Name: Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15-ounce) can pecan pie filling; 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup evaporated milk; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped pecans

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If there’s one dessert that captures fall flavors while delivering pure cozy comfort, it’s the Pecan Pie Dump Cake. Imagine all the gooey, nutty magic of a classic pecan pie, with the buttery ease and decadent crumb of a dump cake—no fussy crust or special skills needed. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want something special for your weeknight sweet tooth, this crowd-pleaser will win every heart at your table.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly these essentials come together for the most irresistible flavor combination. Each ingredient plays a starring role in bringing out the unforgettable taste and texture of this dessert.

Pecan Pie Filling: This rich, syrupy can is packed with chopped pecans for instant homemade pie flavor without any extra work.
Yellow Cake Mix: The backbone of your cake layer, it adds a subtle vanilla sweetness and golden color, making the whole dish blissfully easy.
Eggs: Three eggs give the batter richness and help create a soft, custardy crumb.
Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess and keeps the cake ultra moist—don’t substitute with regular milk for best results.
Unsalted Butter (melted): That rich, buttery note blends into every bite, elevating store-bought cake mix to bakery-level deliciousness.
Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon deepens the warm, comforting flavors so every forkful tastes like a big hug.
Chopped Pecans: A scatter of toasty pecans on top brings crunch and irresistible pecan pie flavor with every bite.

How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F so everything bakes up evenly. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter. This tiny step guarantees that glorious cake lifts easily, with every gooey layer intact.

Step 2: Spread the Pecan Pie Filling

Spoon the entire can of pecan pie filling into your prepared dish, then use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. This luscious layer is the secret to the dump cake’s iconic goo—don’t worry if it looks thin at first, it’ll bubble and caramelize as it bakes.

Step 3: Mix Your Dump Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix, eggs, evaporated milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir slowly at first, then whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. This blend will rest above the pecan filling and bake up incredibly tender.

Step 4: Assemble and Top

Gently pour the cake batter over the pecan pie layer, using a spatula to spread it out to the edges. Don’t be tempted to mix—let the layers stay separate so you get that perfect contrast in every slice. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped pecans to crown your creation with toasty crunch.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is deeply golden and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes once removed so the layers set and each wedge holds its shape, but don’t worry—warm Pecan Pie Dump Cake is an absolute dream!

How to Serve Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Garnishes

A warm slice practically begs for a cloud of softly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. For extra flair, send a handful of pecan halves over the top or a gentle drizzle of caramel sauce—there’s no such thing as too much decadence here.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pecan Pie Dump Cake with freshly brewed coffee or a mug of spiced chai for a truly soul-soothing experience. If you’re crafting a dessert buffet, contrast this sweet treat with a zesty fruit salad or some tart cranberries to balance all that richness.

Creative Ways to Present

This dessert shines whether you serve big family-style scoops straight from the pan or cut tidy squares for buffet tables. For dinner parties, try layering cake cubes into mini parfait glasses with whipped cream and more pecan pieces—suddenly, Pecan Pie Dump Cake is party-ready and picture perfect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer individual pieces to airtight containers. Pecan Pie Dump Cake will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days, and the flavor just gets better by day two.

Freezing

To keep this treat even longer, freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or cover the whole baking dish with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. Add your favorite toppings and it’s like the first bite all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix gives a classic color and flavor, feel free to swap in butter, white, or even spice cake mix for a new twist on Pecan Pie Dump Cake. Just keep the measurements the same.

Is it necessary to toast the pecans before adding them?

Toasting the pecans is optional, but highly recommended! A quick toast in a dry skillet brings out their nutty aroma and adds a delightful crunch that makes your cake really pop.

Can I make Pecan Pie Dump Cake ahead of time for a party?

You sure can. Bake it the day before, let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. Gently reheat before serving and add your fresh whipped cream or ice cream just before bringing it to the table.

What should I do if I can’t find canned pecan pie filling?

If your store is out of pecan pie filling, you can substitute with a combination of jarred caramel sauce, a handful of chopped pecans, and a sprinkling of brown sugar. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still deliver those toasty, caramel-pecan vibes.

Can I make Pecan Pie Dump Cake gluten free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten free yellow cake mix and double-check that your other ingredients are gluten free. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same, so everyone at your table can enjoy a slice.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste a spoonful of warm, buttery, pecan-packed goodness, Pecan Pie Dump Cake will instantly join your list of go-to desserts. It’s one of those magical recipes that’s just as welcome on a holiday table as it is on a cozy night in. Give it a try—you might just find yourself baking it on repeat all season long!

Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delicious fusion of pecan pie and cake with this easy-to-make Pecan Pie Dump Cake. A luscious pecan pie filling sits beneath a layer of moist yellow cake mix, creating a heavenly dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pecan Pie Filling:

1 (15-ounce) can pecan pie filling

Cake Layer:

1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
3 large eggs
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

1/2 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread pecan pie filling in the dish.
Mix Cake Batter: In a bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, evaporated milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour over pie filling.
Add Pecans: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before serving.