Here’s a full recipe for a delicious and easy-to-make Pumpkin Oatmeal Dump Cake — a cozy fall-inspired dessert that’s incredibly simple to throw together. No mixing bowls needed — just dump, layer, and bake!
🎃 Pumpkin Oatmeal Dump Cake
🍽️ Servings: 12
⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
🥄 Skill Level: Super Easy
📝 Ingredients
Pumpkin Base:
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1 can (15 oz) 100% pure pumpkin
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1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
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3 large eggs
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice (or use cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but adds depth)
Cake Layer:
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1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (can substitute spice cake mix for more flavor)
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1 cup old-fashioned oats (or quick oats if preferred)
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½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional but adds great crunch)
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¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings:
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Whipped cream or Cool Whip
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Vanilla ice cream
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Caramel drizzle
🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Lightly grease or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Mix Pumpkin Filling
In the baking dish (or a mixing bowl if preferred), combine:
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1 can pumpkin
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1 can evaporated milk
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3 eggs
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Granulated sugar and brown sugar
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Pumpkin pie spice
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Salt
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Vanilla extract
👉 Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. If mixing in the dish, be careful not to spill over the sides.
Step 3: Add the Cake Layer
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Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the pumpkin mixture. Do not mix in.
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Sprinkle oats and nuts evenly over the cake mix layer.
Step 4: Add Butter
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Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire top of the dry mixture, covering as much as possible.
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You can tilt the pan slightly to help the butter spread, or use a spoon to drizzle it all over.
Step 5: Bake
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Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
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A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean (a little gooey is fine due to the pumpkin).
Step 6: Cool and Serve
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Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes before serving. This helps it set up.
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Serve warm or chilled — both are delicious!
🍨 Serving Suggestions:
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Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce
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Cold with a dollop of whipped cream
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Sprinkle extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top for added flavor
🔄 Variations & Tips
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Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and certified GF oats.
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Use spice cake mix: Skip the pumpkin pie spice for a shortcut.
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Add texture: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers, toffee bits, or coconut flakes on top.
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Want less sweetness? Reduce sugar in the pumpkin mix by ¼ cup.