Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Gooey, Buttery, and Outrageously Easy

If you’re looking for an easy and delightful dessert that packs all the richness of pecan pie without the fuss, then you’ve come to the right place! This Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Gooey, Buttery, and Outrageously Easy is a treasure in my recipe collection. It combines creamy sweetened condensed milk, crunchy pecans, and a buttery cake topping that creates a warm hug in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even just a cozy night in with your loved ones, this dessert is sure to impress!

What I love most about this dump cake is how quickly it comes together. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a crowd-pleaser that tastes like it took hours to make. Trust me; you’ll want to have this one on hand for every occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy preparation: You won’t need advanced baking skills—just mix and pour!
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love its gooey texture and nutty flavor.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual dinner with friends, this cake fits right in.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance and enjoy stress-free entertaining!
• Deliciously satisfying: The combination of flavors creates a truly comforting dessert experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delicious dessert! You probably have many of these in your pantry already.

• 1 can (15 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1 box (about 15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

Variations

One of the best things about this Pecan Pie Dump Cake is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients:

• Add chocolate chips: Mix in some chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Try different nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
• Use flavored extracts: Experiment with almond or maple extract instead of vanilla for a twist.
• Top with fruit: Serve with fresh berries or bananas on the side for added freshness.

How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Gooey, Buttery, and Outrageously Easy

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden color.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so that your cake doesn’t stick. A well-greased dish makes for easy serving and clean-up later!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This mixture brings that rich sweetness that we love about pecan pie.

Step 4: Add Pecans

Stir in the pecan halves gently. Then pour this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. The pecans will give it that delightful crunch we all adore!

Step 5: Layer the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top—don’t stir! This step creates layers that will combine beautifully while baking.

Step 6: Drizzle with Butter

Drizzle melted butter evenly across the entire surface of the cake mix. This will help create that gooey top as it bakes.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 45–50 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Let cool for 15–20 minutes before serving. Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—pure bliss!

Pro Tips for Making Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Gooey, Buttery, and Outrageously Easy

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is not only ridiculously simple to make, but a few extra tips can take it from good to absolutely divine!

• Use fresh pecans: Fresh pecans will give your dump cake a delightful crunch and richer flavor. Stale nuts can detract from the overall experience.
• Don’t skip the butter drizzle: Drizzling melted butter over the dry cake mix is crucial. It ensures that the top layer bakes up into a golden, crispy crust while keeping the insides wonderfully gooey.
• Serve warm for maximum comfort: This dessert is best enjoyed warm. The gooey center and buttery topping are at their most delicious when served right out of the oven or slightly cooled.
• Experiment with toppings: While vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, consider adding whipped coconut cream or a sprinkle of chocolate chips for an exciting twist!
• Adjust sweetness if needed: If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly. The sweetened condensed milk already adds plenty of sweetness!

How to Serve Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Gooey, Buttery, and Outrageously Easy

Presentation can elevate any dish, and this Pecan Pie Dump Cake is no exception! Here are some fun ideas to serve it up in style.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh mint: A sprinkle of chopped fresh mint adds a pop of color and refreshing flavor that complements the richness of the cake.
• Whipped coconut cream: Top your slice with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for an extra creamy and delightful finish.
• Chocolate shavings: A light dusting of chocolate shavings can enhance both the visual appeal and provide an indulgent touch.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the dump cake perfectly. Mix seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus for a colorful display.
• Vanilla bean ice cream: This classic pairing not only enhances the flavors but also adds a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the warm cake.
• Coffee or tea: Serving this dessert with a cup of strong coffee or herbal tea can round out your meal nicely, providing warmth and comfort.
• Simple green salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet decadence of the dump cake, making it a great addition to any gathering.

Now you’re all set to dive into this gooey goodness! Enjoy every bite—your guests (and taste buds) will thank you!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is perfect for meal prep and makes a delightful treat for gatherings or casual evenings at home. You can easily make it ahead of time or store leftovers for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the cake completely before freezing.
• Cut into portions, if desired, and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped portions in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm.
• Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious dessert!

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans in the Pecan Pie Dump Cake?

Absolutely! While pecans give this cake its signature flavor, walnuts or almonds can be used as tasty alternatives. Just chop them roughly to maintain texture.

How easy is it to make Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Gooey, Buttery, and Outrageously Easy?

It’s incredibly easy! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious dessert in under an hour. Perfect for any baking novice!

Can I customize the sweetness of the Pecan Pie Dump Cake?

Yes! If you’re looking to reduce sweetness, consider using less brown sugar or opting for a sugar substitute that measures like sugar. Just be careful not to alter the texture too much.

How should I serve Pecan Pie Dump Cake?

This dump cake is delightful on its own but truly shines when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped topping. A drizzle of chocolate sauce also makes it extra special!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Pecan Pie Dump Cake as much as I do! It’s such a comforting dessert that brings warmth and joy to every gathering. With its gooey texture and buttery flavor, it’s sure to be a favorite among friends and family. Happy baking—can’t wait for you to try this recipe!