Why You’ll Love Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is everything you love about pecan pie, but without all the fuss. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a sweet, nutty, and buttery dessert that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. The magic happens as the ingredients bake together into a gooey, crunchy, sweet treat. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients

1 box of yellow cake mix
1 cup of chopped pecans
1 cup of melted butter
1 can (12 oz) of evaporated milk
1 cup of brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Pour the yellow cake mix into the dish and spread it evenly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Add the evaporated milk and stir until smooth.
Pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake mix.
Scatter chopped pecans over the top.
Drizzle the melted butter over the pecans.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes

Variations

Nut-Free: Skip the pecans and substitute with chocolate chips or another nut of your choice (like walnuts or almonds).
Add Some Spice: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice to the cake mix for a warm, spiced flavor.
Coconut: Stir in shredded coconut to give it a tropical twist.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
To reheat, simply microwave a serving for 20-30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make Pecan Pie Dump Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like butter or vanilla cake mix.

Can I make this without pecans?

Yes, you can skip the pecans and even add chocolate chips, walnuts, or other nuts of your choice.

Do I need to mix the cake mix?

No, you do not need to mix the cake mix. Just sprinkle it directly over the other ingredients in the baking dish.

Can I add more butter for extra richness?

Feel free to add more butter for a richer, gooier cake. Just be aware it may affect the texture slightly.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when it’s golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges. You can insert a toothpick to check the cake portion—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

Can I freeze Pecan Pie Dump Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and store it in the freezer. Reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.

Is Pecan Pie Dump Cake served warm or cold?

This cake is delicious both warm and at room temperature. However, it’s especially comforting when served warm with ice cream.

Can I substitute regular milk for evaporated milk?

Evaporated milk adds a creamier, richer texture, but you can substitute it with regular milk in a pinch. The consistency might be slightly different.

Can I add a topping to Pecan Pie Dump Cake?

Yes, this cake is amazing topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even caramel sauce for extra decadence.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a sweet, nutty dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the comforting flavors of pecan pie and the simplicity of a dump cake. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for an easy dessert to bring to a gathering, this cake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the delicious combination of gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and a buttery cake — it’s a perfect way to indulge in a no-fuss dessert that’s full of flavor!

Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the perfect holiday dessert, offering the rich flavor of pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering treat that’s crispy on top and gooey on the inside. This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive dinners.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 box of yellow cake mix
1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup chopped pecans
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Spread the cake mix evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top of the cake mix.
Drizzle the melted butter over the pecans and cake mix.
In a separate bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and salt until combined.
Pour the condensed milk mixture evenly over the top.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

The pecans give the dump cake a crunchy topping that mimics the texture of a traditional pecan pie.
Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a butter or spice cake mix for different flavors.