Name: Delicious Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489818H50M30S
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) pecan pie filling or 1 1/2 cups homemade pecan pie filling; 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake. Imagine a warm, gooey brown sugar and pecan-filled base, topped with a buttery yellow cake layer that bakes into a soft, cake-like finish. This dessert is not only rich in flavor but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create a dessert that is sure to delight your family and friends.

What makes this pecan pie dump cake even more appealing is its versatility; you can enjoy it as-is, serve it warm, or dress it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Imagine cozying up on a cool evening with a warm slice of this indulgent cake, its sweet, nutty aroma wafting through the air. Plus, the fact that it only takes 55 minutes from start to finish means you can whip it up quickly for any spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings.

This recipe truly captures the essence of comfort food, marrying the rich roastiness of pecans with the sweet familiarity of cake. It’s no wonder why this dish has become a staple at family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this pecan pie dump cake promises to deliver delicious results without any fuss. Get ready to indulge in dessert like never before!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Ease of Preparation: No mixer needed! Just dump and bake.
Rich Flavor: The buttery cake pairs perfectly with gooey pecan filling.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, and holiday feasts.
Quick Cooking Time: From mixing to serving in less than an hour.
Delicious Warm or Cold: Serve it warm for a comforting treat or cold for a refreshing dessert.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into creating your delicious pecan pie dump cake, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather your tools. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring that it reaches the right temperature for even baking. For this recipe, you’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish; lightly grease it using cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Gather the following tools: a mixing bowl for combining your ingredients, a whisk for easy mixing, and a spatula for spreading the cake batter and pecan filling smoothly. If you’re using store-bought pecan pie filling, ensure you have that ready; otherwise, prepare your homemade pecan pie filling in advance. A measuring cup will also come in handy for measuring your butter and eggs accurately.

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) pecan pie filling or 1 1/2 cups homemade pecan pie filling
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
3 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, as this will ensure that your cake doesn’t stick as it bakes and allows for easy serving later.

Step 2: Spread the Pecan Pie Filling

Once your baking dish is prepared, take the pecan pie filling—either store-bought or homemade—and spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish. This filling serves as the base layer, creating a deliciously gooey center that will meld beautifully with the cake layer on top.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with the eggs. Whisk them together until fully blended. Note that the batter will be quite thick—that’s perfectly fine! Using your spatula, carefully spread the batter over the layer of pecan pie filling, trying to cover it as evenly as possible.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Now for the finishing touches: drench your cake batter with melted butter. This will allow the top to become richly golden and provide that delightful buttery flavor throughout. For an added crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans and a dash of cinnamon if desired over the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your prepared dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it cooks; you want the top to turn golden brown and ensure that a toothpick or knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set.

Variations

Protein: For added protein, consider incorporating chopped walnuts or other nuts into the top layer for an extra crunch.
Vegetables: To add a subtle twist, you can mix in finely grated carrot or zucchini into the batter—a great way to sneak in some nutrients!
Spices: Don’t limit yourself to just cinnamon; try adding nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal flair.

Cooking Notes

If you prefer a bit more texture, consider folding in some chocolate chips into the batter.
Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for optimal blending with the other ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing.
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an indulgent touch!

Tips

For a deeper flavor, toast your pecans before adding them to the top—this amps up the nutty profile.
To make this dish even easier, use a disposable aluminum baking dish for quick cleanup!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 350
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 200mg

FAQs

What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a baking method where you simply ‘dump’ the ingredients into a baking dish and bake, requiring minimal mixing and prep work.

Can I use other cake mixes?

Yes! You can experiment with different flavors of cake mixes, such as chocolate or butter pecan, to give your dump cake a unique twist.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover pecan pie dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze this dump cake?

Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to enjoy again.

Conclusion

The Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a wonderfully easy and delicious recipe that blends the comforting flavors of classic pecan pie with the straightforward baking method of a dump cake. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just for yourself, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your household. Its warm, sweet aroma and satisfying texture will surely entice everyone to come back for seconds. Don’t forget to let us know how it turns out for you! Share your variations and tips with us in the comments below, and don’t hesitate to whip this up again for your loved ones!