Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Introduction

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is an easy and delightful twist on traditional pecan pie, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep. This rich, gooey dessert offers the classic flavors of pecan pie with a fluffy cake topping, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1 box (about 15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
3. Step 3: Stir in the pecan halves, then pour the entire mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the filling. Do not stir; the cake mix will create a crust as it bakes.
5. Step 5: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire surface, making sure to cover as much of the cake mix as possible to achieve a golden finish.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. Step 7: Allow the cake to cool for 15–20 minutes before serving. For an extra treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips & Variations

• Use chopped pecans if you prefer smaller pieces throughout the cake.
• For a richer flavor, try substituting half the butter with browned butter.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth.
• To make it nut-free, omit pecans and add chocolate chips or dried fruit instead.

Storage

Store leftover pecan pie dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20 seconds until warm. It also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just allow a few extra minutes of baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe uses a standard yellow cake mix which typically contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 86 reviews

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake combines the rich, gooey sweetness of pecan pie with the simplicity of a dump cake. Made by layering a sweetened condensed milk mixture with pecans and a cake mix, then topped with melted butter and baked until golden and bubbly, this dessert is an easy crowd-pleaser with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

Dry Ingredients

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 box (about 15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 2 cups pecan halves

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
3. Add Pecans: Stir the pecan halves into the wet mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4. Pour Mixture into Dish: Pour this pecan mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out uniformly.
5. Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the wet mixture. Do not stir or mix; it’s important to keep the layers separate.
6. Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter carefully over the entire surface of the cake mix layer, covering as much as possible to help the top layer bake into a luscious crust.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the batter is bubbly around the edges.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. For an extra special touch, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Do not stir once the cake mix is added; the layering effect creates the signature texture.
• Using fresh pecans will enhance the flavor and crunch.
• Butter should be melted but not browned for even distribution.
• Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
• Can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.

Keywords: pecan pie dump cake, easy pecan pie, dump cake recipe, dessert, pecans, yellow cake mix, quick dessert