Easy 5 Ingredient Salted Caramel Pumpkin Dump Cake

Welcome autumn with a dessert that fills your kitchen with the fragrance of sweet spices and caramelized sugars. This effortless cake represents the peak of fall baking, marrying rustic simplicity with an upscale flavor profile that feels deeply indulgent. 🍂

Our signature twist incorporates a lavish drizzle of sea salt-flecked caramel that bubbles up through a golden, buttery crust as it bakes. This creates a gorgeous contrast of textures, from the velvety custard-like bottom to the crispy, nut-studded topping. 🍯

Whether you are hosting a festive gathering or simply seeking a comforting treat for a quiet evening, this simple dessert is guaranteed to delight. Prepare to watch this effortless masterpiece become your new favorite seasonal tradition. 🍁🍰

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 cup unsalted butter, thinly sliced into pats
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup premium salted caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling

Shopping List

• Canned Goods: 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree, 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• Baking & Pantry: 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup premium salted caramel sauce
• Dairy & Eggs: 3 large eggs, 1 cup unsalted butter
• Produce & Nuts: 1 cup chopped pecans

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Can opener
• Whisk
• Medium mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Silicone spatula

Helpful Tips

• Achieving the Perfect Golden Crust: To avoid dry pockets of cake mix, slice the butter as thinly and evenly as possible to cover the entire surface, or melt the butter completely and drizzle it uniformly over the dry mixture.
• Nut-Free Crunch Alternatives: If pecans are not an option, replace them with crushed toffee bits or rolled oats tossed in a bit of brown sugar to maintain that signature crispy texture.
• Elevate the Caramel Profile: Use a high-quality sea salt caramel with a touch of fleur de sel to cut through the sweetness of the pumpkin and cake base beautifully.
• Gluten-Free Customization: You can effortlessly adapt this recipe by swapping the standard yellow cake mix for your favorite gluten-free alternative without changing any other steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
3. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
4. Drizzle 1/2 cup of salted caramel sauce evenly over the top of the pumpkin layer.
5. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the liquid layers, making sure to cover all the wet spots.
6. Scatter the chopped pecans evenly over the cake mix layer.
7. Arrange the thin slices of butter in a single layer over the pecans and cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible to ensure a golden, crispy crust.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the center is set. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Present this decadent dessert warm from the oven alongside a generous scoop of artisanal vanilla bean gelato or a cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream. A final, elegant drizzle of warm caramel and a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt will elevate the presentation beautifully. For storage, place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, then gently reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore its gooey, fresh-baked texture.

We hope this beautiful, caramelized pumpkin dessert brings joy and wonderful flavors to your table this season. Please leave a rating and share your thoughts in the comments below—we adore hearing about your baking adventures!