Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that brings people together—just like every dish Savannah creates on Eminent Recipes. With a lifelong passion for cooking rooted in family traditions, she shares easy, flavorful recipes for busy lifestyles. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, Savannah’s love for comfort food, creative flavors, and Southern charm shines in every bite of this indulgent, no-fuss classic. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this one.
Table of Contents
Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a rich, buttery dessert that combines the gooey goodness of pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake. With layers of pecan filling, cake mix, and crunchy pecans, it bakes into a golden, caramelized treat that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 2 cups yellow cake mix
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you start assembling the cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Take your 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the melted butter evenly across the bottom. This buttery base adds richness and helps caramelize the bottom layer.
Step 3: Add the Pecans
Sprinkle pecan halves evenly over the butter. During baking, they soak up flavor and deliver a satisfying crunch.
Step 4: Mix the Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, water, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. This aromatic mixture gives the dessert that signature gooey, pie-like texture.
Step 5: Pour the Mixture Over the Pecans
Carefully pour the sugar syrup over the pecans. Don’t stir—the layers are meant to bake separately for that classic dump cake texture.
Step 6: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top. Use a spoon to smooth it out if needed, but avoid mixing.
Step 7: Bake the Dump Cake
Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The smell is irresistible!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove from oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Pecan Pie Dump Cake warm. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
Notes
- No stirring needed—just layer and bake!
- Use butter, not margarine, for the best flavor and texture.
- Try toasting the pecans before adding them for deeper nutty flavor.
- Let it cool for at least 15 minutes to set before slicing.
- Can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe
A Sweet Fusion: Dump Cake Meets Classic Pecan Pie
Pecan Pie Dump Cake combines everything you love about gooey, buttery pecan pie and the irresistible ease of a classic dump cake. It’s the kind of dessert that delivers rich, nutty flavor with very little effort—no rolling, mixing, or measuring needed. Just layer the ingredients, bake, and enjoy a decadent dessert that tastes homemade without the hassle. It’s an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or lazy Sunday cravings.
Origins and Growing Popularity of This Southern-Inspired Dessert
Rooted in Southern baking traditions, this dish puts a modern twist on a nostalgic favorite. While pecan pie dates back to the late 1800s, the dump cake concept took off in the 1960s when home cooks sought quick, budget-friendly solutions for dessert. The fusion of these two classics has exploded in popularity, especially across social media and cooking blogs. Its warm, caramelized top, buttery crunch, and molten pie filling speak to the heart of Southern comfort food. And the best part? You don’t have to be an expert baker to pull it off.
Key Ingredients in Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Ingredients
The beauty of Pecan Pie Dump Cake lies in its simplicity. Most ingredients are pantry staples or easily found in any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 2 cups yellow cake mix
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Necessary Tools
To make this cake effortlessly, keep these kitchen tools handy:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon for layering
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Preheated oven at 350°F (175°C)
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Want to personalize your pecan dump cake? Try these easy swaps:
This recipe is super flexible. You can use white, butter, or spice cake mix instead of yellow. Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. Enhance the flavor with a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. Going vegan? Use dairy-free cake mix and plant-based butter. Want more richness? Add caramel drizzle after baking.
How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake Step-by-Step
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your Pecan Pie Dump Cake:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you start assembling the cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Take your 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the melted butter evenly across the bottom. This buttery base adds richness and helps caramelize the bottom layer.
Step 3: Add the Pecans
Sprinkle pecan halves evenly over the butter. During baking, they soak up flavor and deliver a satisfying crunch.
Step 4: Mix the Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, water, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. This aromatic mixture gives the dessert that signature gooey, pie-like texture.
Step 5: Pour the Mixture Over the Pecans
Carefully pour the sugar syrup over the pecans. Don’t stir—the layers are meant to bake separately for that classic dump cake texture.
Step 6: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top. Use a spoon to smooth it out if needed, but avoid mixing.
Step 7: Bake the Dump Cake
Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The smell is irresistible!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove from oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Pecan Pie Dump Cake warm. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
Serving and Storing Tips
Pecan Pie Dump Cake is best served warm right out of the oven. Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate every bite. The contrast of cold cream and warm, gooey cake is unbeatable.
Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked texture. This dessert also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month.
Pro Tip: Don’t stir the layers before baking. Let them naturally form their magic.
Nutrition Info and Healthier Options
Serving Suggestions
Pecan Pie Dump Cake pairs beautifully with classic toppings like vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For added crunch, sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top before serving. This warm, gooey dessert is ideal for holidays, potlucks, or cozy weekend treats.
Storing and Reheating
To store, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. For freezing, wrap portions in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.
Nutritional Information
A single serving of Pecan Pie Dump Cake contains approximately 350–400 calories, depending on ingredients. It also includes 20g of fat, 45g of carbs, and 3g of protein. For a lighter version, opt for sugar-free cake mix, dairy-free margarine, and reduced-sugar pie filling.
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FAQs
Can I make pecan pie cobbler with cake mix?
Yes! Pecan pie cobbler with cake mix is similar to a dump cake. Just layer pecans, sugar mixture, and dry cake mix, then bake until bubbly and golden.
What’s an easy pecan pie dump cake recipe?
An easy pecan pie dump cake uses canned pie filling, yellow cake mix, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Simply layer the ingredients and bake—no mixing or complicated steps required.
What is a pecan dump cake recipe?
A pecan dump cake recipe combines cake mix, pecans, brown sugar, and butter into one dish. It’s a quick, layered dessert baked until golden and served warm with toppings.
What is pecan dump cake?
Pecan dump cake is a Southern-inspired dessert that fuses traditional pecan pie flavors with an easy dump-and-bake method. It’s sweet, crunchy, buttery, and incredibly simple to prepare.
How do I make pecan dump cake Pioneer Woman-style?
The Pioneer Woman’s pecan dump cake often uses spice cake mix, chopped pecans, and sweetened condensed milk. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for cozy family dinners or holiday events.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the perfect blend of rich flavor, texture, and simplicity. Whether you’re craving a cozy fall dessert or need a quick holiday treat, this recipe delivers every time. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite. Don’t miss our classic Southern desserts for more comforting inspiration. Bake it, serve it warm, and watch every bite disappear!