Pecan Pie Dump Cake – Easy Gooey Fall Dessert

If you love the classic flavor of pecan pie but don’t want the hassle of rolling dough, this Pecan Pie Dump Cake is your new favorite dessert. 🍁

Rich, buttery, and irresistibly gooey, it combines the nutty sweetness of traditional pecan pie with the effortless ease of a dump cake — just layer, bake, and serve!

At inasrecipes.com, we’re all about simple recipes that taste homemade without the stress. This dump cake is foolproof — a golden cake mix crust on top, a luscious pecan filling below, and only five minutes of prep. Perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or when your sweet tooth strikes.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake

All the Flavor, None of the Fuss

No crust, no mixer — just a baking dish and pantry staples.

Rich & Gooey Center

Think of it as pecan pie meets butter cake: soft, sticky, and sweet.

Quick to Make

Only 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes in the oven.

Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

It’s a guaranteed hit at potlucks, holidays, and Sunday dinners.

🔗 Love easy desserts? Try our Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler next!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Base Layer

• 1 can (15 oz) pecan pie filling or 2 cups homemade pecan filling
• 1 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)

Cake Layer

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (1½ sticks), melted

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for richer flavor)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (for warmth)
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1 – Preheat the Oven

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

2 – Add the Pecan Pie Filling

1. Spread the pecan pie filling evenly over the bottom of the pan.
2. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for extra texture and crunch.

3 – Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the entire box of dry cake mix evenly over the pecan filling. Don’t stir!

4 – Pour the Butter

Drizzle melted butter evenly across the top, ensuring all dry mix is moistened.

5 – Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly at the edges.

6 – Cool & Serve

Allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving. The filling will thicken and become rich and gooey. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

🔗 See our Cake Mix Baking Tricks for the perfect crumb every time.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Make it chocolatey: Use chocolate cake mix for a rich twist.
• Add bourbon: Stir 1 tbsp bourbon into the pecan filling for a Southern-style flavor.
• Use spice cake mix: Adds warmth and depth perfect for Thanksgiving.
• Nut-free: Substitute crushed graham crackers for pecans if needed.
• Make individual servings: Bake in ramekins for single-serve desserts.

🥧 Pro Tip: Don’t overbake — you want that gooey pecan layer underneath!

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze up to 2 months.

Reheat: Warm in a 325 °F oven for 15 minutes or microwave single portions for 30–40 seconds.

🔗 Try our Freezer-Friendly Desserts Collection for more make-ahead sweets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?

The biggest mistake is stirring the layers. Dump cakes work because the ingredients bake in layers — resist the urge to mix!

How long can a pecan pie sit out?

Up to 2 hours at room temperature. After that, refrigerate to keep it safe and fresh.

Does a dump cake need to be refrigerated?

Yes, especially when made with butter and eggs. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Why are they called dump cakes?

Because you literally “dump” the ingredients into the pan — no mixing or beating required!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Drizzle caramel sauce or maple syrup over the top.
• Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
• Enjoy cold for breakfast — it’s that good.

🔗 For another irresistible dessert, try our Caramel Apple Dump Cake.

Recipe Card

Yield: 10–12 servings
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 45 min
Total Time: 55 min

Ingredients

(see full list above)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F and grease pan.
2. Spread pecan pie filling and pecans in pan.
3. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over filling.
4. Pour melted butter over top — do not stir.
5. Bake 40–45 minutes until golden.
6. Cool slightly and serve warm.

Calories per serving: ~370

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