When the craving for a rich, comforting dessert strikes, but your time is limited, the Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake is your ultimate solution! This recipe combines the beloved flavors of a classic pecan pie with the sheer ease of a dump cake, making it an absolute game-changer for busy bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Imagine warm, gooey pecan filling crowned with a buttery, cakey topping – all with minimal fuss and effort. It's pure magic!
Forget complicated steps, multiple mixing bowls, and lengthy preparation. As its name suggests, this dump cake involves layering ingredients into a baking dish and letting your oven do all the hard work. The result is a spectacular dessert that tastes like you spent hours on it, perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy evening at home. Let's dive into how you can create this incredible treat!
Why This Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake Will Be Your New Favorite
This dessert isn't just about convenience; it's about delivering maximum flavor with minimal stress. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Effortless Preparation: Truly a 'dump and bake' concept, requiring almost no mixing and simple layering.
- Irresistible Flavor Profile: Captures all the nutty, sweet, and buttery goodness of traditional pecan pie, but in a unique, comforting cake form.
- Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, from casual family dinners to more formal holiday meals.
- Warm & Cozy: Enjoying a slice of this warm cake is the ultimate comfort, especially on a chilly day.
If you're fond of autumn-inspired desserts, you might also enjoy our Heavenly Honeycrisp Apple Cake: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert for another cozy treat, or for a lighter, nutty option, try this Delightful Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans: A Refreshing Recipe.
Essential Ingredients for Pecan Pie Bliss
The beauty of this Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake lies in its straightforward ingredient list, utilizing pantry staples to create something truly special. You'll need a box of yellow cake mix, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, butter, and, of course, plenty of pecans. These simple components transform into an incredibly rich and satisfying dessert.
Baking Your Way to Pecan Pie Heaven
Making this dump cake is incredibly simple. You'll start by spreading half your pecans in a prepared baking dish. Next, a quick whisk of the wet ingredients creates a luscious, custardy pecan pie filling that gets poured over the nuts. Then comes the dry cake mix, followed by a generous drizzle of melted butter and the remaining pecans. Into the oven it goes, and in under an hour, you'll be pulling out a bubbly, golden-brown masterpiece.
Pro Tips for an Even Better Dump Cake
- Do Not Stir: The layering is key to a dump cake's texture. Resist the urge to mix the dry cake mix with the wet filling – the oven will work its magic to create a delicious, crumbly topping.
- Toast Your Pecans: For an enhanced nutty flavor, lightly toast your chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the cake.
- Serve Warm: While tasty at any temperature, this dump cake truly shines when served warm, allowing the gooey filling to be at its most delightful.
- Get Creative: A sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg can add extra warmth and depth to the pecan filling, especially during the fall season.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake is fantastic on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate it further. A scoop of rich vanilla ice cream melting over a warm slice is pure indulgence. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream provides a lovely, light counterpoint to the cake's richness. For an extra sweet touch, a drizzle of caramel sauce is always welcome! To understand more about the fascinating history and variations of this convenient dessert, explore resources like Food Network's guide to dump cakes.
Ready to Bake Your Ultimate No-Fuss Dessert?
This Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake is more than just a recipe; it's a celebration of simplicity and incredible flavor. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this dessert is forgiving, straightforward, and guaranteed to impress everyone who tastes it. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to enjoy a slice of pure pecan heaven!
FAQs
What defines a 'dump cake'?
A dump cake is a dessert known for its incredible simplicity, where ingredients are layered or 'dumped' directly into a baking dish without extensive mixing. The magic happens in the oven as it bakes into distinct layers of cake, filling, and a wonderfully crisp topping.
Can I substitute other nuts for pecans in this dump cake?
While pecans are traditional for this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other nuts! Walnuts or even a mix of pecans and walnuts would work wonderfully, offering a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
How do I know when my Pecan Pie Dump Cake is perfectly baked?
Your dump cake is done when the top is beautifully golden brown and the filling around the edges is visibly bubbly and set. A knife inserted into the cake portion should come out mostly clean. Remember, the pecan pie filling layer will remain deliciously gooey!
What are the best toppings or serving suggestions for this dessert?
This Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake is heavenly served warm on its own. For an elevated experience, pair it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. It's also delightful with a warm beverage like coffee or tea.
Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This no-fuss Pecan Pie Dump Cake recipe delivers all the comforting, nutty flavor of a classic pecan pie with minimal effort, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and divided
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped pecans, divided
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Spread 1 cup of the chopped pecans evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, 1/2 cup of the melted butter, and salt until all ingredients are well combined. This mixture forms your rich pecan pie filling.
Step 4: Carefully pour the pecan pie filling mixture over the pecans in the baking dish, ensuring it covers the nuts evenly.
Step 5: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the pecan pie filling. Do NOT stir or mix the cake mix into the wet layer; it needs to remain a separate layer to create the dump cake effect.
Step 6: Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup of melted butter over the dry cake mix. Try to distribute it as evenly as possible to moisten the cake mix.
Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of chopped pecans over the top of the cake mix and butter layers.
Step 8: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the filling around the edges is bubbly and set. A knife inserted into the cake portion should come out mostly clean, though the bottom filling will remain gooey.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the dump cake cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set further. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
For an extra crunch, you can toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the dish. This cake is best served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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