If you love the sweet, gooey goodness of pecan pie but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen making a traditional pie, then this Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the perfect solution. This super simple dessert has all the flavors of a classic pecan pie—rich, nutty, and a little bit caramelized—without all the work. The best part? It’s a “dump and bake” recipe, meaning you simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. It’s the ultimate stress-free dessert for holidays, gatherings, or any time you’re craving something sweet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a dream come true for dessert lovers who want something quick and easy yet absolutely delicious. It has all the signature elements of a pecan pie: the buttery, golden crust, the rich filling, and, of course, the crunchy pecans on top. The dump cake method makes it ridiculously simple, and the result is a gooey, nutty dessert that tastes like it took hours to prepare. It’s perfect for last-minute desserts or anyone who’s a bit intimidated by traditional pie-making.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at the basic ingredients you’ll need for this quick and delicious dump cake:
- Butter (adds richness and helps create that delicious crust)
- Chopped pecans (for that classic pecan pie flavor and texture)
- Yellow cake mix (the secret ingredient for the “cake” part)
- Eggs (help bind the ingredients and add moisture)
- Brown sugar (to give the filling that caramel-like flavor)
- Sweetened condensed milk (adds creaminess and richness to the filling)
For the full list of ingredients and measurements, check out the section below!
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Ingredients
Start by spreading a layer of chopped pecans evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will form the base of your dump cake and give it that delightful crunch at the bottom.
3. Add the Cake Mix
Next, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the top of the pecans. You don’t need to mix it or do anything fancy—just spread it evenly across the pecans.
4. Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake mix. This will help create that gooey, caramel-like filling that’s the hallmark of pecan pie.
5. Add the Butter
Melt the butter and drizzle it over the entire cake mix. The butter will soak into the dry mix and help it bake into a buttery, golden crust. Don’t mix anything—just let the layers sit as they are.
6. Bake the Dump Cake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The cake mix should turn into a golden crust while the pecans get nice and toasted. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. The dessert will be hot and bubbly, so be sure to let it set for a bit before serving. Scoop it out with a spoon, and serve it as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Even layers: Make sure to spread the cake mix evenly on top of the pecans and drizzle the butter and condensed milk evenly to ensure that the dump cake bakes properly.
- Mix-ins: Want to add a twist to the traditional pecan pie? Try mixing in a handful of chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.
- Butter: It’s essential to use melted butter, as it helps create the golden, crispy crust on top of the cake.
- Check for doneness: If the top starts to get too dark before the middle is set, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking until it’s fully cooked.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Gluten-free option: To make this dump cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix. Just make sure your sweetened condensed milk and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
- Nut-free version: If you’re allergic to nuts or just don’t like pecans, you can easily swap them for other nuts, like walnuts or almonds, or even leave them out entirely for a simple, gooey cake.
- Chocolate twist: Add a cup of chocolate chips or chunks to the cake mix for a richer, more decadent dessert. Chocolate and pecans are a classic combination that will take this dump cake to the next level.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with some amazing sides or toppings:
- Vanilla ice cream: The creamy, cold ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm, gooey cake.
- Whipped cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream will make this dessert even more indulgent.
- Coffee or hot chocolate: Serve with a warm drink to create the perfect cozy dessert experience.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the top for an even sweeter, richer experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: You can store any leftover dump cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, store it in the fridge.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or warm up larger portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
4 FAQs
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dump cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, then bake it just before serving. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
While yellow cake mix is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cake mixes like butter pecan, vanilla, or even chocolate. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dessert.
Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, sweetened condensed milk is what gives this dump cake its rich, gooey texture. If you don’t have it, you can try substituting it with evaporated milk and adding sugar, though the texture may be slightly different.
Can I freeze Pecan Pie Dump Cake?
Absolutely! After it’s baked and completely cooled, you can freeze individual servings or the whole cake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheat it in the oven before serving.
Conclusion
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the easiest way to enjoy the delicious flavors of pecan pie with none of the hassle. It’s a no-fuss, one-pan dessert that’s perfect for busy nights, holidays, or any time you’re craving a sweet treat. The combination of buttery cake, sweetened condensed milk, and crunchy pecans makes every bite irresistible. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence, and get ready to watch it disappear! So go ahead and give this dump cake a try—it’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to!
Print
Pecan Pie Dump Cake: The Easiest Way to Enjoy Pecan Pie Without the Fuss
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking, Dump and Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and easy dessert that gives you all the rich, gooey goodness of pecan pie without the effort. This dump cake recipe is made with buttery cake mix, sweetened condensed milk, and crunchy pecans for a delicious, stress-free treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Butter (melted, for the crust)
- 1 1/2 cups Chopped pecans (for texture and flavor)
- 1 box Yellow cake mix (dry, the base for the cake part)
- 2 Eggs (for binding and moisture)
- 1 cup Brown sugar (adds caramel-like flavor)
- 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened condensed milk (for a rich, gooey filling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Layer Pecans: Spread the chopped pecans evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pecans.
- Pour Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake mix.
- Add Butter: Drizzle melted butter over the entire cake mix (don’t mix).
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool slightly before serving. Serve as-is or with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Even layers: Spread cake mix evenly to ensure proper baking.
- Add chocolate: Try adding chocolate chips or cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Butter: Use melted butter for the best golden crust.
- Check doneness: If the top gets too dark, cover with foil and continue baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the cake
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg