Recipe card
Print / PDFPecan Dump Cake
Rate this recipe
Be the first to rate
- Prep Time
- 10 mins
- Cook Time
- 50 mins
- resting
- 15 mins
- Total Time
- 1 hr 15 mins
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
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy.
- 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
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
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
Step 5: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pecans without shaking the box. This helps keep the layers distinct and delicious.
- 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
Step 7: Add a pinch of salt and vanilla extract over the top. This enhances the flavors and makes your cake irresistible.
- 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
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
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 40g |
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!

- 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 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
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 50 minutes |
| Extra Time | 15 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 75 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 12 |
| Best Served | Warm 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?
What are the most popular dump cake flavors?
Does a dump cake need to be refrigerated overnight?
Are cobbler and dump cake the same thing?
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.






Comments
Made this recipe? Share how it turned out for your family.
No comments yet — be the first to leave a note.