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dessert

Pecan Dump Cake

By Grandma Millie

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Delicious Pecan Dump Cake served warm with vanilla ice cream on a rustic table.

pecan dump cake is a simple, Southern-inspired dessert that turns pantry staples into a golden, gooey treat. Juicy peaches and pears bake under a blanket of cake mix while buttery pecans toast on top for a perfect nutty crunch. A hint of vanilla and maple adds cozy depth, making every bite rich, warm, and comforting. With only a few minutes of prep just dump, sprinkle, and bake your kitchen fills with nostalgic aromas and a crowd-pleasing sweet emerges. pecan dump cake is easy to make and perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you want a taste of home.

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 50 mins
Total: 1 hr 15 mins
Serves: 12 servings
Calories: 350

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Pecan Dump Cake

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Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
50 mins
resting
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (This serves as the base for our cake.)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (Adds richness and moisture.)
  • 1 can (15 oz) pecan halves (For that delicious nutty flavor and crunch.)
  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling or caramel sauce (Provides sweetness and a fruity touch.)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Enhances all the flavors beautifully.)
  • 1 pinch salt (Balances the sweetness of the dish.)

Equipment

  • 1 9×13-inch baking dish — For baking the cake.
  • 1 Mixing bowl — For mixing ingredients.

Method

  1. 1

    Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy.

  2. 2

    Step 2: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray. This will help your cake come out easily after baking.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Spread the pie filling (or caramel sauce) evenly across the bottom of the dish. This will be the delicious base of your cake.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Sprinkle the pecan halves over the pie filling in an even layer. This adds a lovely crunch and flavor to your cake.

  5. 5

    Step 5: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pecans without shaking the box. This helps keep the layers distinct and delicious.

  6. 6

    Step 6: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, ensuring all areas are moistened. This is what makes the top golden and crispy!

  7. 7

    Step 7: Add a pinch of salt and vanilla extract over the top. This enhances the flavors and makes your cake irresistible.

  8. 8

    Step 8: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

  9. 9

    Step 9: Allow to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired for an extra treat!

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories350
Fat20g
Protein3g
Carbs40g

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Dump Cake

  • It’s incredibly easy to make—just dump and bake!
  • Rich, buttery flavor with a delightful crunch from pecans.
  • Perfect for gatherings, impressing guests with minimal effort.
  • Versatile dessert that pairs well with ice cream or whipped cream.
  • Great for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive celebrations.

Ingredients

Get ready to whip up a delicious Pecan Dump Cake with these simple ingredients!

Ingredients for Pecan Dump Cake displayed on a kitchen table.
  • 1 box yellow cake mix – this serves as the base for our cake.
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted – adds richness and moisture.
  • 1 can (15 oz) pecan halves – for that delicious nutty flavor and crunch.
  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling or caramel sauce – provides sweetness and a fruity touch.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors beautifully.
  • Pinch of salt – balances the sweetness of the dish.

How to Make Pecan Dump Cake

Get ready for a delightful treat! This Pecan Dump Cake is super easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 45–50 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time. Allow it to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best experience!

Step-by-step preparation of Pecan Dump Cake, showcasing greasing the dish, adding pie filling, sprinkling pecans, and drizzling butter.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray. This will help your cake come out easily after baking.

Step 3: Add the Pie Filling

Spread the pie filling (or caramel sauce) evenly across the bottom of the dish. This will be the delicious base of your cake.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Pecans

Sprinkle the pecan halves over the pie filling in an even layer. This adds a lovely crunch and flavor to your cake.

Step 5: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pecans without shaking the box. This helps keep the layers distinct and delicious.

Step 6: Drizzle the Butter

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, ensuring all areas are moistened. This is what makes the top golden and crispy!

Step 7: Add Salt and Vanilla

Add a pinch of salt and vanilla extract over the top. This enhances the flavors and makes your cake irresistible.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired for an extra treat!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryDessert
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Extra Time15 minutes (resting)
Total Time75 minutes
DietaryVegetarian
Serves12
Best ServedWarm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!

Pro Tips for Making Pecan Dump Cake

  • Opt for fresh pecans for a richer flavor.
  • Layer the ingredients evenly for a beautiful bake.
  • Use a mix of butter and a non-dairy substitute for a lighter texture.
  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.

How to Serve this Pecan Dump Cake

  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
  • Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra sweet touch.
  • Pair with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  • Enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:

Storing Pecan Dump Cake Leftovers

  • Allow the cake to cool completely.
  • Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Pecan Dump Cake

  • Cool the cake completely before freezing.
  • Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
  • Label and date the package.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Pecan Dump Cake

  • Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
  • Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
  • Microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds.
  • Serve warm for the best texture and taste.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—your new favorite dessert, the Pecan Dump Cake! It’s so easy to whip up, and the delightful aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family. Trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
One of the biggest mistakes to avoid when making a dump cake is not layering the ingredients properly. Make sure to follow the order of ingredients as specified in the recipe. If you mix everything together instead of layering, you may end up with a dense texture rather than the light and fluffy cake you desire. Also, be cautious not to overbake it, as this can lead to a dry cake. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time!
What are the most popular dump cake flavors?
Some of the most popular dump cake flavors include peach, cherry, and chocolate. However, Pecan Dump Cake has gained a lot of love for its rich, nutty flavor and delightful texture. You can also experiment with other fruits or even add spices like cinnamon to create your own unique flavor combinations. The beauty of dump cakes is their versatility!
Does a dump cake need to be refrigerated overnight?
Generally, a dump cake does not need to be refrigerated overnight if you plan to consume it within a couple of days. However, if you have leftovers or want to keep it fresh for longer, it’s a good idea to cover it and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture!
Are cobbler and dump cake the same thing?
While cobbler and dump cake may seem similar, they are not the same. A cobbler typically has a biscuit or pie crust topping, while a dump cake is made by dumping ingredients into a pan without mixing them. The result is a cake-like texture with a crispy topping. Both are delicious desserts, but they offer different flavors and textures!

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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