Cozy fall dessert with crunch
This easy Pumpkin Pecan Pie Dump Cake gives you all the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie with the ease of a simple cake mix dessert. It’s literally a “dump and bake” recipe: you whisk the pumpkin filling, sprinkle on a box of yellow cake mix, add melted butter and pecans, then let the oven do the magic. The result is a sweet, moist, custardy pumpkin layer on the bottom with a golden, buttery, crunchy pecan topping on top. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, potlucks, or any chilly fall night when you want something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 60 mins
- Total: 1 hr 20 mins
- Servings: 18
Ingredients
- 1 (29 ounce) can pumpkin puree (plain, not pie filling)
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 (18.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping if you like)
Kitchen Tools
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk and rubber spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Knife & cutting board (for pecans)
- Oven mitts and cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Chop the pecans so they’re roughly even in size for a nice crunchy topping.
- Mix the pumpkin layer: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, white sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Add cake mix & topping: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture do not stir. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, then sprinkle the chopped pecans across the top, covering as much surface as possible.
- Bake & cool: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are set. The center will be soft but not liquid. Let cool to warm or room temperature so it can finish setting. Slice or scoop into bowls and serve plain or with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Pro Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best texture, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving or rewarm gently in the microwave.
- Subs: Swap pecans with walnuts or sliced almonds, or use a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for extra fall flavor. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice.
- Meal Prep: Mix the pumpkin custard in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pour it into the pan, add cake mix, butter, and pecans, and bake.
- Serving: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It pairs beautifully with hot coffee, chai, or a simple glass of cold milk.
Main Body
This Pumpkin Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that quietly steals the show at any fall gathering. It has the velvety, custardy pumpkin layer you love in pumpkin pie but with a buttery, crumbly, cake-like topping that feels extra indulgent. The pecans add just the right amount of crunch so every bite has a mix of soft, creamy, and crisp textures. Because it bakes in a 9×13 pan and serves a crowd, it’s ideal for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you want a fuss-free dessert that still tastes special and homemade.
The beauty of a dump cake is that there’s almost no technique to stress over. You don’t need to cream butter, roll out pie crust, or worry about overmixing. You simply whisk the pumpkin filling, “dump” the cake mix on top, drizzle with butter, and bake. The main mistake to avoid is stirring the dry cake mix into the pumpkin layer keeping them separate is what gives you that distinct cakey, crispy topping. Another small tip: try to drizzle the butter as evenly as possible so you don’t end up with dry patches of cake mix.
Pumpkin puree is the star here, bringing natural sweetness, moisture, and that iconic fall flavor. Combined with evaporated milk and eggs, it creates a silky custard that sets gently as it bakes. Cinnamon adds warmth and depth, and you can easily layer in more spices like ginger, cloves, or nutmeg if you love a stronger spice profile. The pecans aren’t just a garnish; they provide richness, healthy fats, and a satisfying crunch that balances the soft pumpkin layer underneath.
In terms of timing, this dessert slides easily into a busy holiday cooking schedule. You can pop it into the oven while dinner is finishing and let it bake while you relax or prep sides. By the time you’re ready for dessert, the cake will have cooled just enough to slice cleanly but will still be warm and cozy. It’s also forgiving: if it sits a bit longer, it’s just as delicious at room temperature, especially with a cold dollop of whipped cream.
If you like to plan ahead, this dump cake is a great make-ahead option. Bake it earlier in the day or even the day before, then chill it in the fridge. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish, covered with foil, in a low oven. The flavors deepen as it rests, so leftovers are often even better the next day. Save this recipe for those times you want all the fall dessert comfort with minimal effort and maximum payoff.
Variation Recipes
- Spice Cake Version: Use a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix and reduce the cinnamon to 2 teaspoons. This boosts the warm fall spices and makes the flavor even cozier without adding extra steps.
- Nut-Free Pumpkin Crunch: Skip the pecans and sprinkle the top with a mix of cake mix and rolled oats instead. You’ll still get a crunchy topping that’s safe for nut-free guests.
- Maple Whipped Cream Topping: Serve each slice with whipped cream lightly sweetened with maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon. It adds a pretty finish and a gentle maple flavor that complements the pumpkin.
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. With pantry-friendly ingredients, minimal prep, and big fall flavor, it’s the perfect recipe to save, share, and come back to all season long. Busy moms and hosts will love how easy it is to throw together, and your family will ask for it again and again. Pin it now so you’re ready for your next cozy get-together.
Nutrition (Estimated)
| Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 piece (1/18 recipe) | 333 | 5g | 40g | 18g | 2g | 28g |
Disclaimer: Estimates are approximate and will vary based on specific brands and measurements used.