Pumpkin Dump Cake with Pecans (Printable Version)

Spiced pumpkin layered under yellow cake mix, drizzled with butter and topped with pecans for a cozy autumn dessert.

# What You Need:

→ Pumpkin Layer

01 - 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
02 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
03 - 3 large eggs
04 - 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Cake and Topping

07 - 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
08 - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, granulated sugar, and salt until smooth and fully unified.
03 - Pour the blended pumpkin mixture into the prepared pan and spread to create a level layer.
04 - Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix across the surface of the pumpkin layer. Do not stir.
05 - Carefully drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring an even distribution over the surface.
06 - Scatter chopped pecans uniformly over the top, if desired.
07 - Bake on the center rack for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top develops a golden brown color and the center feels set. Allow the dessert to set as it cools.
08 - Let cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm or chilled, optionally garnished with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • The crunchy, buttery topping feels like a chef's secret shortcut.
  • It saved more than one gathering when I needed a dessert that impressed with almost no effort.
02 -
  • If the cake mix stays too dry in spots, those patches don’t soften up—drizzle slowly to avoid floury bites.
  • I learned swapping the cake mix for spice cake triggered a deeper, richer aroma that guests noticed instantly.
03 -
  • Avoid aluminum pans if you want a tender bottom; glass or ceramic means no metallic taste.
  • The real trick: use butter that’s just melted, not boiling hot, so it doesn’t steam the topping away.

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