Sweet Potato Dump Cake

Mashed sweet potatoes are enhanced with a box of cake mix to create this easy Thanksgiving dessert called Sweet Potato Dump Cake.

Sweet Potato Dump Cake Recipe

A trending recipe with classic fall flavors this Sweet Potato Dump Cake has layers of potatoes with a sweet and crunchy cake topping that is irresistible.

Another one of those super easy recipes that became popular on Titktok, this cake from a box mix lives up to the hype. After making these amazing Cinnamon Rolls with Heavy Cream we’ll try any kitchen hack that people are sharing.

The box of cake mix is the main difference in this recipe and our popular Sweet Potato Soufflé. If you add a layer of chopped pecans it will taste more like our Candied Sweet Potato Casserole.

Tastes so similar to pumpkin pie when pumpkin pie spice. Or give it a different twist by using apple pie spice. The choice is all yours and both options are true winners.

This dessert looks like a Sweet Potato Pie when made in round cake pans or more like a traditional cake in a 9 x 13″ pan.

If you share this cake our Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake or our Pumpkin Pie Cake at the holiday table I believe people will ask for the recipe!

Why This Sweet Potato Pie Dump Cake Recipe Works

• A crunchy brown topping with butter baked into a cake mix on top of a sweet potato dump cake is delightful.
• Tastes wonderful served warm with whipped cream.
• This cake tastes almost like it came straight out of the oven after reheating in the microwave.
• Can make in two smaller round pans if you have multiple parties to go to.

Just like in our Blueberry Crunch Cake a boxed cake mix with butter adds magic to a super quick recipe.

Ingredients Needed

• Sweet Potatoes – We like to use fresh potatoes, then boil and mash. Canned sweet potatoes can be a substitute.
• Brown Sugar – Dark brown sugar is popular for a little deeper flavor, but we only keep light brown sugar on hand, so that’s what we use.
• Granulated Sugar – Another way to sweeten the potato mixture.
• Butter – Deepens the flavors of the dish when mixed in and melted on top.
• Milk – The liquid that helps stir them all together to create a smoother mixture.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – Gives a pumpkin pie like flavor. Apple pie spice is a great alternative for a different twist.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Warm, aromatic spice that compliments sweet potatoes so beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances all of the other flavors in the dish.
• Yellow Cake Mix – Creates a super simple crust for the top of the dump cake.

How To Make A Sweet Potato Dump Cake

Prepare a pot of boiling water.

Wash and peel sweet potatoes then slice into 1/4″ rounds. Gently set potatoes in water.

Once they are fork tender drain and mash well.

Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, half of the butter which is one stick, milk, nutmeg, pumpkin or apple pie spice (one or the other, but not both), cinnamon and vanilla extract.

Mix well and spread in the bottom of a greased 9 x 13″ baking dish.

Sprinkle an entire box of yellow cake mix over top of the potato mixture.

Take the second stick of butter and cut into thin slices. Cover as much of the top of the pan as possible.

Set in the oven uncovered to bake.

Bake in a preheated 350℉ oven for 30 to 40 minutes.

What If The Top Doesn’t Brown

Check the cake when partially done baking.

If there is still powdery cake mix then add more melted butter to the top to help get an even layer of coverage. This will lead to more uniform baking and browning.

Bake until there is an even layer of crunchy brown topping.

Serve warm with some fresh whipped cream or ice cream and enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Can shred really cold butter for a more even coating on top of the boxed mix than slicing or using pats of butter.
• A deeper skillet or two round pans with less surface area than a 9 x 13″ pan may mean the cake mix can better absorb the butter topping.
• During baking if cake mix or flour is visible on top pour or spoon extra melted butter in those spots to help them soften, bake and brown. 

Gingerbread Variation

There are several ways to vary this recipe. One delicious option is to decrease the amount sugar in the potato mixture.

Then add a can of sweetened condensed milk and block of cream cheese mixed together on top of the potato mixture.

Finally top with a box of Gingerbread cake mix and butter. Baking time will increase with the extra creamy layer.

More Popular Thanksgiving Recipes

• Jiffy Corn Pudding is the easiest casserole for an everyday meal or a big holiday.
• Crock Pot Dressing is meaty with generous amounts of chicken and lots of flavor.
• Making Ham in an Electric Roaster is a great way to save space in the oven.
• Nutty Buddy Pie is another Tiktok sensation that is tasty and fun to make.

More Easy Dessert Recipes

Pumpkin Cream Puff Cake is a light and creamy fall recipe.

Easy Coconut Cake creates a sophisticated spin on a classic yellow cake with very little effort.

Old Fashioned Cream Pie Recipe is a rich and creamy pudding baked in a pie shell.

Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough is high in protein and has chocolate chips for extra deliciousness!