The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn, and I’m so happy to welcome you into my kitchen here on the beautiful island of Crete. Growing up, my grandmother always filled our home with the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked pumpkin during the cooler months. Even though Crete doesn’t have the same kind of fall as the U.S., she believed every season should have its own flavor and pumpkin was her favorite ingredient to celebrate it.
When I first tried making a Pumpkin Dump Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. The word “dump” in a cake name made me laugh! But once I realized how simple it was literally “dumping” the ingredients together I fell in love. It’s one of those effortless desserts that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
The blend of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and buttery cake mix creates magic in the oven. And when you spread a thick layer of sweet, tangy cream cheese frosting on top oh, it’s heavenly! This Pumpkin Dump Cake is perfect for family gatherings, cozy fall nights, or even Thanksgiving dessert tables. It’s easy, delicious, and full of homemade comfort, just the way my grandmother would’ve loved.
So, grab your mixing bowl (or maybe just your baking dish!) and let’s make this Pumpkin Dump Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting together.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Base
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and vanilla. Stir until everything is smooth and well blended. This forms your rich, spiced pumpkin base.
Step 3: Assemble the Dump Cake
Pour the pumpkin mixture into your prepared baking dish. Then, evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix right over the top of the pumpkin mixture no stirring needed!
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer. You can use a spoon to gently spread it if necessary, making sure most of the dry mix gets coated. This step creates that deliciously crispy, buttery topping when baked.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
Your kitchen will smell amazing full of pumpkin spice warmth and buttery goodness.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This part requires patience but if you frost too soon, the icing will melt!
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. If the frosting feels too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Step 7: Frost & Serve
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled Pumpkin Dump Cake. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon on top if you’d like, for a pretty finish and extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Pumpkin Dump Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is pure comfort on a plate. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and if you want to get fancy, add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.
It’s also perfect with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days — but honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!
Tips for Success
- Use real pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix the flavor difference is huge.
- Don’t mix the cake mix into the pumpkin layer; keeping the layers separate gives the cake its signature texture.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting the cream cheese layer needs a firm base.
- If you like nuts, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a nice crunch.
💌 Recipe Card
🎃 Pumpkin Dump Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
⏱ Time:
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 55 mins | Total: 1 hr 5 mins
🧂 Ingredients:
- Pumpkin puree
- Evaporated milk
- Eggs
- Sugar & spices
- Yellow cake mix
- Butter
- Cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla
📝 Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, spices, and vanilla.
- Pour into baking dish.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix on top; drizzle butter.
- Bake 50–55 mins. Cool completely.
- Beat frosting ingredients; spread over cooled cake.
💡 Notes:
- Add nuts or caramel drizzle for texture.
- Chill before serving for best flavor.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 380 | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 49g | Protein: 5g
Conclusion
Every time I make this Pumpkin Dump Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, I’m reminded of my grandmother’s kitchen full of warmth, laughter, and the comforting smell of spices. It’s one of those simple desserts that makes people smile, and it’s proof that you don’t need complicated techniques to make something special.
Cooking, to me, is about love, sharing, and creating memories. Whether you bake this for Thanksgiving, a potluck, or a cozy night in, I hope it brings that same sense of home to your table. 💛
💬 Short 100-Word Story Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, and my kitchen is where tradition meets comfort. When I discovered Pumpkin Dump Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, it instantly reminded me of my grandmother’s warm, spiced pumpkin pies. I love how simple this recipe is just mix, dump, and bake! The creamy frosting adds a sweet, tangy finish that makes every bite taste like fall. It’s the perfect dessert for busy days, family dinners, or when you just need a little cozy indulgence. Quick, easy, and comforting that’s my kind of baking!