Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 50–55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Serving Size: 12 servings
Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ (Very Easy)
Intensity: Low – Dump, Bake, and Enjoy
Cuisine: Southern American

Introduction

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the perfect dessert when you’re craving the sweet, nutty flavors of a pecan pie—but don’t have the time (or patience) to make one from scratch. This recipe combines the richness of pecan pie filling with the buttery crunch of cake mix in the easiest way possible: just dump, layer, and bake.

This is one of those go-to desserts that’s perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or Sunday suppers. You only need a few pantry staples, one baking dish, and almost no prep. The result? A decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal effort. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just need something quick and delicious, Pecan Pie Dump Cake will not disappoint.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this dreamy, gooey dessert:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) pecan pie filling

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix

• 1½ cups chopped pecans

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but adds depth)

• ¼ teaspoon salt (optional – enhances flavor)

Optional topping ideas: whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel drizzle.

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Mixing bowl (optional)

• Spatula or spoon

• Oven

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

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Step 2: Layer the Base

In the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spread the entire can of pecan pie filling evenly. This creates the gooey, sticky base of your dump cake.

Next, pour the sweetened condensed milk over the pecan pie filling. Use a spatula to gently spread it evenly. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon of salt over the milk layer for a flavor boost (optional but highly recommended).

Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the sweetened condensed milk layer. Do not mix it in—just sprinkle and spread gently with your hand or a spoon until it covers the entire surface.

Step 4: Add Pecans and Butter

Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly across the cake mix layer. The nuts will roast and caramelize in the oven, giving you that classic pecan pie crunch.

Then, top the entire cake with slices of butter. Distribute them evenly so they melt over the cake mix during baking. This is key to getting a crispy, golden topping.

Tip: Make sure the butter is cold and sliced thinly so it covers more surface area.

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Step 5: Bake the Cake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

If you like a crispier top, you can bake it for an additional 5 minutes—but be careful not to burn the pecans.

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Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the dump cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly while still being deliciously gooey.

Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as-is straight from the oven for a warm, indulgent dessert.

• Add a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream for extra decadence.

• Drizzle with caramel sauce or a dusting of cinnamon for a gourmet touch.

• Serve with hot coffee or bourbon-spiked whipped cream during the holidays.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds.

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven for best results.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Use Butter, Not Margarine: Real butter gives the best flavor and texture.

• Distribute Butter Evenly: Uneven butter can lead to dry patches of cake mix.

• Add Spice: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg over the cake mix adds warm flavor.

• More Crunch? Toast the pecans lightly before adding them for deeper nutty flavor.

• Make it Chocolatey: Substitute chocolate cake mix or add chocolate chips for a twist.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Note: This is a dessert, and it’s meant to be indulgent! You can reduce the richness slightly by using less butter or a low-sugar condensed milk.