Pecan Pie Dump Cake

This pecan pie dump cake combines the rich, nutty flavors of a traditional pecan pie with the soft, buttery texture of cake for an effortless dessert that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. It's become my go-to recipe when I need something impressive but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.

I first created this recipe when unexpected guests were coming over, and I've never seen a dessert disappear so quickly! Even my mother-in-law asked for the recipe, which is the highest compliment in my book.

Ingredients

• Yellow cake mix: Forms the perfect cakey top layer that complements the gooey filling below. Any brand works fine.
• Pecan pie filling: Creates that signature sweet and nutty flavor without the fuss of making it from scratch.
• Melted butter: Helps create the crispy golden top while adding richness throughout.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and create structure in the finished cake.
• Chopped pecans: Add essential texture and enhance the nutty flavor profile. Toast them first for even more flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors beautifully. Use pure extract if possible.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Pan:

Thoroughly grease your 9x13 baking dish, making sure to get into the corners. This prevents sticking and makes serving much easier. I like to use butter for this as it adds another layer of flavor.

Create The Foundation:

Pour the pecan pie filling into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This creates the gooey, sweet base that will bubble up through the cake as it bakes.

Add The Egg Mixture:

Whisk your eggs with vanilla and salt until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the pecan filling. These eggs will create structure and richness throughout the dessert.

Layer The Dry Cake Mix:

Carefully sprinkle the dry cake mix over the wet ingredients, covering as evenly as possible. Resist the urge to stir. The magic of dump cakes happens when these distinct layers interact during baking.

Drizzle With Butter:

Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the dry mix as possible. Any dry spots may remain powdery after baking, so be thorough with your butter application.

Top With Pecans:

Scatter the chopped pecans evenly across the top. They will toast beautifully during baking, adding both visual appeal and a wonderful crunchy texture.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.

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My absolute favorite part of this dessert is how the cake mix creates a perfect buttery crust on top while staying soft and cake like underneath. It reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house, where dessert was always the main event.

Make It Your Own

This versatile recipe welcomes customization! Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cake mix or a tablespoon of bourbon to the egg mixture for a sophisticated twist. I've even added chocolate chips to the pecan layer for an indulgent chocolate pecan version that disappeared even faster than the original.

Storage Tips

This dump cake stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days when covered tightly. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. The texture is best when brought back to room temperature before serving, but many of my family members actually prefer it cold straight from the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this dessert reaches new heights when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into all the nooks and crannies. For a special brunch, serve small portions with strong coffee and a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade pecan pie filling?

Yes, you can use 1 1/2 cups of homemade pecan pie filling for a personalized touch!

→ What’s the best way to serve this cake?

Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! Store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat before serving for the best flavor and texture.

→ Should I stir the cake mix into the filling?

No, simply sprinkle the dry cake mix over the filling without stirring. This creates a delicious crumbly topping.

→ What other toppings can I use?

You can try caramel drizzle, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor!