Tired of complicated dessert recipes that take hours to perfect? If you’re craving the rich flavors of pecan pie without the fuss of making a traditional crust, you’re in the right place.
This pecan pie dump cake combines the buttery goodness of pecans with the convenience of a dump-and-bake method, resulting in a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when it actually takes just minutes to prepare.
As part of the Cooks Foody team, Elizabeth has perfected this pecan pie dump cake through countless test batches in her Austin kitchen.
What started as a quick Thanksgiving alternative has become one of our most requested recipes, especially when time is short but expectations are high.
In this guide, you’ll discover how to select the perfect ingredients, master the super-simple preparation steps, and learn pro tips for customizing this versatile dessert.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or simply looking for a foolproof crowd-pleaser, this pecan pie dump cake will become your go-to recipe for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight treats.
Why This Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe Works
- Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand
- Requires only 5 minutes of active preparation time
- Creates the perfect balance of gooey pecan pie filling and tender cake texture
- Serves beautifully warm or cold with various toppings
- Delivers consistent results even for beginner bakers
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Best Pecans for Your Dump Cake
For the ultimate pecan pie dump cake, the quality of your nuts matters significantly. Look for fresh, plump pecans with a rich brown color. Avoid pecans that appear shriveled or have an off smell, as these may be rancid. While halves create a beautiful presentation on top, chopped pecans distribute more evenly throughout the cake.
Cake Mix Selection
A yellow cake mix forms the perfect base for pecan pie dump cake, providing a buttery, vanilla-forward flavor that complements the nuts. In a pinch, white cake mix works well too, though it will yield a slightly different flavor profile. For a deeper, more caramelized taste, consider a butter pecan cake mix for an extra layer of nutty goodness.
Substitutions
If pecans aren’t available or you’re looking for variety, walnuts make an excellent substitute. For those with nut allergies, consider using oats mixed with a bit of brown sugar for a similar textural element without the allergens.
Looking for more sweet treats? Check out our Best Raspberry Cookies to Bake for Sweet Perfection!
Ingredients & Prep for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Dump Cake Essentials
Before getting started, gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F. You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly coated with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Core Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1½ cups pecans, divided (1 cup chopped + ½ cup halves for topping)
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Pantry Staples
Don’t forget these essential supporting ingredients that elevate the flavor:
- Vanilla extract (pure rather than imitation for best results)
- Cinnamon (adds warmth and depth)
- Salt (enhances sweetness and balances flavors)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Pre-Cooking Prep for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Dump Cake Assembly Method
- Pour the brown sugar mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of chopped pecans evenly over the liquid.
- Evenly distribute the dry cake mix over the pecans, creating a complete layer.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the dry mix as possible.
- Arrange the remaining pecan halves on top for a beautiful presentation.
Doneness Check for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The cake should appear set but will have a gooey layer underneath. Insert a toothpick into the cake portion – it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Resting Your Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Allow the dump cake to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the gooey filling to set slightly while remaining warm and delicious. For clean slices, you can wait up to 30 minutes.
If you love indulgent desserts, don’t miss our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs for another simple but impressive treat!
Pro Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Avoiding Common Dump Cake Mistakes
- Dry Spots: If you notice the cake mix isn’t fully moistened during baking, gently press any dry spots with a spoon and drizzle with a little additional melted butter.
- Too Gooey: If your dump cake is too liquid after cooling, it likely needed additional baking time. Return it to the oven for 5-10 minute increments until properly set.
- Even Butter Distribution: Use a fork to very gently disperse the butter over the cake mix for more even coverage without disturbing the layers.
Tool Recommendations
- A glass baking dish allows you to see when the sides are bubbling
- Mixing bowls with pour spouts help with neat ingredient transfer
- Offset spatula for serving beautiful portions
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pecan pie dump cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or the entire cake (covered with foil) in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Flavor Variations for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Seasonal Twists
- Fall Harvest: Add 1 cup of diced apples and increase cinnamon to 1 teaspoon for an apple-pecan pie combination
- Holiday Special: Mix in ½ cup dried cranberries and a touch of orange zest for a festive variation
- Summer Delight: Layer sliced fresh peaches before adding the pecans for a peach-pecan cobbler effect
Dietary Adaptations
- Reduced Sugar: Use a sugar-free cake mix and reduce brown sugar to ½ cup
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free cake mix with excellent results
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and check that your cake mix is vegan-friendly
| Variation | Added Ingredients | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Lover’s | ½ cup chocolate chips | Sprinkle chips over pecans before adding cake mix |
| Caramel Delight | ⅓ cup caramel sauce | Drizzle over completed cake during last 5 minutes of baking |
| Maple Pecan | Replace vanilla with maple extract | Use maple syrup instead of ¼ cup of the brown sugar |
| Coconut Dream | ½ cup shredded coconut | Mix with pecans before adding to dish |
Looking for something savory to balance your sweet tooth? Try our Braised Leeks recipe!
Serving Suggestions for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Elevate your pecan pie dump cake with these perfect accompaniments:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts beautifully into the warm cake
- Fresh whipped cream with a dash of cinnamon
- A light drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence
- A small pitcher of warm custard sauce for pouring at the table
- Strong coffee or hot tea to balance the sweetness
For a special occasion, create a dessert bar with different toppings and let guests customize their servings.
Find more delicious recipes and baking tips on our Pinterest follow us for weekly inspiration to elevate your home cooking!
FAQs about Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Can I make pecan pie dump cake ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate unbaked. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, or add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if placing it in the oven cold.
Why is my pecan pie dump cake dry on top?
The dry cake mix needs sufficient butter to hydrate properly. Make sure to drizzle the melted butter evenly across the entire surface. If needed, use a fork to gently distribute the butter without disturbing the layers too much.
Can I freeze leftover pecan pie dump cake?
Absolutely! Wrap individual portions or the entire cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before serving.
Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
Yes, you can reduce the brown sugar to ¾ cup instead of 1 cup, and choose a cake mix labeled “less sweet” if available. The pecans’ natural flavor will still shine through.
Conclusion
Creating the perfect pecan pie dump cake is truly as simple as it gets, yet the results are nothing short of spectacular. This versatile dessert brings together the best elements of a traditional pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake, making it perfect for both special occasions and everyday treats.
Ready for your next baking adventure? Try our popular Raspberry Cookies that pair beautifully with this pecan pie dump cake for a memorable dessert spread!
Print
How to Bake the Best Pecan Pie Dump Cake in 5 Easy Steps
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan Pie Dump Cake a ridiculously easy and indulgent dessert that combines the gooey richness of pecan pie with the buttery crumble of cake. Just dump, bake, and enjoy this crowd-pleasing treat!
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 can (15 oz) pecan pie filling (or substitute with 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans + 1 cup caramel sauce)
3 large eggs
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pecan pie filling, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
3. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
4. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top — do not stir.
5. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
6. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
7. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
8. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
Notes
For extra crunch, sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans on top before baking.
Substitute spice cake mix for a richer fall flavor.
This dessert can be made ahead — simply reheat before serving.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: pecan pie dump cake, easy dessert, holiday baking, dump cake recipe, fall dessert