Pecan Dump Cake Recipe: The Easiest Nutty Dessert You’ll Ever Bake

Looking for a quick dessert that feels homemade but skips all the fuss? This pecan dump cake recipe is your ultimate shortcut to sweet, nutty comfort. Made with a box of cake mix, canned filling, and crunchy pecans, it takes less than 10 minutes to prep — no bowls, no mixers, no stress.

The buttery cake topping bakes into a golden crust, while the pecans toast beautifully for that irresistible crunch. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, Sunday supper, or just a quiet weekend treat, this pecan dump cake recipe delivers flavor, texture, and simplicity in one dreamy bite.

Don’t miss our Cloud Bread Three Ingredients if you’re craving another ultra-simple treat that looks and tastes amazing.

What Is a Pecan Dump Cake?

Origin of the Dump Cake Trend

The name might sound casual, but a dump cake is a time-honored American shortcut dessert. Originating in mid-century kitchens, this method skips mixing bowls and uses pantry staples to create surprisingly delicious results.

You literally “dump” everything into a baking dish: pie filling or fruit, dry cake mix, butter, and in this case — toasty pecans.

Why Pecans Are Perfect for Dump Cakes

Pecans are rich, buttery, and toasty when baked. They bring:

• Crunch and texture to balance the soft fruit
• A nutty depth that pairs beautifully with cake mix
• Southern charm — perfect for holiday and fall desserts

In this pecan dump cake recipe, the pecans don’t just sit on top — they become the crunchy hero that elevates every bite.

Print

Ingredients That Make This Recipe Work

Which Cake Mix to Choose

The base of any great pecan dump cake recipe is the right cake mix — and it makes all the difference in taste and texture.

Top cake mix options:

• Yellow cake mix: Classic and buttery, the most popular choice.
• Spice cake mix: Adds cinnamon, nutmeg, and fall flavor notes.
• Butter pecan cake mix: For a double-pecan flavor boost.

Avoid chocolate cake mix unless you’re going for a rich chocolate-pecan vibe. You want something light enough to let the nuts and filling shine.

Best Pecans: Raw, Chopped, or Candied?

Pecans are the heart of this dessert — so quality matters.

Type of Pecans	Best Use In Dump Cake
Raw pecans	Perfect for baking evenly
Chopped pecans	Great for spreading throughout
Candied pecans	Add a sweet, crunchy twist
Toasted pecans	Bring out intense nutty flavor

You can toss your raw pecans in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F before layering to enhance their flavor even more. Or use candied pecans to make your pecan dump cake recipe taste like a Southern praline pie.

Step-by-Step Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

Full Ingredient List

Here’s what you’ll need for this easy, one-pan pecan dump cake recipe:

Ingredient	Amount
Canned pie filling	2 cans (21 oz each) – apple, cherry, or pumpkin work well
Yellow or spice cake mix	1 box (15.25 oz)
Unsalted butter	1 cup (2 sticks), sliced thin
Chopped pecans	1 cup
Cinnamon (optional)	½ teaspoon
Brown sugar (optional)	2 tablespoons

Feel free to play around with flavors — this pecan dump cake recipe works with peach pie filling, pineapple, or even caramel apple.

Layering Instructions and Oven Settings

🧁 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
3. Dump in your pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom.
4. Sprinkle the dry cake mix directly on top of the fruit layer.
5. Layer thin pats of butter evenly over the cake mix.
6. Top with pecans, making sure they’re evenly scattered.
7. Optionally: Add brown sugar + cinnamon for extra depth.
8. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

Let it cool for about 10 minutes before scooping. The edges will crisp up, and the pecans will toast beautifully.

Discover another warm-baked favorite: Dump Cake with Apricots and Almonds — it’s sweet, fruity, and just as easy.

How to Make Sure It’s Cooked Through

Doneness Signs: Bubbling Edges, Golden Top

One of the most common concerns when baking a pecan dump cake recipe is making sure it’s fully cooked — especially since you don’t mix the ingredients.

Here’s how to know your dump cake is done:

• Bubbling fruit filling around the edges and through the topping
• Golden-brown top with no visible dry patches of cake mix
• Pecans should look toasted, not burned
• The center should look set — not jiggly or wet

It typically takes 45–50 minutes at 350°F in a standard oven, but always check at 40 minutes to prevent overbaking.

Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid

If your pecan dump cake recipe turns out dry or raw in spots, you’re not alone. Here are tips to avoid the most frequent issues:

Problem	Solution
Dry patches of cake mix	Make sure butter slices fully cover the top surface
Undercooked center	Use a metal or glass pan (not ceramic, which bakes slower)
Burnt top, raw inside	Tent loosely with foil after 35 mins to prevent overbrowning
Uneven cooking	Rotate the pan halfway through baking

If in doubt, give the center an extra 5 minutes. Dump cakes are very forgiving, and the fruit keeps the base moist.

Pro Tip: If the top is browning but the inside isn’t done, reduce your oven to 325°F and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Bonus: Use a Thermometer

If you’re still unsure, you can insert a food thermometer into the center. A finished pecan dump cake recipe should read about 190–200°F in the middle.

Topping and Serving Ideas

Can I Serve This Cake Warm or Cold?

Absolutely — this pecan dump cake recipe is delicious both warm and cold, depending on how you like your texture and toppings.

🍽️ Serve Warm:

• Fresh from the oven (after cooling for 10–15 minutes)
• Fruit is gooey, butter is melty, and the top is crisp
• Best paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

🧊 Serve Cold:

• Store in the fridge for a few hours
• The cake becomes firmer and easier to slice
• Great with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of caramel sauce

Both options work great, so it’s all about what you’re in the mood for. Many bakers say this pecan dump cake recipe tastes even better the next day once the flavors have settled.

Best Toppings to Elevate Your Dump Cake

Want to take your pecan dump cake recipe from quick-and-easy to next-level comfort food? Try one (or several!) of these:

🍨 Classic Toppings:

• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• Salted caramel drizzle

🍯 Flavor Boosters:

• Dusting of powdered sugar
• Warm honey or maple syrup drizzle
• Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over top

🌿 Finishing Touches:

• Fresh mint sprig for color
• Extra chopped toasted pecans
• Shaved chocolate curls for holiday flair

This cake is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or cozy Sundays. It’s casual enough for a last-minute dinner and elegant enough to impress guests — with zero stress.

Want a drink pairing? Don’t miss our Raspberry Matcha Tea — a creamy and antioxidant-rich beverage that’s the perfect cool-down after a warm dessert.

Flavor Variations to Try

Add-ins: Chocolate Chips, Coconut, or Cinnamon

If you want to add a personal twist to your pecan dump cake recipe, try mixing in one or more of these simple enhancements:

• Mini chocolate chips: Add richness and sweetness
• Sweetened coconut flakes: Add texture and tropical flair
• Cinnamon or pumpkin spice: Boost the fall flavors
• Butterscotch chips: For a caramel-pecan flavor fusion

Just sprinkle them on top of the fruit layer or with the pecans for extra flavor.

Swap Ideas: Pecan Pie Filling or Apple Pie Base

While this pecan dump cake recipe is amazing as-is, it’s super versatile.

Ingredient Swap	Flavor Result
Apple pie filling	Classic fall flavor combo
Pumpkin pie filling	Great for Thanksgiving
Pineapple tidbits	Adds sweet-tart tropical notes
Cherry filling + pecans	Tastes like Black Forest cake
Pecan pie filling (homemade)	Rich, gooey, holiday-style dessert

You can even combine fillings — like pumpkin + apple, or cherry + pineapple — to create a custom flavor combo that suits your occasion.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Fridge Storage Tips

The beauty of this pecan dump cake recipe is that it stores incredibly well — perfect for making ahead or enjoying over a few days.

Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Let the cake cool completely before storing.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
• Or transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.

Because of the fruit filling and butter topping, refrigeration helps keep it safe and preserves texture.

Reheating Without Losing the Crunch

Want to revive that crispy pecan top and warm center? Here are the best ways to reheat your pecan dump cake recipe:

Method	Instructions
Oven	325°F for 10–15 mins (cover with foil if needed)
Air Fryer	350°F for 4–5 mins (single portion only)
Microwave	30–45 secs (may soften the topping slightly)

Pro Tip: Add a fresh sprinkle of chopped pecans before reheating for a crispier topping!

Pecan Dump Cake vs Traditional Pecan Pie

Prep Time, Texture, and Ingredients

Pecan pie is a classic — but it’s also time-consuming. This pecan dump cake recipe offers a shortcut version with all the flavor and crunch but none of the hassle.

Feature	Pecan Dump Cake	Traditional Pecan Pie
Prep time	10 minutes	60+ minutes (from scratch)
Difficulty	Beginner-friendly	Intermediate to advanced
Crust	Cake mix topping	Pastry crust
Texture	Gooey bottom, crispy top	Custardy filling
Sweetness	Balanced	Often rich and very sweet

If you’re short on time, ingredients, or patience, the pecan dump cake recipe gives you that warm, nutty flavor without the fuss.

When to Serve Each Dessert

• Pecan Dump Cake: Great for casual gatherings, potlucks, weeknight baking, or holiday dinners where time is tight.
• Pecan Pie: Ideal for formal holiday meals or traditional celebrations when you have the time and skill to make it shine.

This dump cake may not replace grandma’s pie, but it’ll be your new weeknight hero.

Troubleshooting + Tips for Success

Cake Too Dry or Too Wet? Here’s How to Fix It

Dump cakes are easy, but a few common mistakes can affect your results. If your pecan dump cake recipe didn’t turn out as expected, here’s how to troubleshoot it:

Issue	Fix
Dry topping	Use full 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter, sliced and spread evenly
Wet/soggy middle	Bake longer; ensure filling isn’t overly juicy or thick
Burnt pecans	Cover with foil halfway through baking
Cake mix clumping	Tap the pan gently to level mix before adding butter
Flat flavor	Add a pinch of salt, cinnamon, or almond extract to elevate it

Dump cakes are forgiving, and small adjustments make a big difference. If something went wrong the first time, chances are, it’s an easy fix!

Make-Ahead Prep Tricks

• Prep and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 1 day before baking
• Use pre-toasted pecans to add deeper flavor
• Bake ahead and warm before serving — it reheats beautifully
• Make and freeze individual portions for quick dessert nights

This pecan dump cake recipe is the secret weapon for any host or busy home cook who needs a last-minute, foolproof dessert.

Don’t miss Bourbon Infused with Pecans and Cayenne Pepper Recipe

FAQ SECTION