Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake is the dessert hero we all need, especially when time is short but the craving for something warm and spiced is strong. Imagine this: you’re hosting a last-minute gathering, or you simply need a sweet treat to cap off a busy day.
This is where this magical recipe comes in. Furthermore, it requires no fancy equipment, no creaming of butter, and absolutely no stress. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug from your oven. So, let’s dive into this incredibly simple, yet utterly delicious, autumn classic.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS ONE-PAN PUMPKIN DUMP CAKE RECIPE
You will absolutely adore this recipe for so many reasons.
- First, it’s incredibly simple to make. In fact, you literally “dump” the ingredients into a pan.
- Secondly, it uses minimal dishes, meaning cleanup is a dream. This cake is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a creamy, spiced pumpkin base and a delightfully crisp, buttery topping.
- Ultimately, it delivers the cozy flavors of a pumpkin pie with the easy-going nature of a crumble. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy and effortless Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake with layers of spiced pumpkin, cake mix, and butter the perfect fall dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 box yellow or spice cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 3/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- 2. In the baking dish, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and spices until smooth.
- 3. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture — do not stir.
- 4. Top evenly with chopped pecans if using.
- 5. Drizzle melted butter over the top of the dry mix as evenly as possible.
- 6. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- 7. Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or chilled with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
- You can use a spice cake mix for a stronger fall flavor or a yellow cake mix for a milder taste.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- This dessert tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pumpkin dump cake, one-pan dessert, fall baking
HOW TO MAKE EASY ONE-PAN PUMPKIN DUMP CAKE
The process for this Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake is wonderfully straightforward. Essentially, we create a luscious pumpkin pie-like layer on the bottom and then top it with a crispy, golden cake mix crust. The magic happens in the oven where the two layers meld together perfectly.
INGREDIENTS:
For the Pumpkin Layer:
- 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 box (approx. 15.25 oz) yellow or spice cake mix
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
STEP 1: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. You do not need to grease it.
STEP 2: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisk everything together until it is completely smooth and well-combined.
STEP 3: Next, carefully pour this pumpkin mixture directly into your ungreased baking dish. Spread it into an even layer with a spatula.
STEP 4: Now, sprinkle the entire box of dry cake mix evenly over the top of the pumpkin layer. Do not stir it in.
STEP 5: After that, drizzle the melted butter all over the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the dry mix as possible. This will create those delicious, buttery crumbles.
STEP 6: If you are using them, sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the top.
STEP 7: Finally, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The top should be a deep golden brown, and the edges should be bubbly.
STEP 8: Let the dump cake cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. It is wonderful warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
IS A NUTRITION HERO
Pumpkin is a genuine nutrition hero. It is packed with vital vitamins and minerals. Specifically, it is an excellent source of Vitamin A, which is crucial for vision and immune health. Additionally, it provides a good amount of Vitamin C and fiber.
GREAT FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
This dessert can be a smarter choice for weight management when enjoyed in moderation. Pumpkin is high in fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied. Consequently, a small portion of this rich, flavorful cake can curb your sweet tooth without derailing your goals.
HOW TO CHOOSE AND STORE ONE-PAN PUMPKIN DUMP CAKE
For the best flavor, always choose 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which has added sugars and spices. Store unopened cans in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, transfer any leftover puree to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to a week.
EASY AND TASTY LOW-CAL ONE-PAN PUMPKIN DUMP CAKE RECIPES
If you’re looking for other easy, healthier options, consider a savory pumpkin soup or a pumpkin smoothie. These recipes leverage pumpkin’s natural creaminess without the added sugar, making them perfect for any time of day.
SWEET ONE-PAN PUMPKIN DUMP CAKE TREATS THE HEALTHY WAY
You can absolutely enjoy sweet treats in a healthier way. For instance, you can reduce the sugar in the pumpkin layer by 1/4 cup without sacrificing much flavor. Alternatively, using a sugar-free cake mix is another great option for a lighter version.
DON’T FORGET THE SEEDS!
When carving pumpkins, don’t toss the seeds! Pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, are a delicious and nutritious snack. Simply rinse them, toss with a little oil and salt, and roast them in a single layer on a baking sheet at 300°F for about 45 minutes, or until golden and crunchy.
HOW TO SERVE ONE-PAN PUMPKIN DUMP CAKE
This Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm from the oven for the ultimate comfort food experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a non-negotiable pairing for many, as the cold creaminess perfectly complements the warm spiced cake. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream is a classic and delightful topping.
HOW TO STORE ONE-PAN PUMPKIN DUMP CAKE
Store any leftover dump cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days. You can enjoy it cold, at room temperature, or reheated gently in the microwave or a warm oven.
TIPS TO MAKE ONE-PAN PUMPKIN DUMP CAKE
To ensure your dump cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- First, do not mix the cake mix into the pumpkin layer. The distinct layers are key to the dessert’s texture.
- Secondly, make sure your butter is evenly drizzled to avoid any dry pockets of cake mix.
- Finally, let it rest before serving; this allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
TIPS AND NOTES: YOUR KITCHEN COMPANION
DETAILS
This recipe is very forgiving. If you notice the top is browning too quickly, simply tent it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
VARIATION
For a delightful twist, try using a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake. It amplifies the warm, autumnal flavors beautifully. You can also add a cup of white chocolate chips or shredded coconut to the topping along with the nuts.
NOTES
If you only have salted butter, that’s fine. Just omit the 1/2 teaspoon of salt from the pumpkin layer. Gluten-free cake mixes work wonderfully in this recipe for a gluten-free version.
ONE-PAN PUMPKIN DUMP CAKE FAQS
How to make pumpkin dump cake (3 ingredients)?
A true 3-ingredient dump cake typically uses a can of pumpkin pie filling, a box of cake mix, and butter. The pie filling already has the spices and sugar, so you just layer it, top with the dry mix, and drizzle with butter. Our recipe from scratch offers a fresher, more customizable flavor.
How to make betty crocker pumpkin dump cake?
Using a Betty Crocker cake mix works perfectly! Simply follow the recipe as written, using your Betty Crocker yellow or spice cake mix in place of any other brand. The results will be equally delicious.
How to make pumpkin dump cake without cake mix?
You can make a from-scratch topping by combining 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Cut in 1/2 cup of cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then sprinkle it over the pumpkin layer and bake as directed.
FINAL THOUGHTS LET’S MAKE
This Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a promise of simplicity and comfort. It proves that you don’t need to be a professional baker to create a dessert that wows. So, gather your simple ingredients, and let’s make a memory that’s as sweet as it is easy. Happy baking!