Name: Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Chopped Pecans (Rich, nutty flavor; toast for enhanced taste.); 1 box Yellow Cake Mix (15.25-ounce box simplifies the process.); 1 cup Butter (Melted, unsalted for better control over sweetness.); 1 cup Brown Sugar (Packed, adds classic pecan pie flavor.); 2 large Eggs (For binding and structure.); 0.5 cup Milk (Whole milk recommended for best flavor.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Flavoring (Optional, enhances sweetness and aroma.)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving all the nostalgic goodness of a southern dessert but want to skip the fussy pie crust, Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake is here to make your life deliciously simple. Imagine a golden, buttery cake layered with the rich, brown sugar and nutty flavors of classic pecan pie—all whipped up with pantry staples, mixed in minutes, and baked into warm, gooey decadence. This no-fail treat is pure comfort baking at its finest, perfect for last-minute gatherings, cozy weeknight cravings, or whenever you need a winning dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake is in its simplicity: a handful of classic ingredients that each add their own magic to the final result. Every item here plays a distinct role, coming together for a dessert that’s both crowd-pleasing and completely fuss-free.

Chopped Pecans: Bring a rich, nutty flavor and irresistible crunch; toast them beforehand for even more depth.
Yellow Cake Mix: The shortcut hero that creates a soft, moist crumb and saves you tons of time.
Butter (Melted): Adds richness and guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth texture—unsalted lets you control the sweetness.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar is what delivers that unmistakable pecan pie flavor and caramel undertones.
Eggs (Large): Acts as a binder and gives needed structure for a perfect slice.
Milk (Whole recommended): Makes the batter creamy and ensures a soft bite in every forkful.
Vanilla Flavoring (Optional): Elevates aroma and brings out the sweetness in every layer.

How to Make Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a quick mist of cooking spray. This step makes sure your Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake will slide out easily and keeps cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the chopped pecans, yellow cake mix, and brown sugar. The pecans add crunch, while the cake mix and sugar create that crave-worthy, sweet structure—an easy start to something incredible.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla (if you’re using it) until the mixture is silky and combined. The butter makes it rich, the milk keeps it moist, and a hint of vanilla gives each bite extra warmth.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Pour your wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together using a spatula, stirring just until there are no streaks of dry cake mix left. Don’t overmix—this is what keeps your Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake gloriously tender.

Step 5: Fill the Baking Dish

Spread the batter into your prepped baking dish, smoothing it into every corner. This ensures an even bake and those beautiful golden edges that everyone loves.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and a toothpick that comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are OK). This time in the oven lets the flavors meld, and the top develops a tempting crust.

Step 7: Cool Slightly Before Serving

Let the cake rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This short wait helps the cake set a little, making it easier to slice and letting flavors really come together. Your Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake will be the star of any table!

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Serve your dump cake warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious as-is, but a swoosh of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it over the top. Every spoonful brings back those classic pecan pie memories—minus the fuss.

How to Serve Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Garnishes

A generous dollop of whipped cream is always welcome, but if you’re feeling extra, sprinkle on a few more toasted pecan pieces for contrast. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce can give your Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake an irresistible, sticky finish that’ll have everyone swooning.

Side Dishes

Balance this sweet treat with something light—think a fresh fruit salad or even a tangy citrus sorbet as a palate cleanser. If serving during the holidays, a mug of strong coffee or spiced chai pairs perfectly and helps temper the cake’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake into single-serve delights by baking it in ramekins for individual portions. For potlucks or picnics, try slicing squares, layering them into trifle glasses with more whipped cream, or even using it as a decadent topping for ice cream sundaes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any remaining cake covered in the original baking dish or transfer to an airtight container. At room temperature, it’ll stay fresh for about two days; in the refrigerator, it’ll last up to five days—if you don’t eat it all before then.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the cake and freeze the portions individually, wrapped tightly in plastic and stored in a freezer bag or container. Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake holds up beautifully for up to three months in the freezer, making it an easy option for emergency dessert cravings.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, simply reheat slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or pop the baking dish in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Add your favorite topping after reheating for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic in Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake, butter pecan, spice, or even chocolate cake mix all work and bring unique flavor twists to the table.

Should the pecans be raw or toasted?

Raw pecans are fine, but toasting them beforehand really intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a lovely crunch—just spread on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 6-8 minutes.

Can I make Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free cake mix, and double-check the other ingredients to make sure they’re certified gluten-free. The results will be just as tasty and crowd-pleasing.

Is it okay to skip the vanilla flavoring?

You can definitely skip the vanilla if you don’t have it on hand. It adds a subtle extra note, but the Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake is still completely delicious without it.

How do I know when it’s fully baked?

Look for a golden top and test with a toothpick—the cake is done when the toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached. Don’t worry if the center’s slightly gooey; that’s part of the charm!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a no-stress, absolutely satisfying dessert that guarantees rave reviews, give Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake a spot in your baking routine. It’s simple, stunning, and one of those recipes you’ll reach for over and over again. Gather your ingredients, invite the family, and get ready to enjoy a sweet slice of home-baked happiness!

Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delicious simplicity of Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake. This dessert combines the rich flavors of pecan pie with the convenience of a dump cake, resulting in a sweet treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pecan Topping:

1 cup Chopped Pecans (Rich, nutty flavor; toast for enhanced taste.)

Cake Layer:

1 box Yellow Cake Mix (15.25-ounce box simplifies the process.)
1 cup Butter (Melted, unsalted for better control over sweetness.)
1 cup Brown Sugar (Packed, adds classic pecan pie flavor.)
2 large Eggs (For binding and structure.)
0.5 cup Milk (Whole milk recommended for best flavor.)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Flavoring (Optional, enhances sweetness and aroma.)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped pecans, yellow cake mix, and brown sugar.
Prepare Wet Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold until just combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or ice cream.

Notes

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to the cake mix.
For a decadent twist, drizzle caramel sauce over the finished cake before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American