Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

Irresistible Pecan Dump Cake Recipe: Sweet Rustic Charm

Whipping up a decadent pecan dump cake becomes an effortless delight for anyone seeking a quick dessert solution.

Sweet aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort.

Southern bakers have long cherished this simple yet irresistible treat that requires minimal preparation.

Layered ingredients cascade into a baking dish, creating magic without complex techniques.

Crispy pecans dance across a golden surface, promising rich textures in every bite.

Crumbly cake meets smooth caramel-like notes, delivering a mouthwatering experience that feels like a sweet embrace.

Storage Guidelines For Pecan Dump Cake

  • Store leftover pecan dump cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual portions or entire cake in freezer-safe wrap. Place in freezer bag and store for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add extra seconds if needed. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.
  • Warm cake at 325F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Remove foil for last 2-3 minutes to restore crispy top.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for this pecan dump cake?

The key ingredients are pecan pie filling, yellow cake mix, chopped pecans, and melted butter, creating a simple and delicious dessert with minimal preparation.

  • Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

Yes, this dump cake is extremely easy to make with no mixing required. You simply layer ingredients in order and bake, making it perfect for novice bakers or those who want a quick dessert.

  • Can I use homemade pecan pie filling instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade pecan pie filling works great and can add a more personalized touch to the recipe. Just ensure the filling is evenly spread in the baking dish.

Pecan Dump Cake Recipe Overview

Pecan Dump Cake Recipe Overview
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combining the rich flavors of pecan pie with a simple cake mix creates an irresistible dessert that will delight both kids and adults at family gatherings or potlucks.
  • Minimal Mess, Maximum Flavor: With just a few ingredients and a straightforward dumping method, this recipe eliminates complicated steps and multiple mixing bowls, ensuring an easy cleanup and a stress-free baking experience.
  • Versatile Treat: Serve warm as a decadent dessert after dinner, bring to a potluck, or enjoy as a sweet weekend treat that can be prepared with minimal culinary skills.

Ingredients For Pecan Dump Cake

Cake Base:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient dry mix that creates the cake's foundation and provides a sweet, tender texture.
Filling:
  • Pecan Pie Filling: A rich, sweet base that adds deep caramel and nutty flavors to the dessert.
Topping and Texture Enhancers:
  • Pecans, Chopped: Adds crunch, nutty flavor, and a rustic texture to the cake's surface.
  • Butter, Melted: Provides moisture, helps bind ingredients, and creates a golden, crispy top layer.

How To Make Pecan Dump Cake

How To Make Pecan Dump Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to create the perfect baking environment for this delightful dessert.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Spread the luscious pecan pie filling across the bottom of the dish, creating an even layer that will become the rich foundation of your cake.

Step 3: Create the Cake Base

Grab the dry yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the pecan pie filling.

Make sure to cover the entire surface with a uniform layer of cake mix for consistent baking.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Pecan Topping

Scatter chopped pecans across the top of the cake mix, distributing them generously to ensure every bite will have a delightful nutty crunch.

Step 5: Drench with Buttery Goodness

Melt the butter and drizzle it evenly over the entire surface of the cake.

The butter will help create a golden, crispy top and infuse the cake with rich, decadent flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and bubbling edges that indicate the cake is ready to be devoured.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

Serve warm for the ultimate gooey, comforting dessert experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tips For Pecan Dump Cake

  • Ensure even spreading of pie filling to create a consistent base layer for better texture.
  • Toast chopped pecans before adding to the cake for deeper, richer nutty flavor and extra crispiness.
  • Use slightly cooled melted butter and drizzle slowly to guarantee complete cake mix coverage.
  • Top warm cake with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
  • Cover leftover cake with foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days, gently reheating before serving to maintain moisture.

Variations For Pecan Dump Cake

  • Gluten-Free Pecan Delight: Replace yellow cake mix with gluten-free cake mix, ensuring celiac-friendly ingredients while maintaining the rich pecan flavor.
  • Vegan Nutty Alternative: Swap pecan pie filling with dairy-free caramel sauce, use vegan butter substitute, and select plant-based cake mix for a compassionate dessert option.
  • Low-Sugar Pecan Treat: Utilize sugar-free cake mix, replace pie filling with low-sugar fruit compote, and reduce butter quantity for a healthier version.
  • Maple Pecan Transformation: Incorporate maple syrup instead of melted butter, add maple extract to cake mix, and sprinkle additional maple-glazed pecans for enhanced flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions For Pecan Dump Cake

  • Cozy Dessert Companion: Serve this warm pecan dump cake with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic indulgent experience.
  • Sweet Breakfast Twist: Transform leftovers into a decadent morning treat by reheating individual slices and pairing with fresh coffee or chai tea.
  • Festive Gathering Platter: Arrange slices on a rustic wooden board with additional whole pecans scattered around, creating an inviting dessert presentation perfect for holiday gatherings or potlucks.
  • Creamy Complementary Touch: Drizzle warm caramel sauce or add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top to enhance the rich pecan and buttery cake flavors.
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Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

Pecan Dump Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet pecan dump cake brings Southern comfort straight to dessert tables with minimal effort. Simple ingredients and easy assembly create a rich, nutty masterpiece that delights you with warm, buttery layers of pure indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (21 ounces / 595 grams) pecan pie filling or apple pie filling
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) chopped pecans

Dairy Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal baking environment.
  2. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  3. Carefully distribute the pecan pie filling across the bottom of the dish, ensuring an even layer that will form the rich, gooey base.
  4. Uniformly scatter the dry yellow cake mix over the pie filling, covering the entire surface with a light, even coating.
  5. Sprinkle the chopped pecans across the cake mix, creating a crunchy, textured topping that will add depth and crunch.
  6. Slowly drizzle melted butter over the entire surface, allowing it to seep into the cake mix and create a moist, golden finish.
  7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and bubbling edges that indicate perfect doneness.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool slightly, letting the flavors meld and the texture settle before serving warm.

Notes

  • Use a well-seasoned or non-stick baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  • Select a high-quality pecan pie filling for richer, more intense flavor and better overall texture.
  • Customize by adding a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg over the cake mix for extra warmth and depth.
  • Consider serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance the sweetness and add a creamy contrast.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 527
  • Sugar: 41 g
  • Sodium: 330 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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