Forget Pie — Pumpkin Dump Cake Will Be Your New Favorite Fall Dessert

There's no rule that you can't enjoy pumpkin during other seasons, but it certainly hits the spot a little harder during fall. From pumpkin pies to pumpkin bread, fall desserts offer some of the most comforting flavors. While a classic pumpkin pie may be a staple during the season, there's more you can do with a can of pumpkin puree than you may realize. If you're looking for a different autumn dessert, a pumpkin dump cake is the sweet treat you need to try. 

If you're unfamiliar with dump cake, it's a relatively simple recipe that even beginners can follow. This dessert involves dumping canned fruit or pie filling, boxed cake mix, and butter to a pan and baking. It's a great recipe for those looking to try a low-effort dessert that still tastes delicious — but giving it a pumpkin twist is even better. To make this, just mix a can of pumpkin puree with evaporated milk to thin it into a fruit filling consistency, then stir in three eggs, plus some sugar, pumpkin pie seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Add this mixture to a baking pan and top it with a box of pumpkin or spice cake mix and a stick of melted butter before popping it in the oven. The result will be an easy dessert that screams fall. 

While the pumpkin dump cake is tasty on its own, there are plenty of ways to get creative with this recipe. Pumpkin or spice cake mix is used to get you the full fall flavor, but you could also switch it up by using yellow, chocolate, or vanilla for more variety. For even richer flavor, try browning your butter on the stove first. This will add a nice toasted, caramel taste to your dump cake. From there, you can really lean into the autumnal taste and add pumpkin spice baking chips on top. For a bit of crunchy texture, sprinkle nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top before baking. You could even upgrade your dump cake with a cream cheese layer for a smooth, creamy element. Its mild tang will also cut through the sweetness of the dump cake.

Once your cake begins baking in the oven, the pumpkin layer will still have a custardy texture, so the toothpick test isn't an accurate way to tell if it's done. Instead, wait for the top layer to turn golden brown to tell when it's finished baking. When it's ready to enjoy, top it off with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for a week or so and heat up a slice when you're ready to serve. This pumpkin dump cake deserves to be added to your fall dessert rotation.