Some recipes might have a funky name (think Swamp Potatoes, Better Than Tom Selleck Cake, or the ever-popular Dump Cake). Despite these curious names, these dishes and desserts are often the most delicious ones on the table and the kooky recipe titles make sure they’re extra memorable.
When I was scrolling TikTok lately, I ran across a new-to-me recipe with a curious name: Pumpkin Junk. After watching the video, I realized the creator, @justdoingme99, was sharing the name her family prefers for the fan-favorite Pumpkin Dump Cake.
There are many versions of Pumpkin Dump Cake out there, but I hadn’t given the recipe a try. After watching the Pumpkin Junk video and being reminded how easy the dessert is to put together, I decided now was the time to put this treat to the test. Based on the more than 8 million views the video has racked up, I suspect I’m not the only person making this fall sweet. Here’s what happened when I tried it in my kitchen.
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What Is Pumpkin Dump Cake?
Pumpkin Dump Cake is a viral fall dessert that’s been making the rounds on social media for years, thanks to its simplicity and irresistible flavor. The name comes from the method because you literally “dump” everything into a pan and bake it. It’s part pumpkin pie, part cake and part cobbler, with a custardy bottom and a buttery, crumbly top.
There are endless variations online. Some people swear by yellow cake mix, while others love spice cake for extra warmth. Some add chopped pecans or walnuts on top, others drizzle caramel sauce before serving, and a few sprinkle chocolate chips over the cake mix for a twist.
I couldn’t resist testing both the yellow cake and spice cake versions, and I’m so glad I did.
Related: Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Simple, Comforting Cookies Are a Must-Bake For Fall
Ingredients Needed for Pumpkin Dump Cake
To make this cake, you need a can of pumpkin purée, three eggs, a can of evaporated milk, sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cake mix (yellow or spice) and two sticks of unsalted butter, melted.
That’s it. You don’t even need a mixing bowl if you use a disposable aluminum pan, which makes cleanup a breeze.
Related: The Halloween Way To Make Boxed Cake Mix 10x Better
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♬ original sound – – Day in the life w/ K 🤍
How To Make Pumpkin Dump Cake
First, mix the pumpkin purée, eggs, both sugars, evaporated milk and pumpkin pie spice directly in your pan until smooth. Next, sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top, but don’t mix it in. The key to a dump cake’s texture is letting the cake mix sit on top of the pumpkin filling. It will feel wrong, but trust the process.
Most recipes call for one type of cake mix, but because I was curious about yellow cake mix vs. spice cake mix, I did a version that was half and half.
Next, pour the melted butter evenly over the top. It might look soupy at first, but that’s totally normal. It’ll bake up golden and buttery.
Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes. If you’re using a gluten-free cake mix like I did, bake for around an hour to ensure the center sets properly. If you’re using a standard cake mix, follow the baking time on the box.
Related: No Eggs, No Problem! You Can Make a Boxed Cake Without Them—Here’s How
My Honest Review
This cake might not win any beauty contests because it’s a little tricky to cut and scoop, and it tends to fall apart on the way to your plate, but what it lacks in looks it makes up for in taste. The texture is almost custard-like once cooled. It’s creamy and rich underneath with a crisp, buttery topping.
My kids absolutely loved it, and I have to agree that it’s one of the easiest, most crowd-pleasing fall desserts I’ve made.
The Yellow Cake Mix Version
This was the clear winner for me. The flavor was balanced and buttery, letting the pumpkin and spice shine without being overpowering. It tasted like a perfect mix of pumpkin pie and yellow cake.
The Spice Cake Mix Version
While the idea of extra spice sounded great, it ended up being a little too much. If you go this route, I’d suggest cutting back the pumpkin pie spice in the filling to let the flavors blend better. It was still delicious, but it was a bit more intense than I’d prefer.
Related: I Tried 19 Chocolate Cake Mixes and I Didn’t See the Winner Coming
Recipe Variations and My Top Tips
Courtesy Angel Albring
There are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own. You can sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before baking, or top with crushed graham crackers or granola after it’s baked.
Drizzle with caramel or top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to add a fun finishing touch.
Whatever you choose, be sure to use real pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, because pie filling already has sugar and spice added.
Pour the butter evenly so every bite gets some of that rich, golden topping, and let it cool completely before serving for that ideal custard-like texture.
Whether you call it a Pumpkin Dump Cake or a Pumpkin Junk, one thing’s for sure: this pumpkin dessert is pure fall comfort in every bite!
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