The Best Pecan Dump Cake Recipe for Sweet Family Gatherings

Sweet memories of grandmother’s kitchen spark excitement for this pecan dump cake that promises pure comfort.

Nostalgia blends perfectly with minimal effort in this delightful dessert.

Simple ingredients create magic with just a few quick movements.

Pantry staples become a delectable treat that feels like a warm hug.

Effortless baking means you can whip up something special without complicated techniques.

Layers of buttery pecans and tender cake will make everyone smile.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that brings joy with every single bite.

Pecan Dump Cake That’s Fuss-Free And Fabulous

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and casual celebrations where you need a foolproof dessert that everyone will love. The combination of sweet pie filling, crunchy pecans, and buttery cake creates an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to all ages.
• Quick Weeknight Indulgence: Ready in under an hour from start to finish, this recipe is a lifesaver for those craving a homemade dessert without complex techniques. Minimal ingredients and simple layering make it accessible for even novice bakers, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Customize your dessert by serving warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, making it adaptable to personal preferences and different occasions. The recipe's flexibility allows for easy modifications and creative presentation.

Pecan Dump Cake Key Ingredients

• Yellow Cake Mix: A quick and convenient foundation for the dump cake with a soft, sweet backdrop.
• Apple Pie Filling or Peach Pie Filling: Provides fruity moisture and natural sweetness to the dessert.

• Pecans, Chopped: Adds delightful nutty crunch and rich, toasty flavor to the cake.
• Brown Sugar: Creates a caramel-like layer with deep, molasses-like sweetness.

• Butter, Melted: Ensures a tender, rich texture and enhances overall flavor depth.

• Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream: Optional cool, creamy complement to the warm cake.

Pecan Dump Cake Made Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Fruity Foundation

Open a can of apple or cherry pie filling.

Pour and spread the filling across the entire bottom of the baking dish, creating an even layer that covers every corner.

Step 3: Scatter Dry Mix

Grab a box of yellow or white cake mix.

Gently sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pie filling, making sure to distribute it evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Layers

• Chopped pecans
• Dark brown sugar

Generously scatter the pecans and brown sugar across the cake mix layer, creating a delightful textured surface.

Step 5: Drizzle Butter

Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl.

Slowly pour the melted butter over the entire dish, ensuring it covers as much of the surface as possible.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges become bubbly and enticing.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Pecan Dump Cake – Easy Tips For Baking Without Dry Pockets

• Drain pie filling slightly to remove excess liquid and ensure a crisp cake base.
• Use a pastry brush to spread melted butter across the entire surface for consistent browning and moisture.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the dump cake.
• Reduce brown sugar if using a sweeter pie filling or prefer less sweetness in the dessert.
• Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days, gently reheating in the oven to restore the cake's original texture.

Store Pecan Dump Cake For A Sweet Repeat

• Store leftover pecan dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness.
• Warm individual slices at 325°F for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy top and maintain the cake's delicious texture. Covering with foil prevents excessive browning.
• Quickly reheat single servings for 20-30 seconds. Add a small splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Best Picks to Go With Pecan Dump Cake

• Elevate Sweet Pecan Harmony: Complementary Flavor Companions
• Scoop Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the warm, rich cake with its smooth texture and classic sweetness.
• Pair Caramel Bourbon: A smooth bourbon or caramel-infused drink cuts through the dessert's sweetness, adding depth and sophisticated complexity.
• Drizzle Maple Cream Sauce: Luxurious maple cream sauce enhances the pecan's nutty notes, creating a decadent layered flavor experience that elevates the entire dessert.
• Serve Cinnamon Coffee: Warm, spiced coffee provides a robust counterpoint to the cake's sweetness, cleansing the palate and offering a comforting beverage companion.

Pecan Dump Cake with Buttery Sweet Upgrades

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use vegan cake mix, and replace pie filling with homemade fruit compote made from fresh berries or apple mixture.
• Nut-Free Option: Remove pecans completely and replace with sunflower seeds or rolled oats for a similar crunchy texture while accommodating nut allergies.
• Lower Sugar Modification: Use sugar-free pie filling, replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener, and select a reduced-sugar cake mix to create a diabetes-friendly dessert option.

FAQs

• What makes this pecan dump cake so easy to prepare?

This recipe requires minimal effort – simply layer ingredients in order and bake. No mixing bowls, no complicated steps, just dump and go, making it perfect for quick desserts or last-minute gatherings.

• Can I use different pie fillings with this recipe?

Yes! While this version uses a specific pie filling, you can easily swap in cherry, apple, blueberry, or peach pie filling to create different flavor combinations. The basic technique remains the same.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make this dessert?

Absolutely not. This dump cake is incredibly beginner-friendly. Anyone with basic oven skills can successfully make this dessert without any advanced baking knowledge or techniques.

• How do I know when the dump cake is completely done baking?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. The cake should appear slightly crispy on top and have a rich, caramelized appearance. The total baking time is typically 45-50 minutes at 350°F.

Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Pecan dump cake delivers a Southern comfort dessert that blends simplicity with irresistible flavor. Buttery cake layers mingle with caramelized pecans, creating a rustic treat perfect for family gatherings and sweet cravings you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (21 ounces / 595 grams) apple or peach pie filling
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 grams) melted butter

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Serving Options:

• Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Create a foundational layer by distributing the pie filling uniformly across the bottom of the baking dish, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Generously cascade the dry cake mix over the pie filling, aiming for a consistent and comprehensive spread that covers the entire surface.
4. Enhance the texture and flavor profile by sprinkling chopped pecans and brown sugar across the cake mix layer, creating a delectable crumbly topping.
5. Drizzle melted butter methodically over the entire surface, focusing on achieving maximum coverage to promote a rich, moist final texture.
6. Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the top transforms into a golden-brown, bubbling landscape.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the dessert to cool momentarily, developing a slightly settled consistency that makes serving easier.
8. Present the warm cake accompanied by optional whipped cream or ice cream to elevate the dessert experience and provide a complementary cool contrast.

Notes

• Ensure even distribution of pie filling to create a consistent base layer for the dump cake.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Opt for gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Use different pie fillings like cherry or apple to create exciting flavor variations and keep the recipe interesting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg