If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that combines the rich, nutty goodness of pecans with a moist, golden cake that’s almost effortless to make, then this Pecan Dump Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful dish layers luscious pecan pie filling under a blanket of buttery cake mix and crunchy pecans, resulting in a warm, gooey dessert that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering, a cozy family dinner, or just because you deserve a treat, this cake is a sure way to impress without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This magic happens with just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create big flavors and textures. Each item plays a crucial role, from the rich pecan pie filling that adds gooey sweetness, to the crunchy chopped pecans that provide a satisfying bite, all crowned by the buttery, cinnamon-kissed cake topping.
- Yellow cake mix: This forms the golden, tender crust that soaks up the pecan filling’s sweetness perfectly.
- Pecan pie filling (1 can or 2 cups homemade): The star component delivering gooey, caramel-like richness.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): Adds a lovely toasted crunch to contrast the soft cake.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, optional): Sprinkled for a warm hint of spice that elevates the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Drizzled liberally to create a golden, crispy crust and keep the cake moist.
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional): Perfect accompaniments that turn this dessert into an indulgent experience.
How to Make Pecan Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures that your cake won’t stick and will come out clean and beautiful after baking.
Step 2: Spread the Pecan Filling
Evenly spread the entire can of pecan pie filling across the bottom of the baking dish. For an extra layer of warmth and depth, sprinkle cinnamon over the filling before moving on. This step lays down the luscious foundation of your dessert.
Step 3: Top with Cake Mix
Without stirring, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly on top of the pecan filling. This dry layer might look odd at first but will transform beautifully once the butter melts and the cake bakes.
Step 4: Add Butter and Pecans
Drizzle the melted butter slowly and evenly across the cake mix, ensuring it covers as much surface as possible. The butter is what creates the signature crispy, buttery crust of the dump cake. Finally, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top to add a crunch that balances the gooey interior.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your masterpiece for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Once out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly. This resting time helps the layers set while keeping it perfectly moist and inviting.
How to Serve Pecan Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing beats a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over a warm slice of Pecan Dump Cake. Whipped cream is another excellent option that adds lightness, creating a divine contrast to the rich, buttery cake and sticky pecans.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own but pairing it with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears can introduce a refreshing balance. For special occasions, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation and flavor even more.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming touch at dinner parties, or layer warm cake with whipped cream and crushed pecans in a trifle bowl for a stunning, shareable dessert. Either way, the rustic charm of the Pecan Dump Cake makes it a conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep its buttery crust intact. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration will help maintain freshness, though the top crust may lose a bit of its crunch.
Freezing
This Pecan Dump Cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen, they keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a treat.
Reheating
To bring this cake back to its fresh-from-the-oven glory, reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Microwave reheating works too, but the oven helps restore that crisp, buttery top layer.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pecan pie filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade pecan pie filling adds a personal touch and can be adjusted for sweetness and texture. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold up under the cake mix.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness of your dessert. If you only have salted butter, you can still use it but skip adding extra salt elsewhere in the recipe.
Can I make this Pecan Dump Cake Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensuring your pecan pie filling is gluten-free, you can enjoy this dessert without gluten. Always double-check ingredient labels to be safe.
What other nuts can I use if I’m not a pecan fan?
Walnuts or chopped almonds make excellent substitutes that complement the sweet filling and buttery cake layers nicely.
How can I make this cake extra moist?
Be sure to drizzle the melted butter evenly and don’t skip letting the cake rest before serving. You might also add a splash of vanilla extract to the cake mix for added moisture and aroma.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Dump Cake Recipe is truly a gem for anyone craving a homey, sweet, and satisfying dessert with minimal effort. Its blend of crunchy nuts, gooey filling, and golden cake makes it impossible to resist. Once you try this, it will quickly become a go-to recipe for holidays, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a little extra sweetness in your day. Give it a whirl—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Pecan Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan Dump Cake is a rich and gooey American dessert that layers pecan pie filling and yellow cake mix for an effortless yet indulgent treat. With minimal prep and no mixing bowls needed, this dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings and easy weeknight indulgences. The cake delivers a crunchy pecan topping balanced with a soft, sweet filling, and pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 can (21 oz) pecan pie filling or 2 cups homemade pecan filling
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Cake & Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional for Serving
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Pecan Filling: Spread the pecan pie filling evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If you like cinnamon, sprinkle 1 teaspoon over the filling to add warmth and flavor.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the pecan filling without stirring, allowing a distinct layered effect.
- Drizzle Butter and Add Pecans: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly across the surface of the cake mix, ensuring good coverage to help the cake bake moist and golden. Scatter the chopped pecans evenly on top for added crunch.
- Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. For the best experience, serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- This dump cake is incredibly simple to make—no mixing bowls or extra fuss needed!
- For enhanced nutty flavor and texture, consider toasting the chopped pecans before sprinkling on top.
- The cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Using homemade pecan filling offers a personalized touch, but store-bought filling works perfectly fine for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
