Are you tired of complicated dessert recipes with endless steps and ingredient lists? Looking for something deliciously sweet that practically makes itself? Pecan dump cake is the answer to your dessert dilemmas. As a Southern home cook who’s been perfecting simple, crowd-pleasing treats for over a decade, I’ve found that nothing brings more joy with less effort than this classic dump cake recipe.
This rustic, buttery pecan cake delivers the perfect balance of crisp topping and gooey filling that will have everyone asking for seconds. In the following sections, I’ll share my secrets for ingredient selection, foolproof preparation steps, and creative variations that make this humble dessert shine at any gathering.
Why This Pecan Dump Cake Recipe Works
This pecan dump cake has become a staple in my Southern kitchen for good reason:
- Uses just 5 simple pantry ingredients that create magic when combined
- Takes only 10 minutes of actual prep work (the oven does the rest!)
- Perfect for last-minute guests or when you need dessert without fuss
- Creates that beloved crispy-meets-gooey texture that’s irresistible
- Makes enough to feed a crowd but easily halves for smaller gatherings
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Pecan Dump Cake
Best Cake Mix Foundation
While any yellow cake mix works, butter-flavored varieties add an extra dimension of richness. Look for premium brands with real vanilla in the ingredients list for the most authentic flavor profile.
Pecan Selection
Freshness matters! Look for plump, uniform pecans without blemishes. Pre-chopped pecans save time, but whole pecans broken by hand release more natural oils and flavor into your cake.
Substitutions
No pecans? Walnuts work beautifully as a substitute. For a completely different twist, try using almonds or a mixed nut blend. You can also experiment with different cake mix flavors – chocolate or spice cake creates delicious variations.
Ingredients & Prep for Perfect Pecan Dump Cake
Dump Cake Essentials
The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray and preheat your oven to 350°F.
Simple Ingredient List
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 can (21 oz) fruit pie filling (apple or cherry work wonderfully)
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
Pantry Add-ins
For an elevated version, consider adding:
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Love this easy dump cake concept? You might also enjoy my Three Cheese Tomato Bruschetta Dip for another simple crowd-pleaser!
Step-by-Step Pecan Dump Cake Instructions
Pre-Cooking Pecan Dump Cake Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease your baking dish
- Spread pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish
- Sprinkle half the pecans over the filling
Assembling Pecan Dump Cake Layers
- Pour dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layer (don’t stir!)
- Sprinkle brown sugar over the cake mix
- Drizzle melted butter as evenly as possible across the top
- Top with remaining pecans
Baking Your Pecan Dump Cake
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until top is golden brown
- Look for slight bubbling around the edges (a sign it’s perfectly done)
Serving Your Pecan Dump Cake
- Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving
- For the ultimate experience, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Pro Tips for Perfect Pecan Dump Cake
Avoiding Common Pecan Dump Cake Mistakes
- Butter Coverage: Ensure butter is drizzled evenly to avoid dry patches
- Don’t Mix Layers: Resist the urge to stir – the magic happens when layers remain distinct
- Visual Doneness: Look for golden-brown top and bubbling edges rather than timing alone
Tool Recommendations
- Glass baking dish showcases the beautiful layers
- Offset spatula for clean serving portions
- Ice cream scoop for perfect accompanying vanilla ice cream balls
Storage & Reheating
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days
- Reheat individual portions in microwave for 20-30 seconds
- Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in airtight containers
Looking for more easy dessert ideas? Check out my Caramelized Sweet Potato Rounds with Burrata for a unique sweet-savory option!
Pecan Dump Cake Flavor Variations
Seasonal Pecan Dump Cake Twists
- Fall Harvest: Add apple pie filling with extra cinnamon and nutmeg
- Summer Berry: Use mixed berry filling with lemon zest
- Holiday Special: Add cranberry sauce with orange zest
Dietary-Friendly Pecan Dump Cake Options
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free cake mix
- Reduced Sugar: Use sugar-free pie filling and halve the brown sugar
Global Flavor Inspirations
| Variation | Key Ingredients | Serving Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Mexican Chocolate | Add 1 tsp cinnamon, pinch cayenne | Serve with cinnamon whipped cream |
| Italian Amaretto | Add ¼ cup amaretto extract, almond slices | Top with mascarpone |
| Southern Comfort | Add 1 tsp vanilla, peach filling | Serve with bourbon whipped cream |
Serving Suggestions for Pecan Dump Cake
This versatile dessert works beautifully in multiple settings:
- Weeknight Treat: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream
- Holiday Buffet: Pre-portion into small dishes for easy serving
- Potluck Star: Transport in the baking dish for easy reheating
- Brunch Option: Lighten it up with a side of fresh berries
For a complete Southern-inspired meal, start with my Baked Feta Potatoes before serving this pecan dump cake!
Discover more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration on my Pinterest page where I share new ideas every week!
FAQs About Pecan Dump Cake
Can I make pecan dump cake ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate unbaked, and add 5-10 minutes to baking time.
Why is my pecan dump cake dry in some spots?
The butter likely didn’t distribute evenly. Try cutting the butter into small pieces instead of drizzling for more consistent coverage.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned filling?
Yes, but cook fresh fruit with sugar and cornstarch first to create a similar consistency to canned filling.
What’s the best way to tell when my pecan dump cake is done?
Look for a golden brown top and bubbling around the edges. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Need more basic cooking skills? Check out my guide on How to Cook Rice for another kitchen fundamental!
Pecan Dump Cake: Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a dessert that brings together simplicity and satisfaction the way pecan dump cake does. The contrast between the buttery, crisp topping and the warm, gooey fruit layer creates a dessert that feels like a warm Southern hug on a plate.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who rarely ventures into dessert-making, this foolproof recipe delivers impressive results every time. So grab those simple ingredients, “dump” them together, and prepare to watch faces light up when you serve this humble yet magnificent Southern classic.
Try this pecan dump cake this weekend and join thousands of home cooks who’ve made this their go-to dessert for any occasion!
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Pecan Dump Cake: The Easiest Southern Dessert Ever
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pecan Dump Cake is the easiest Southern dessert you’ll ever make — buttery, nutty, and oh-so-satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and no mixing required, it’s a foolproof recipe that delivers warm, gooey comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 can (21 oz) pecan or butter pecan pie filling (or substitute apple pie filling)
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pour the crushed pineapple with juice evenly into the bottom of the dish.
3. Spoon the pecan pie filling over the pineapple layer and spread evenly.
4. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top — do not stir.
5. Drizzle melted butter evenly across the cake mix, covering as much as possible.
6. Top with chopped pecans and a dusting of cinnamon, if desired.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
9. Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Use different pie fillings like apple, cherry, or peach for fun variations.
Add shredded coconut for extra Southern charm.
This dessert tastes even better the next day — just warm it slightly before serving.
Great for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you need a quick crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: pecan dump cake, easy southern dessert, butter pecan dessert, quick cake mix recipe, dump cake with nuts