Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert is simple to make and incredibly flavorful. The combination of sweet pumpkin, crispy pecans, and a moist cake topping creates the perfect balance of textures and tastes. It’s easy enough for any night but special enough for the holidays, and it’s made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
15 oz canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
-
12 oz evaporated milk
-
3 large eggs
-
3/4 cup sugar
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1 tsp cinnamon
-
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
-
1 box butter pecan cake mix (or yellow/spice cake mix)
-
1/2 cup melted butter
-
1/2 cup chopped pecans
-
2 tbsp brown sugar
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
-
Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin. Drizzle the melted butter on top and sprinkle with pecans and brown sugar.
-
Bake for 1 hour, or until the cake is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top is getting too brown, cover with foil and bake the remaining time.
-
Let the cake cool before serving. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 15
-
Prep Time: 20 minutes
-
Cook Time: 1 hour
-
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
-
Use any flavor of cake mix (yellow, white, or spice cake).
-
Add extra fall spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cloves.
-
Substitute nuts with other favorites like walnuts or almonds.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave before serving.
FAQs
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, use plain pumpkin puree for the right balance of sweetness and flavor.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, you can use yellow, white, or spice cake mix, depending on your preference.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate leftover dump cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
Can I freeze this dessert?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cake for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
Conclusion
Pecan Pumpkin Dump Cake is an easy and irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any fall occasion. With its simple ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s a dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing for the holidays or enjoying a cozy family meal, this cake is sure to be a hit!

Pecan Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan Pumpkin Dump Cake is a simple and indulgent dessert with layers of sweet pumpkin, crunchy pecans, and a buttery cake topping. Perfect for fall and the holidays, this easy-to-make treat is a crowd-pleaser that combines comforting flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
15 oz canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
12 oz evaporated milk
3 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 box butter pecan cake mix (or yellow/spice cake mix)
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
-
Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin.
-
Drizzle the melted butter on top and sprinkle with pecans and brown sugar.
-
Bake for 1 hour, or until the cake is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top is getting too brown, cover with foil and bake the remaining time.
-
Let the cake cool before serving. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Feel free to use any flavor of cake mix you prefer, such as yellow, white, or spice cake.
Add extra fall spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for more flavor.
You can substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or your favorite nuts.