Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe – A Sweet Southern Delight

If you love pecan pie but don’t have the time or energy to make one from scratch, then let me introduce you to your new favorite dessert: Pecan Pie Dump Cake. This crowd-pleasing treat combines the gooey, nutty goodness of a classic pecan pie with the fluffy texture of a buttery cake, all in one dish and with minimal effort. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night at home, this dessert is all about flavor and convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake

• Effortless preparation—no mixing bowls required!

• Rich, gooey layers just like pecan pie, topped with a golden-brown buttery cake.

• Perfect for holidays, family get-togethers, or lazy Sunday afternoons.

• It’s a foolproof recipe even baking beginners can master!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pecan Pie Dump cake

Main Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) pecan pie filling (or substitute with 1½ cups of homemade filling)

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)

• 3 large eggs

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

• ½ cup chopped pecans

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted

Optional Add-Ins and Toppings

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for added warmth)

• ¼ cup brown sugar (for more caramel flavor)

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)

• A drizzle of caramel sauce (for extra indulgence)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat and Prep

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

Step 2 – Layer the Ingredients

Pour the pecan pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly using a spatula.

Step 3 – Add the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the top of the pie filling. Do not stir.

Step 4 – Pour the Butter

Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix, making sure to cover as much of the surface as possible.

Step 5 – Bake to Perfection

Top with chopped pecans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

• Servings: 10–12 generous portions

Variations to Try

Chocolate Lover’s Twist

Add ½ cup of chocolate chips over the pecan layer before adding the cake mix for a gooey chocolate explosion.

Apple-Pecan Fusion

Swap half the pecan pie filling with canned apple pie filling for a fall-inspired combo.

Gluten-Free Option

Use a gluten-free cake mix and double-check all ingredients for gluten-free labels.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.

• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake

• Don’t stir the layers—dump cake works best when everything bakes in layers.

• Use real butter, not margarine, for the best flavor and texture.

• Let the cake cool slightly before cutting for cleaner slices.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Want extra sweetness? Drizzle on some caramel sauce or maple syrup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too much butter? Make sure it’s evenly spread, or you’ll get dry patches.

• Overbaking? Keep an eye after 40 minutes. Overbaking makes the pecan layer too chewy.

• Uneven cake mix layer? Use a spoon or your hands to gently spread it out.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420

• Fat: 22g

• Carbs: 53g

• Sugar: 34g

• Protein: 4g

• Fiber: 1g
  (Note: Values vary based on brands used.)

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can I use homemade pecan pie filling?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s about 1½ cups worth.

2. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge and tastes just as good reheated.

3. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Sure! Spice cake or butter pecan cake mix adds fun twists.

4. Why is it called a “dump” cake?
Because you literally dump all the ingredients into the pan—no mixing bowls required!

5. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, but use a larger or deeper dish and extend baking time by 10–15 minutes.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is like a cozy Southern hug in dessert form. It’s got the rich, nutty flavor of a pecan pie, the buttery goodness of cake, and none of the stress of baking from scratch. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a regular Wednesday, this dessert is a total win. Serve it warm, top it off, and enjoy every bite.