Pecan Pie Dump Cake : The Easiest, Most Irresistible Dessert With Nuts

If you love the rich, buttery taste of pecan pie but don’t want to fuss with rolling out pie dough, then this Pecan Pie Dump Cake is your new best friend. Gooey, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, this recipe combines everything you adore about classic pecan pie with the simplicity of a dump cake. It’s the perfect choice for busy bakers, last-minute dessert emergencies, or anyone who craves something sweet, warm, and cozy.

This easy dessert with nuts has all the flavors of caramelized pecans, brown sugar, and buttery cake — baked into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. Best of all? There’s no mixing bowl required! You simply “dump” the ingredients into a dish, bake, and watch the magic happen.

If you adore quick bakes like this, you’ll also love the Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or the ultra-cozy Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl — two irresistible desserts that pair perfectly with this cake.

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Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake

This dessert combines everything we love about old-fashioned Southern comfort with the ease of modern baking. It’s an easy and fun dessert that feels indulgent without the effort.

Here’s why it’s going to be your new go-to:

• Minimal prep: No batter to mix, no crust to roll.
• Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves the gooey, nutty texture.
• Perfect for holidays: Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering.
• Flexible flavors: Add apples, caramel, or chocolate for creative twists.
• Make-ahead friendly: Stores beautifully for reheating later.

This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm drink like Lavender Lemonade or a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream for balance.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pecan Pie Dump Cake

You only need a few pantry staples to create this incredible dessert. Each layer works together to produce a buttery, sweet, nut-filled cake that’s soft underneath and crisp on top.

Main Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 can (21 oz) pecan pie filling or 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling for variation
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup melted butter (unsalted or lightly salted)
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Optional Add-Ins and Flavor Twists

• Chocolate chips: For a chocolate-pecan twist.
• Caramel drizzle: Adds sweetness and shine.
• Apple pie filling: Transforms this into the best apple dump cake variation.
• Whipped cream or ice cream: Perfect finishing touch.

If you’re in a festive mood, this dessert also pairs beautifully with the holiday flavors in Pumpkin Truffles.

How To Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake Step-by-Step

This easy pecan dump cake comes together in minutes — the hardest part is waiting for it to bake!

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Pour the pecan pie filling into the dish and spread it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the filling — don’t mix it! Layer on the chopped pecans and brown sugar.

For added richness, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top, covering as much of the cake mix as possible. The butter will soak through the dry ingredients as it bakes, creating that golden, gooey texture we love.

If you want to make it extra festive, take inspiration from Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark and add a light caramel drizzle before baking.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. The middle should be slightly soft but set.

Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving — the filling will thicken as it rests, creating that signature pecan pie dump cake texture.

For more quick bakes with perfect texture, try the Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 4: Add Optional Pecan Pie Frosting or Toppings

If you want to level up your dessert, whip together a simple Pecan Pie Frosting by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 2 tablespoons heavy cream until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving for an extra-sweet touch.

You can also serve it with a dollop of Pumpkin Fluff Dip for a creamy, fall-inspired pairing.

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan (for melting butter)
• Optional whisk (for frosting)

No electric mixer needed — which makes cleanup easy!

If you love minimal-equipment baking, you’ll appreciate recipes like Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl, which are just as simple and satisfying.

Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Dump Cake

1. Distribute butter evenly. Use melted butter, not slices, to ensure full coverage.
2. Don’t stir! Let the layers bake as-is for the perfect dump cake structure.
3. Use high-quality nuts. Fresh pecans make a huge difference in flavor.
4. Add crunch. Toast the pecans beforehand for more depth.
5. Serve warm. The gooey filling tastes divine fresh from the oven.

These texture-enhancing tips are similar to those that make Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread so irresistibly moist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Uneven butter coverage: Leads to dry patches.
• Overbaking: The cake should be slightly gooey in the center.
• Skipping the nuts: They add flavor and texture contrast.
• Not letting it rest: Cooling allows the filling to set properly.

If you’re new to dump cakes, start with simple recipes like the No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters to build confidence before tackling larger desserts.

Creative Variations and Serving Ideas

One of the best things about dump cakes is their flexibility! Here are a few creative twists:

• Apple Pecan Dump Cake: Replace the filling with apple pie filling for the best apple dump cake version.
• Chocolate Pecan Dump Cake: Add cocoa powder or chocolate chips.
• Pumpkin Pecan Dump Cake: Add pumpkin puree for a spiced fall treat.
• Caramel Pecan Dump Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce before or after baking.

For another quick dessert that’s guaranteed to wow, try Apple Crisp with Oatmeal — it’s fruity, crunchy, and just as comforting.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This easy cake with nuts is delicious straight from the oven, but a few small touches can make it even more impressive:

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Garnish with a drizzle of caramel or melted chocolate.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed pecans or cinnamon before serving.
• Serve in individual ramekins for a charming presentation.

Pair it with a refreshing glass of Lavender Lemonade for a perfect flavor balance between rich and light.

How To Store and Reheat Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 15–20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

If you’re a fan of make-ahead recipes, you’ll love Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls — the same concept, but for mornings instead of dessert!

Perfect Pairings for Pecan Pie Dump Cake

This cake goes wonderfully with:

• Whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream.
• A creamy dessert like Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.
• Savory contrast dishes such as Snake Charmer’s Pretzels.
• Warm drinks like hot cocoa or a cup of cinnamon tea.

It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert for family gatherings or potlucks.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use white cake mix instead of yellow?
Yes, but yellow cake mix gives a richer, buttery flavor.

Do I have to use pecan pie filling?
No — you can substitute apple, cherry, or pumpkin filling.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake, cool, and store in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

Can I freeze it?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

What can I add for extra crunch?
Top with crushed graham crackers or extra toasted nuts.

Final Thoughts – A Gooey, Buttery Dessert for Every Occasion

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake proves that you don’t need fancy techniques to make something truly unforgettable. With its rich caramelized edges, buttery crumble, and toasted pecans, it’s the ultimate comfort dessert — simple enough for a weeknight, but special enough for the holidays.

So next time you need an effortless crowd-pleaser, grab your ingredients, “dump” them into a dish, and let the oven do the work. You’ll end up with a dessert that tastes like pure Southern comfort — no rolling pins required!

If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with your friends and check out more easy desserts like Pumpkin Truffles or Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies. And don’t forget to subscribe to Lyndy’s Kitchen for new recipes that make baking fun and effortless.

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