The Best Pumpkin Dump Cake (made without a cake mix!)

This cake mix free easy Pumpkin Dump Cake combines a soft pumpkin custard bottom with a delicious buttery topping to create a totally moreish dessert!

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I’ve never really been a huge fan of pumpkin pie. But other pumpkin desserts? Well, that’s another story!

And this Pumpkin Dump Cake, sometimes also called Pumpkin Crunch Cake, is one of my all-time favorite pumpkin recipes.

What Makes This Recipe Special

• It doesn’t use a cake mix. Most pumpkin dump cake recipes call for a yellow or spice cake mix. My recipe replaces the cake mix with just four simple ingredients, making it cheaper and healthier!
• It’s budget-friendly. This dessert is made with simple inexpensive ingredients making it a great budget recipe!
• It’s quick and easy to mix up. You only need 10 minutes of prep time to get this ready to pop into the oven. 
• It’s delicious! The combination of the pumpkin custard with the crunchy, buttery topping is just so tasty!

Ingredients Needed For Pumpkin Dump Cake

• Pure Pumpkin Puree. You can make your own pumpkin puree or use store-bought. In fact, pureed cooked butternut squash will work too! Just make sure to not use pumpkin pie filling!
• Evaporated Milk. Half and half or whipping cream can be used instead if preferred
• Eggs.
• Sugar.
• Salt.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice.
• Flour. I use all-purpose flour.
• Baking Powder.
• Butter. Salted or unsalted butter will work fine.

How to Make the Best Dump Pumpkin Cake Recipe

STEP 1: Whisk together the cake ingredients.

STEP 2: Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish.

STEP 3: In the same bowl, combine all of the topping ingredients except the butter.

STEP 4: Sprinkle the topping on in an even layer. Then drizzle the melted butter on top.

STEP 5: Bake for 45 to 60 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool completely before serving.

Expert Tips and FAQs

Add Nuts. If desired, add up to 1 cup of chopped pecans on top of the cake layer before drizzling the butter.

Serving Ideas. While this dump cake is delicious by itself, you can top it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Boxed Cake Mix. You can use a storebought yellow cake mix in place of the cake topping dry ingredients if you prefer.

More Easy Dessert Recipes You’ll Love

Easy Apple Dumpling Dessert
Simple Apple Dump Cake from scratch – fresh apples, no cake mix!
No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Best Ever Chocolate Cake (no eggs, no butter, no milk)
Quick and Easy Caramel Icing

Print Recipe

4.76 from 45 votes

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

This cake mix free easy Pumpkin Crunch Cake combines a soft pumpkin custard bottom with a delightfully delicious crunchy topping to create a totally addictive dessert!

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time1 hr

Total Time1 hr 10 mins

Servings: 24 pieces

Author: Lydia @ ThriftyFrugalMom.com

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• 15 oz. can pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
• 12 oz. can evaporated milk
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

TOPPING

• 2 1/3 cup flour
• 1 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp. baking powder
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions

• Combine first 6 ingredients. (I like to use a whisk.)
• Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
• In same bowl that you used before, combine the topping ingredients, minus the butter.
• Sprinkle topping evenly on top of batter and then drizzle the melted butter over top of everything.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 60 min. Cake should look set and top should be golden brown. Cool completely.

Notes

If you prefer to use a store bought cake mix for the topping, just ignore all the Topping ingredients (except the butter!) and instead replace them with a yellow cake mix.  Then drizzle with the butter as instructed

This dessert is delicious as is, but you can also serve it with whipped cream or with ice cream.