There’s something irresistible about the warm, buttery aroma of a Pecan Dump Cake fresh out of the oven. This dessert combines crunchy pecans, sweet yellow cake, and a gooey, caramelized base that’s rich and satisfying without requiring much effort. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this easy-to-make treat has quickly become a favorite in my family.
The best part? You won’t need a mixer, measuring cups, or complicated steps. Simply “dump” the ingredients into the baking dish, layer by layer, and let the oven work its magic.
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Dump Cake
Get ready to meet the easiest, most crowd-pleasing dessert in your recipe book! This Pecan Dump Cake is not only simple but also packed with warm flavors that make it ideal for fall, the holiday season, or any time you want a cozy dessert.
First, it’s incredibly quick and convenient. You can have this cake prepped and ready for the oven in under 10 minutes. Because there’s no mixing involved, this cake is practically foolproof—even if you’re not a seasoned baker.
Another reason this cake stands out is its rich, buttery flavor and texture. The combination of melted butter, cake mix, and pecans creates a luxurious, slightly caramelized crust that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Finally, this recipe is very customizable. Want to add some extra flavors? You can include chocolate chips, a hint of cinnamon, or even chopped apples for a different twist. Plus, it works well with various cake mixes, so feel free to experiment!
Once you see how easy and delicious this cake is, you’ll want to make it a regular in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients Notes

The ingredients for Pecan Dump Cake are as simple as they are flavorful. Here’s what makes each one shine in this dessert.
- Pecan Halves: These are a key ingredient, bringing a satisfying crunch and deep, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake. If you like extra crunch, add a few more!
- Yellow Cake Mix: The cake mix is the foundation of this dessert. A yellow cake mix creates a warm, buttery base with a classic vanilla flavor. Feel free to experiment with other flavors like spice cake or chocolate, depending on the season.
- Butter: Melted butter is poured over the top, creating a golden, slightly crispy crust as it bakes. Using real butter is a must here for the richest flavor. Salted butter can add a nice contrast to the sweetness, but if you only have unsalted, that works too.
- Brown Sugar: This adds an extra layer of caramelized sweetness, intensifying the gooey texture at the bottom of the cake. Light brown sugar works best, but if you prefer a deeper molasses taste, dark brown sugar is also delicious.
- Canned Pineapple and/or Apple Pie Filling: The fruit filling is where the moisture comes from, creating a sweet, juicy base that bubbles up into the cake mix. Pineapple adds a tropical twist, while apple pie filling brings cozy, autumn flavors.
No special equipment is needed, just a 9x13-inch baking dish and an oven! Let’s get to baking.
How To Make This Pecan Dump Cake

Making this pecan dump cake is so simple, you’ll want to make it again and again. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensuring it turns out perfectly each time.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. The greased dish helps prevent sticking, making it easier to serve.
Next, open your can of pineapple or apple pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This layer adds moisture and sweetness, creating a juicy base for the cake mix to bake over.
Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit filling. Avoid stirring—this is what gives the cake its unique texture, with a gooey bottom and golden, slightly crisp top. Simply spread the dry mix over the filling for an even layer.
Top the cake mix with an even layer of pecan halves, which will add a lovely crunch to every bite. If you love extra nuts, feel free to sprinkle a few more on top for additional texture.
Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix and pecans, making sure to cover as much of the surface as possible. The butter helps the cake mix cook and form a golden crust. Finally, sprinkle brown sugar over the butter for a hint of caramelized sweetness.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know it’s done when the top has a crisp, golden finish. Serve warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers, this Pecan Dump Cake stores well and can be enjoyed over the next few days. Here are some tips to keep it fresh.
For room temperature storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh for up to two days on the countertop, although the texture may become softer over time.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cake to an airtight container, or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. It will last up to five days when kept chilled. Note that refrigeration may make the cake a bit denser, but reheating it in the microwave will help soften it up again.
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, slice the cake and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
When reheating, use a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-45 seconds, or warm it in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This dessert tastes just as good, if not better, after a day or two!
Variations and Substitutions
This Pecan Dump Cake is versatile and can be adapted to your taste. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Add chocolate chips: Scatter chocolate chips over the pecans for a decadent chocolate version. Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips work best to balance the sweetness of the cake.
- Try different fillings: Swap the pineapple or apple pie filling for cherry pie filling for a more tart, fruity twist, or go for peach filling for a summer-inspired variation.
- Experiment with cake mixes: A spice cake mix is a fantastic choice for fall, adding warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Chocolate cake mix creates a richer, more dessert-like version that’s great with vanilla ice cream.
- Add a touch of cinnamon: Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the cake mix before adding the butter. It adds a subtle warmth and goes perfectly with the pecans and caramelized brown sugar.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix if you’re accommodating gluten sensitivities. The texture may be slightly different, but it’s still just as delicious.
No matter how you customize it, this Pecan Dump Cake is a wonderful dessert to experiment with. It’s hard to go wrong with such a simple and forgiving recipe, and each variation brings out new, delightful flavors.
PrintPecan Dump Cake Recipe
This Pecan Dump Cake recipe is a deliciously easy dessert that layers crunchy pecans with a buttery cake mix. It's a quick and crowd-pleasing treat, perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep time and no mixing bowls needed, this simple dessert is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (optional for added depth)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Spread pumpkin puree evenly (if using) at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Sprinkle cake mix over the pumpkin layer.
- Pour evaporated milk over the cake mix.
- Evenly distribute chopped pecans on top.
- Pour melted butter over the entire dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly, then serve warm.
Notes
- For added texture, consider using a mixture of chopped and whole pecans.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
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