Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a delicious and easy dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. This dump cake doesn’t need many steps or ingredients like classic pie recipes, so if you’re a busy baker who can’t be bothered to fiddle with rolling out pie dough, you can still enjoy this sweet treat. The cake has good old cake mix in the base with butter and brown sugar, covered in a reasonable amount of pecans and other traditional pie ingredients – it’s a gooey and crunchy dessert.

This delicious and easy dessert has a lot of fans. Instead of making a crust, filling, and topping individually, each of these components is just “dumped” into a baking dish and baked. As the cake mix bakes, it soaks up the flavors of the brown sugar, butter, and pecans, for a pleasing juxtaposition of textures: a crunchy, golden top and a soft, buttery center. Together, the flavors evoke pecan pie, but in a faster, less fraught package.

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake recipe is good all year round, but it’s especially popular during fall and holidays. It’s a perfect match for a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the decadence. Whether you are a baker extraordinaire or a novice, this dish will deliver sweet results. Consider it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

What is Pecan Pie Dump Cake?

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a quick and easy dessert. It combines the flavors of pecan pie with the convenience of a dump cake. Whereas a traditional pecan pie requires making a crust, a filling, and baking everything just so, a dump cake only demands a few basic ingredients. You dump cake mix, butter, sugar, and pecans into a baking dish and bake until all golden and bubbly. The result is a dessert that’s utterly tasty and extremely simple to make, a delightful contrast between rich, soft buttery cake and crisp, caramelized pecans.

The Key Ingredients That Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake So Delicious

Here’s a list of the key ingredients that make Pecan Pie Dump Cake so delicious:

1. Yellow Cake Mix
   Provides a soft, buttery base and simplifies the preparation process.
2. Butter
   Adds richness, moisture, and a golden, crispy top as it melts and bakes.
3. Brown Sugar
   Creates a sweet, caramel-like filling that complements the nuts and cake mix.
4. Pecans
   The star ingredient! They provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, characteristic of pecan pie.
5. Sweetened Condensed Milk (optional)
   Adds a creamy, rich texture that enhances the gooey filling, mimicking traditional pecan pie.
6. Vanilla Extract (optional)
   Offers a subtle depth of flavor that complements the sweetness and nuttiness of the dessert.

These ingredients combine to create a decadent dessert with a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors.

How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Here are the Step-by-Step Instructions for making Pecan Pie Dump Cake:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the stove is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the cake.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking. Once greased, set the dish aside.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. No need to mix it with anything just spread it out in an even layer.

Step 4: Add the Brown Sugar and Pecans

Sprinkle brown sugar over the cake mix, followed by a generous amount of chopped pecans. This creates the sweet, nutty filling and gives the cake its signature texture.

Now, you’re ready for the final steps to complete the cake!

Why Pecan Pie Dump Cake is Perfect for Busy Bakers

If you love dessert but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen, then you are going to love Pecan Pie Dump Cake! The preparation is so simple that even inexperienced cooks can have a home-made dessert with very little work. The best part of this dessert is its simplicity: no fancy pie crusts, mixing bowls, or hours in the oven required. A pie so small can be made with just a few ingredients, a baking dish, and some time in the oven, and you’ll have a sweet, comforting treat to serve to guests, family members, or anyone longing for an easy dessert.

Serving Suggestions for Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Pecan Pie Dump Cake Topping Ideas. This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is fabulous as is, but you can add to it and take it to a whole new level. I especially love dessert with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a slight drizzle of caramel sauce on top, to make it extra decadent. Give it a nice seasonal touch by sprinkling a little powdered sugar or a touch of cinnamon over the top before serving. Whether cold or served warm, Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a fabulous dessert at holidays, potlucks, or anytime your sweet tooth calls.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pecan Pie Dump Cake

For the best results when making Pecan Pie Dump Cake, follow these tips: Don’t forget to dot the surface with butter, which helps the pie crisp up, brown, and be crunchy. If you want to try something different, such as walnuts or almonds, and see how that tastes, go ahead. If you prefer a more decadent, gooier filling, consider adding a can of sweetened condensed milk or reducing the butter to 3 tablespoons. BTW, be sure to check the baking time really closely so you don’t overbake or burn the top.

Why Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a Crowd-Pleaser

No one can resist Pecan Pie Dump Cake! Whether you bring it out at a holiday dinner, large family meal, or small gathering, you can be sure this dessert will be greeted with cheers. Its mishmash of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors suits a wide range of palates, and the simplicity of preparation makes it the entertainer’s equivalent of a kitchen-sink casserole. And the fact that it’s constructed of a handful of uncomplicated ingredients means it can readily accommodate your preferences or dietary needs, too, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice that benefits everyone.

Customizing Your Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Variations and Add-ins

This classic Pecan Pie Dump Cake is perfect as is, but can be changed up in so many ways! For an enhanced taste, consider adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to the cake mix. You can also vary the nuts, swapping walnuts, hazelnuts, or even pistachios for a different flavor. For an extra decadent finish, add aika chocolate chips or caramel sauce over the top before baking. But with these little tweaks, you can play around and perfect your own version of this simple dessert.

The History Behind Dump Cakes and Their Popularity

Dump cakes have been a treasured dessert for years for two reasons: they’re easy and delicious. Dump cakes originated in the 1980s as a shortcut of sorts to regular cakes, allowing busy home bakers with no time for a cake to transform a few ingredients into something fairly delicious. What makes these cakes so beautiful is their simplicity: “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish and let the heat work its magic. Pecan Pie Dump Cake marries this technique with the delicious, rich flavors of Pecan Pie and is one of the most delicious concoctions ever!

Making Pecan Pie Dump Cake Gluten-Free: How to Adapt the Recipe

If you are gluten sensitive or have a dietary requirement, you can easily prepare a gluten-free Pecan Pie Dump Cake. The answer is easy: You use gluten-free cake mix instead of the regular stuff. There are many gluten-free cake mixes available at the store, and they are just as good as regular versions. Make sure your other ingredients, like the butter and pecans, are gluten-free, and it’s a treat everyone can enjoy, regardless of their dietary preferences.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake as a Make-Ahead Dessert

One of the great features about Pecan Pie Dump Cake is that you can make it ahead of time – and it is excellent for busy hosts. You can even make the cake in the baking dish the night before, store it in the fridge, then bake it the next day, right before serving. So, it’s great for the company, and you want to save time for other, more challenging recipes! It also keeps well for a day or so, so you have leftovers to enjoy the following day!

Pecan Pie Dump Cake vs. Traditional Pecan Pie: A Comparison

Pecan Pie Dump Cake vs Pecan Pie Although the flavors are similar, the process and texture of pecan pie dump cake and pecan pie are pretty different. Classic pecan pie should have a flaky crust, chewy and sticky-sweet filling, and a well-baked bottom. Pecan Pie Dump Cake skips the crust altogether, using the cake mix as the base, which not only makes it a more straightforward recipe but also gives it a different texture. The top of the dump cake is crunchy, the inside is ooey and gooey, and the cake is gooey and chewy, similar to a pecan pie, but unique.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake for the Holidays: A Festive Touch

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is an excellent dessert for holiday potlucks, particularly during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Its warm, homey flavors are just right for chilly weather, and the easy preparation allows you to concentrate on other holiday chores. It’s also the kind of versatile dessert that can be served at many types of occasions, from a small family dinner to a big holiday feast. The light, sweet, and nutty smell wafting from your oven will infuse your home with holiday smells, making it the perfect end to your dessert lineup.

The Best Pairings for Pecan Pie Dump Cake

You don’t need anything to enjoy Pecan Pie Dump Cake, but there are a few fantastic things you can serve it with. Serve it with a mug of hot coffee or a glass of sweet iced tea for a nice contrast to the richness of the cake. For an extra special treat, serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or drizzled with chocolate or caramel sauce. For a fun variation, try a spoonful of spiced whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon-sugar to accentuate the warm, comforting flavors of the dessert.

Storing and Reheating Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Pecan Pie Dump Cake stores well for later noshing. (The dish can be covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days if there are any leftovers.) To reheat, pop it in an oven at 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes (or until heated through), or you can microwave a single serving for a speedier option. The cake will be just as good with its gooey center and crispy top, making it a great late-night sweet or next-day treat.

Healthier Versions of Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Creative Variations of Pecan Pie Dump Cake

How Ever To Pecan Pie Dump Cake… So, while the original Pecan Pie Dump Cake posted on Eazy Peazy Mealz is pretty fantastic all on its own… There are so many other ways you can spin the recipe. You might try adding chocolate chips to the mix, for a chocolate-pecan combination, or swapping in brown butter for a nuttier, richer flavor. For a tropical flavor, consider adding shredded coconut and macadamia nuts to the blend. The great thing about this recipe is that it’s easily adaptable with whatever you have on hand, so feel free to riff on it and make it your own.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake for Special Diets: Vegan and Dairy-Free Alternatives

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a simple yet delicious cake for those who are living their best vegan or dairy-free life. Swap out the butter for plant-based butter or coconut oil, and trade the cake mix for a dairy-free rendition. For the sweetened condensed milk, you can find vegan options at most health food stores. You can enjoy this favorite dessert and stick to a dietary commitment without sacrificing flavor, just by making these easy exchanges.

The Secret to a Perfectly Gooey Pecan Pie Dump Cake

The trick to having the center of the pie gooey but the edges crispy is to cook it to perfection. The secret lies in the order in which you distribute butter, sugar, and cake mix. Just make sure to cover the cake mix with melted butter and spread it out to soak and bake with the cake, resulting in a golden and slightly crisp topping while the middle remains gooey and soft. The pecans should be doubled to caramelize and provide a crunch to the sweet. The result is a properly balanced dump cake that has a nice crunch and a gooey, sticky center.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake: A Dessert for Every Occasion

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the perfect combo of two classics, so good and a family favorite! It’s casual enough for a family dinner, but it is also ideal for a special birthday or an elegant holiday meal. The basic yet tasty lineup of flavors is a usual favorite among children and adults. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or staying in with your sweetie, this is the dessert for you.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that combines the flavors of a traditional pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake. Made with just a few ingredients, this dessert features a buttery cake base, sweet caramelized filling, and crunchy pecans, creating a perfect balance of textures. It’s a quick and easy dessert option that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl (optional, if needed for any mixing)
• Spoon or spatula
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 box of yellow cake mix
• 1 cup 2 sticks of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup of brown sugar packed
• 2 cups of pecans chopped
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract optional
• 1 can 14 oz of sweetened condensed milk (optional for extra creaminess)

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot when the cake is ready to bake.
• Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Add the Cake Mix: Evenly spread the yellow cake mix over the bottom of the baking dish.
• Layer the Sugar and Pecans: Sprinkle the brown sugar over the cake mix, followed by a layer of chopped pecans.
• Add the Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the mixture.
• Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
• Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
  

Notes

• Optional Add-ins: You can include vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix if needed.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving for the best texture.
• Variations: Experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a unique twist. You can also use a sugar substitute to lower the sweetness.
• 

Keyword dump cake, easy dessert, holiday dessert, pecan pie, Pecan Pie Dump Cake, simple dessert

Conclusion

To sum it all up, Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for those of you who want something no-fuss and easy but still sweet and decadent! This recipe has only a few simple ingredients and amps the rich buttery flavor of pecan pie into dump cake form! The result is a luscious dessert with a gooeyness and crunch that will satisfy a crowd any time. Whether you are baking for a holiday office party or just craving something sweet, this dessert is sure to please and requires minimal effort.

The variety in the recipe also allows you to customize it to your liking, whether you need to lighten it up or prefer more add-ins. Just by subbing out a few ingredients or changing up the proportions, you can easily accommodate any dietary needs and STILL enjoy all that yummy flavor you love in that classic pecan pie. Pecan Pie Dump Cake is an easy and delicious dessert you absolutely have to try! It’s one of the best recipes out there!

Share Your Twist on Pecan Pie Dump Cake!

Here are some simple ways to put your own spin on Pecan Pie Dump Cake:

1. Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate chips for a rich, sweet flavor.
2. Tropical Twist: Mix in shredded coconut and macadamia nuts for a tropical feel.
3. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy, spiced version.
4. Maple Twist: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a unique sweetness.
5. Caramel Twist: Drizzle caramel sauce on top for extra indulgence.

Try one of these variations and make the dessert even more delicious!

FAQs for Pecan Pie Dump Cake

1. Can I make Pecan Pie Dump Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free cake mix as a substitute for the regular cake mix. This will allow you to enjoy the dessert without gluten.

2. Can I add other nuts besides pecans?

Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or any other nut you prefer. Each nut brings a different texture and flavor to the dessert.

3. Can I prepare Pecan Pie Dump Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for the best taste and texture.

5. Can I freeze Pecan Pie Dump Cake?

Yes, you can freeze it! Once baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

6. Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Yes, you can use a sugar substitute, such as Stevia or monk fruit, and swap butter for healthier fats like coconut oil or avocado. You can also use a gluten-free cake mix and reduce the amount of pecans for a lighter version.

7. Can I make Pecan Pie Dump Cake without sweetened condensed milk?

Yes! Sweetened condensed milk is optional. If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip it, and the cake will still turn out delicious with the butter and sugar.

References :

Favorite Bourbon Pecan Pie

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