Crushed Nuts | Crunch and texture |
| Rose Water Cream | Middle Eastern twist |
| Whipped Cream | Light finish |
Storage and Make-Ahead Info
Make it ahead and keep it fresh:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Microwave individual slices or warm in the oven at 150°C for 10 mins.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can mix the pumpkin filling a day before and store it in the fridge. Just dump and bake when needed.
Printable Recipe Card
Pumpkin Dump Cake (Quick & Easy)
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Mix pumpkin, eggs, sugar, milk, and spices |
| 2 | Pour into a greased dish |
| 3 | Sprinkle cake mix on top |
| 4 | Drizzle melted butter over the mix |
| 5 | Bake at 175°C for 55 minutes |
| 6 | Serve with toppings like ice cream |
More Cozy Fall Desserts
Explore these reader favorites:
- Apple Crumble with Oats
- Easy Pecan Pie Bars
- Spiced Date Cake with Honey
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
- Classic Pumpkin Pie UAE Version
Case Study: Why the Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe Works
Fatima’s Kitchen, a food blog based in Sharjah, ran a poll asking: “What’s your go-to fall dessert?” Out of 500 respondents:
| Dessert Type | % of Votes |
| Pumpkin Dump Cake | 45% |
| Apple Crisp | 30% |
| Carrot Cake | 15% |
| Others | 10% |
Result: The dump cake was the winner due to its simplicity, affordability, and quick prep time.
Final Thoughts
The pumpkin dump cake recipe stands out not only for its ease but also for its warm, nostalgic flavor. It’s a dessert that embraces the spirit of fall, combining creamy pumpkin filling with a golden, buttery cake topping. This cake requires no special tools, no complex steps, and yet offers a truly comforting experience in every bite.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe fits into any schedule. In the UAE, where life moves fast and ovens are often reserved for bigger occasions, this cake becomes a convenient way to bring a seasonal favorite to the table without stress.
Its adaptability makes it ideal for diverse households. From switching to gluten-free mixes to incorporating regional ingredients like cardamom or date syrup, it allows you to make it your own. You can even serve it hot with ice cream, or enjoy it cold with karak chai– it’s delicious both ways.
What also makes this recipe shine is its family-friendliness. Kids can help sprinkle the cake mix or pour the butter. That creates not just a dessert, but a memory. Food is emotional, and this cake brings that comforting, homely feel we all crave during the cooler months.
In today’s fast-paced world, a dessert that’s reliable, delicious, and flexible is a keeper. The pumpkin dump cake recipe delivers every time- warm, golden, flavorful, and simple.
FAQs
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which can throw off the balance. Always use pure pumpkin puree to control sweetness and flavor.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can bake it the day before and store it in the fridge. Just reheat in the oven at 150°C for 10–15 minutes to enjoy it warm again.
What type of cake mix works best?
Yellow cake mix is classic, but spice cake mix adds more autumn flavor. You can even try vanilla or butter cake mix for a different taste profile.
Can I freeze the Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe?
Yes, it freezes well for up to one month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Is this recipe good for kids to help with?
Absolutely! It’s a great way to get kids involved in baking– from mixing the pumpkin base to sprinkling the cake mix. It’s simple, fun, and a great bonding activity.
