Pumpkin Dump Cake

If you are a lover of dump cakes you have to try out this pumpkin dump cake. It is a carrot cake base paired with pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and more. The perfect pumpkin mixture that is easy prep and bakes up beautifully. Hands down, my favorite dump cake recipes for the fall season.

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This easy pumpkin dump cake recipe is great for a simple dessert to dish up after dinner or even to serve a crowd at the holidays. A pumpkin cake that pairs with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, whipped cream, or eat alone. An easy fall dessert you will want to make over and over again.

Now, if you are a pumpkin spice lover, I have some more pumpkin recipes you might want to try out. Try out these pumpkin whoopie pies. They are so decadent. Pumpkin truffles or even my pumpkin swirl cheesecake bars.

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this pumpkin pie dump cake recipe

Pumpkin Dessert
Easy Recipe
Easy Dump Cake Recipe
Boxed Cake Mix Used
Pumpkin Fans Go Nuts
Budget Friendly

Ingredients for Pumpkin Dump Cake

Apple pie filling, spice cake mix, caramel nibs, cinnamon, chopped walnuts, and butter on a counter.

Pumpkin Puree – Make sure you are using real pumpkin puree. Don’t mistake it for pumpkin pie mix.
Pumpkin Pie Spice – Pumpkin fans love pumpkin pie spice. It is going to really give you that pumpkin flavor you want.
Cream Cheese Frosting – This is where the dump cake goes from tasty to decadent!
Walnuts – These are optional but add a nice texture to the cake.
Carrot Cake Mix – Buy cake mix at the store to use for this recipe. Any brand works.
Butter – Real butter is needed, no margarine.

Substitutions and Tips For Success

Swap the carrot cake with a yellow cake mix, spice cake mix, white cake mix, etc.
Serve this up at Thanksgiving dinner with a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.
Let the cake cool as it will help it to set up properly. The pumpkin pie filling is like a pumpkin pie at the bottom of the cake.
Use pure pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie mix in a can. They are not the same thing.
Sprinkle toffee bits in with the walnuts for a rich flavor to the cake. It would easily become a pumpkin crunch cake.
If you are a fan of pecans, use that instead.
Store cake in an airtight container or it will dry out the cake.
The cream cheese frosting helps to give this a pumpkin cheesecake flavor.

How To Make Pumpkin Dump Cake

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Collage of creating a pumpkin dump cake.

Step One: Preheat the oven as directed. Then, prep your 13X9 baking dish with cooking spray.

Step Two: Put the pumpkin puree in the bottom of the pan and spread evenly. (Photo 1)

Step Three: Next, sprinkle pumpkin spice seasoning over the puree. Microwave the cream cheese frosting to thin it up a bit. (Photo 2)

Step Four: Pour the frosting over the pumpkin, creating an even layer. (Photo 3)

Step Five: Next, add walnuts and the cake mix. Spread both evenly. (Photos 4 & 5)

Collage of assembling a pumpkin dump cake.

Step Six: Thinly slice the butter and place over the top of the cake. (Photo 6)

Step Seven: Bake as directed and then allow the dish to cool before slicing and serving. (Photos 7 & 8)

Pumpkin dump cake on a white plate with a fork on the sides.

Storing Leftover Cake

Refrigerate – Any cake that is left needs to be refrigerated. You will find the cake spoils if left out at room temperature. Just place your cake in a covered dish and refrigerate for 3-5 days.

Freezing – If you want, you can freeze any leftover pumpkin pie cake. Simply freeze in a proper container for 2-3 months. Then thaw the cake in the fridge overnight before you plan to eat it.

Recipe FAQs

Why do you slice the butter thinly and place on top of the cake mix?

As the butter melts, it will help take the dry cake mix and transform it into a traditional cake. This pumpkin version dump cake is so simple to make, and the butter helps to create a light cake.

Is this like a traditional cakes?

Dump cakes are more like a cobbler style. The canned pumpkin gives this cake almost a soft pumpkin pie texture. Then you have the top layer, which is more cake-like. It is a very delicious recipe that makes for a great recipe.

Need more fall recipes? Try these:

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5 from 11 votes