If you love the gooey richness of pecan pie but want something you can toss together in minutes, this pecan pie dump cake recipe is exactly what your sweet tooth ordered. No rolling pins. No fuss. Just layers of buttery cake mix, spiced pecan filling, and melt-in-your-mouth texture baked into a golden dream. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or need a cozy dessert for two, this recipe for pecan pie dump cake will surprise you with how easy—and addictive—it is. I’m Elena Brooks, and this dessert has become one of my signature shortcuts to joy.
PrintPecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe That’s Easy, Gooey, and Southern-Style
This gooey pecan pie dump cake is the easiest dessert you’ll ever make—layers of buttery cake, sweet pecans, and zero effort!
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) pecan pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced thin
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- 2. Spread pecan pie filling evenly in the dish.
- 3. Sprinkle dry cake mix over filling—do not stir.
- 4. Top with sliced butter and optional chopped pecans.
- 5. Bake 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- 6. Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of bourbon.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Great with a scoop of vanilla or protein ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
How I Fell in Love With Pecan Pie Dump Cake
When Easy Meets Delicious: A Southern Shortcut Dessert
Let me take you back to a chilly fall evening in Denver. I was knee-deep in culinary school exams, craving comfort but strapped for time. That’s when I stumbled onto a handwritten note in my grandmother’s old binder—”dump cake (pecan-style!).” I gave it a shot, unsure if it would hold a candle to her famous pie. Spoiler: it did. The first bite was sticky-sweet, buttery, and nutty in all the right ways. And just like that, this pecan pie dump cake recipe became a keeper.
Why Pecan Pie Dump Cake Has a Spot in My Heart (and Oven)
There’s something deeply nostalgic about pecans caramelizing in the oven. But here’s the magic: this recipe for pecan pie dump cake doesn’t ask for pie crust skills or multiple mixing bowls. It’s the kind of dessert that feels homemade even when it comes together in under ten minutes. For busy folks like us who still want that down-home flavor, this pecan pie dump cake is gold. Over on ProteinMealsDaily.com, I’ve shared lots of protein-packed recipes, but sometimes a warm, decadent dessert is the fuel your soul needs. And trust me—this one hits the spot every time.
Building the Perfect Recipe for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Essential Ingredients for a Foolproof Dump Cake
Let’s talk ingredients. The beauty of this pecan pie dump cake recipe is in its simplicity—and its layers. You’ll need a can of pecan pie filling or a homemade mixture of corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and chopped pecans. Pair that with a box of yellow cake mix and a stick of butter sliced thin across the top. That’s it. No mixing bowls. No fuss.
This setup works just like the structure of my favorite high-protein brownies—you layer, bake, and let the oven work its magic. If you’re interested in a more nutritious treat to balance things out, check out my high-protein cottage cheese brownies for a guilt-friendly alternative.
Here’s a quick table to break it down:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pecan Pie Filling | 1 can (21 oz) |
| Yellow Cake Mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) |
| Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup (sliced) |
| Optional: Chopped Pecans | 1/2 cup |
Step-by-Step: Making Your Dump Cake Rich and Golden
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in the pecan pie filling, spreading it evenly. Next, sprinkle the dry cake mix on top—don’t stir. Lay the butter slices evenly over the mix. Want extra crunch? Add a handful of pecans on top before it hits the oven.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it cool slightly before diving in—those caramelized edges are worth the wait. This technique reminds me of my approach in high-protein pistachio ice cream—layering for flavor and texture payoff.
Once you’ve made this once, you’ll have it memorized. And soon? You’ll crave it at every family get-together.
Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe Variations You’ll Love
Add a Twist: Chocolate Chips, Bourbon, or Pumpkin?
Once you’ve nailed the basic pecan pie dump cake, it’s time to get a little playful. For a decadent chocolate version, sprinkle ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips between the filling and cake mix layers. The result? Gooey, nutty, chocolate-drizzled heaven.
Craving fall flavors? Swirl in a half-cup of pumpkin purée with the pecan filling and dust with pumpkin pie spice. For the adults at the table, a tablespoon of bourbon added to the filling creates a warm, toasty depth. Just like in my high-protein chocolate ice cream, a splash of flavor can elevate everything.
These are perfect for the holidays or whenever you want to bring something a little extra to the dessert table without creating more work. That’s the beauty of dump cakes—small tweaks go a long way.
Make It Your Own: Gluten-Free or Less Sweet Options
Need to lighten things up or avoid allergens? Easy swaps still deliver that gooey, golden comfort. Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and double-check your pie filling for gluten content. If you’re watching sugar, cut the sweetness by choosing a low-sugar cake mix and making your own pecan filling with maple syrup or coconut sugar.
And for a protein boost (yes, even in dessert!), a few tablespoons of vanilla protein powder whisked into the pecan base can balance this dish for those living a more active lifestyle. That approach pairs well with high-protein desserts like my cookies and cream protein ice cream, where taste meets function.
Whether you’re feeding kids, guests, or just your own cravings, this dump cake adapts beautifully—no sacrifices required.
Tips, Troubleshooting & Storage
Common Dump Cake Mistakes to Avoid
Pecan pie dump cake is simple, but even the best bakers can hit a snag. The most common mistake? Stirring the layers. Dump cakes rely on the “layer and bake” technique. Resist the urge to mix the ingredients, or you’ll lose that signature crisp topping and gooey base.
Another issue is uneven baking. If your butter slices are too thick or clumped in one area, you’ll get dry patches. Slice thin and spread evenly to get that golden crust all over. And always bake uncovered—covering traps moisture and turns your crisp into a soggy mess. It’s a lot like prepping cottage cheese chips: how you arrange the ingredients really matters for final texture.
If the cake still looks dry after baking, drizzle a bit of warm maple syrup or melted butter over the top before serving.
How to Store, Reheat, or Serve Leftovers the Right Way
Leftovers? You’re lucky if there are any! But if you have some, let the cake cool completely before covering the pan with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, scoop a portion into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30–40 seconds. Or pop the whole pan back in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to revive that crispy top.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla protein ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream—just like how I top my ninja creami high-protein vanilla ice cream. This dump cake only gets better with time (and toppings).
FAQs About Pecan Pie Dump Cake
What’s the difference between dump cake and cobbler?
A dump cake typically layers canned filling, dry cake mix, and butter—no stirring, no batter-making. Cobblers, on the other hand, involve a more traditional dough or biscuit topping spooned or spread over the fruit. Dump cake is faster, requires fewer steps, and yields a gooier, cake-like result with a buttery crust.
Can you use brownie mix for dump cake?
Yes, but expect a denser, fudgier outcome. Brownie mix works best if you want a richer, chocolate-forward variation of pecan pie dump cake. Just know it won’t rise or crisp the same way a cake mix does. It’s more like a molten brownie pie hybrid—delicious, just different!
Conclusion
Pecan pie dump cake is that perfect blend of ease and indulgence. Whether you’re short on time, long on cravings, or just looking to bring something special to the table, this recipe delivers every time. It’s simple, satisfying, and versatile enough to tweak for any diet or occasion. And trust me—from one home cook to another—it never gets old. For more smart, soul-warming meals, visit ProteinMealsDaily.com.
