If you’ve been craving a dessert that’s deliciously sweet, buttery, and packs a wonderful crunch, then you are going to fall in love with this Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe. This straightforward recipe transforms pantry staples into a show-stopping treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite. With a gooey pecan pie filling underneath a soft crumbly cake topping studded with pecans, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors without the fuss of a traditional pie crust. Get ready to impress your family and friends with minimal effort and maximum taste!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, coming together to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the rich pecan pie filling to the buttery cake topping and the crunch of chopped pecans, each component is simple yet essential for this dessert’s magic.
- Pecan pie filling (1 can, 15 oz): The star of the show, bringing that classic nutty sweetness that makes pecan pie so irresistible.
- Crushed pineapple (1 can, 15 oz, drained, optional): Adds a subtle brightness and moisture, balancing the richness with a tropical twist.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): Provides the buttery, fluffy cake topping that bakes up golden and slightly crisp.
- Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, cold and sliced): Adds richness and helps crisp the top, creating that perfect melt-in-your-mouth crust.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, optional): Offers a warm spice note that enhances the pecan flavor beautifully.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): For extra crunch and nutty goodness sprinkled into the cake topping.
- Extra pecans for topping: To decorate and boost the texture and visual appeal.
- Cooking spray or butter: For greasing your baking dish to ensure the cake releases perfectly after baking.
How to Make Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly using cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and to encourage even browning of the crust. Preparing your pan properly is key to an easy release and a beautifully baked cake.
Step 2: Layer the Pecan Pie Filling
Pour the entire can of pecan pie filling evenly into the bottom of your greased baking dish. If you’re opting to include the crushed pineapple, distribute it in an even layer on top of the pecan pie filling now. This layer provides the luscious, gooey base that’s full of classic pecan pie flavor.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Next, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the filling layers. Make sure the cake mix completely covers the pie filling, but avoid stirring—this helps create the signature “dump cake” texture, where the filling bubbles up around the dry cake mix.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cinnamon and Pecans
Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the dry cake mix if using, then distribute the chopped pecans on top. This step infuses the cake with warm spice and provides delightful crunchy nut bits throughout the topping.
Step 5: Top with Butter Slices
Scatter the cold, sliced butter all over the surface of the cake mix. Aim to cover as much surface area as possible. The cold butter melts during baking and bakes into the cake mix, creating a perfectly crumbly and golden crust that makes this a standout dessert.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Look for a golden top and bubbling edges—that’s your cue that the cake is ready. The bubbling filling beneath the cake indicates all those flavors melding beautifully.
Step 7: Let Cool Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve and even more enjoyable to eat warm. For an extra indulgent touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Serve Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate this dessert to stunning. Try topping individual servings with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream brings the flavors to life and adds an extra creamy touch.
Side Dishes
This Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe shines as a dessert at family dinners, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers. Pair it with a fresh fruit salad to lighten the palate or accompany it with freshly brewed coffee or a cup of spiced tea for a perfectly cozy finish to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the cake in rustic mason jars layered with extra pecans and whipped cream. Alternatively, turn individual portions into parfaits by layering chunks of cake with whipped cream and caramel or chocolate sauce, creating a visually stunning and delicious treat sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your leftovers fresh, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dessert holds its texture nicely and can be quickly reheated for a warm treat anytime you crave it.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake for longer storage by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results, preserving its soft yet crunchy texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds to one minute or warm the entire dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. Adding a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream after reheating keeps every bite luscious and comforting.
FAQs
Can I skip the pineapple in this Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! The pineapple is optional and adds a hint of tropical sweetness and moisture, but the cake is delicious on its own with just the pecan pie filling. Feel free to omit it to suit your taste.
What type of butter should I use for the topping?
Use unsalted butter cold and sliced to ensure even melting and to control the saltiness of the dessert. Cold butter helps create that lovely crumbly topping texture unique to dump cakes.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a white or even spice cake mix for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the cake mix you choose affects the overall sweetness and texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional yellow cake mixes contain gluten, so this recipe is not gluten-free as written. To make it gluten-free, look for a gluten-free yellow cake mix and confirm all other ingredients meet your dietary needs.
How do I know when the dump cake is fully baked?
Look for a golden-brown top with bubbling filling around the edges. The butter will have melted, and the cake mix sets into a soft but slightly crisp crust. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil and continue baking until done.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe is truly a lifesaver for anyone looking to make an irresistible dessert without complicated steps. Its rich pecan pie flavor combined with a tender cake topping creates a crowd-pleasing masterpiece every time. I highly encourage you to try this recipe soon—once you do, it will surely become a beloved classic in your dessert lineup!
Print
Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a quick and delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of pecan pie filling with a buttery yellow cake topping. With minimal prep and a simple layering method, it’s perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. Optionally enhanced with crushed pineapple and cinnamon, this dessert bakes to a golden bubbly perfection and is best served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can pecan pie filling
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter, cold and sliced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 0.5 cup chopped pecans
- Extra pecans for topping
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer pecan pie filling: Pour the pecan pie filling into the prepared dish and spread it evenly to form a uniform base layer. If using crushed pineapple, evenly distribute it over the pecan pie filling for added sweetness and moisture.
- Add dry cake mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the filling layers. It’s important not to stir or mix the layers—just let the dry cake mix rest on top.
- Top with cinnamon and pecans: Evenly sprinkle the optional cinnamon and chopped pecans over the dry cake mix, adding spice and a nutty texture.
- Distribute butter slices: Arrange the cold, sliced butter evenly across the surface to cover as much of the dry ingredients as possible. This will melt during baking to create a rich, crisp topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling hot.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm, optionally topped with ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- For a more tropical twist, use the optional crushed pineapple.
- Do not stir the cake mix into the filling; layering is key for the dump cake texture.
- Use cold butter so it melts gradually, creating a crumbly topping.
- This dessert can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored covered at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
