Pumpkin Dump Cake

If you’re looking for an easy fall dessert that requires minimal preparation, this 4-Ingredient Pumpkin Dump Cake is a perfect choice. Made with canned pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, spice cake mix, and melted butter, this simple pumpkin dessert creates a creamy, warmly spiced filling beneath a golden, buttery topping.

With just four ingredients and a few easy steps, this pumpkin dump cake recipe is ideal for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy weekend dessert. Serve it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Dump Cake

• Only 4 ingredients: Simple pantry-friendly ingredients make this dessert incredibly easy.
• Quick preparation: There’s no complicated mixing or decorating required.
• Perfect fall flavor: Pumpkin and warm spice cake create a classic autumn combination.
• Great for gatherings: A 9×13-inch pan makes about 10 servings.
• Easy to customize: Add pumpkin pie spice, pecans, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.
• Minimal cleanup: Everything can be assembled in one baking dish.

Ingredients

• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (15.25-ounce) box spice cake mix
• 1 cup butter, melted

How to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake

1. Prepare the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.

2. Make the pumpkin layer

Add the pumpkin puree and sweetened condensed milk to a bowl or directly into the prepared baking dish. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

3. Add the cake mix

Spread the pumpkin mixture into an even layer. Sprinkle the dry spice cake mix evenly over the entire surface.

4. Add the butter

Drizzle the melted butter slowly over the cake mix, making sure to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible. This helps create the golden, buttery topping.

5. Bake

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center has only a slight jiggle.

6. Let it rest

Allow the pumpkin dump cake to cool for about 30 minutes before slicing. This gives the pumpkin layer time to set and makes serving easier.

Pumpkin Dump Cake Tips

Cover the cake mix with butter: Try to distribute the melted butter evenly. Any large areas of uncovered cake mix may remain dry after baking.

Let it cool before serving: Although this dessert smells amazing straight from the oven, allowing it to rest helps the layers firm up.

Add extra pumpkin spice: For a stronger fall flavor, mix 1–2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice into the dry cake mix before adding it to the pumpkin layer.

Try yellow cake mix: Spice cake mix gives the dessert its warm autumn flavor, but yellow cake mix can also be used.

Add some crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top before baking for a buttery pumpkin-pecan variation.

How to Serve Pumpkin Dump Cake

Serve this easy pumpkin dessert slightly warm with:

• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream
• Caramel sauce
• A sprinkle of cinnamon
• Chopped toasted pecans

It also pairs wonderfully with coffee, chai, or a cold glass of milk.

Benefits of This Easy Pumpkin Dessert

Pumpkin puree provides fiber and naturally contains nutrients such as beta-carotene, while using canned pumpkin makes this recipe convenient and consistent. The biggest practical benefit is simplicity: this easy pumpkin dump cake uses just four main ingredients and requires very little preparation.

Keep in mind that this is still a dessert, particularly because it contains sweetened condensed milk, cake mix, and butter, so it is best enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Storage

Cover leftover pumpkin dump cake and refrigerate it. Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or enjoy them chilled. For the best texture, use leftovers within a few days.