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.
Unlike a traditional cake, all of the ingredients are “dumped” together without having to mix in a certain order or steps.
The major difference is that most dump cakes use a cake mix while a cobbler is topped with a mixture that is more doughy, similar to pie crusts or biscuits.
Store leftover pumpkin dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let it cool completely and wrap it in a layer of plastic wrap then foil. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
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
Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake
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
jessica lynn
Get. In. My. BELLY! This looks delicious and I love that it has a crunchy topping. I think that’s why I don’t like pumpkin pie; I need some more texture along with it.
ThriftyFrugalMom
Yes, that topping is what makes this so amazing! I’m with you on not being a huge pumpkin pie fan and I was never sure why it was since I love pumpkin. But I think it’s actually for the same reason you stated!
Jessica Briggs
Yum, looks delicious!
ThriftyFrugalMom
We think it is! 🙂
Mary Leigh
This looks SO good! I’m adding it to our list of things to make this fall!
ThriftyFrugalMom
And now you make me want to see your list! 🙂 I’m always looking for more yummy fall foods.
Heather Hart
This looks so good! I love pumpkin everything!!
ThriftyFrugalMom
I’m with you….and I love that it’s that time of year again too!
Amy
Does this work with whole wheat flour? Also, have you tried chopped pecans in the topping? Thank you so much for this recipe. I have always felt the same way about boxed cake mixes.
ThriftyFrugalMom
I haven’t ever tried it with whole wheat flour, but that’s a great idea! I think I’d try it first with just half whole wheat and see what you think of that. I’m guessing it will be just fine. And I have never done chopped pecans in the topping, but I know many similar recipes do and you could easily just add them in. I’m sure it would add a great extra crunch and flavor.
If you try to the whole wheat idea, I’d love to know how it worked for you. You’re making me want to whip up a batch for dinner tonight just to give it a try. 🙂
LaTrice
Yummy!!! 🙂
ThriftyFrugalMom
We think so. 😉