This Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Gooey, Buttery, and Outrageously Easy is a delightful dessert that combines the beloved flavors of pecan pie with the simplicity of a dump cake. Perfect for any occasion—be it a holiday gathering, potluck, or just a cozy night in—this recipe delivers rich, gooey goodness without the hassle of traditional pie crust. With its layers of sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and crunchy pecans topped with buttery cake mix, you’ll create a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this dessert ready to bake.
- No Crust Needed: Enjoy all the flavor of pecan pie without the fuss of making a pastry crust.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of sweetened condensed milk and brown sugar creates an irresistible gooeyness.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or enjoy it cold—either way, it’s delicious!
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe yields 12 servings, making it perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this easy recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for even baking and provides enough space for all the delicious ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl allows for easy mixing without spills or messes.
- Whisk: Ensures that all liquid ingredients are thoroughly combined for the best flavor.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 can (15 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves
For the Topping
- 1 box (about 15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Gooey, Buttery, and Outrageously Easy
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Stir in the pecan halves gently.
Step 3: Assemble in Baking Dish
Pour the filling mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
Step 4: Add Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the filling. Be careful not to stir; this will create a lovely layer.
Step 5: Drizzle Butter
Drizzle melted butter over the entire surface of the cake mix. Aim to cover as much area as possible for even baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 45–50 minutes or until it’s golden brown and bubbly.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let it cool for about 15–20 minutes before serving. For an extra treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
Enjoy your Pecan Pie Dump Cake!
How to Serve Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Gooey, Buttery, and Outrageously Easy
Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that can be served in multiple ways to enhance its rich flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm, gooey cake perfectly, adding a refreshing contrast to its sweetness.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Light and fluffy whipped cream adds an airy texture that balances the dense richness of the dump cake.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- A generous drizzle of caramel sauce on top introduces an extra layer of sweetness and makes for an indulgent treat.
Served with Fresh Berries
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries provide a tartness that cuts through the sweetness, making this dessert feel more balanced.
Accompanied by Coffee or Tea
- Pairing your slice of Pecan Pie Dump Cake with coffee or tea enhances the overall experience and makes it perfect for gatherings.
How to Perfect Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Gooey, Buttery, and Outrageously Easy
To make your Pecan Pie Dump Cake even better, consider these simple tips for perfection.
- Use quality ingredients – Opt for high-quality pecans and butter to enhance the flavor of your cake.
- Don’t skip the cooling time – Allowing the cake to cool for 15–20 minutes helps it set properly before serving.
- Experiment with toppings – Try different toppings like chocolate chips or coconut for added texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers properly – Keep any remaining cake covered in the fridge to maintain freshness for several days.
Best Side Dishes for Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Gooey, Buttery, and Outrageously Easy
Pecan Pie Dump Cake pairs well with various side dishes that complement its sweet flavors. Here are some great options:
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the richness of the dump cake.
- Green Bean Casserole – A savory casserole provides a delightful balance to this sweet dessert.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes – The smooth texture works well alongside the gooeyness of the dump cake.
- Apple Salad – A refreshing apple salad adds crunch and tartness that pairs beautifully with the dessert.
- Cornbread Muffins – Slightly sweet muffins can add another layer of flavor while being easy to enjoy alongside.
- Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses offers a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of Pecan Pie Dump Cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pecan Pie Dump Cake, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dessert.
- Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing your baking dish can lead to a sticky mess. Always grease it well to ensure easy removal.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in a dense texture. Stir just until combined for that gooey, buttery finish.
- Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cake and check for doneness rather than relying solely on the timer.
- Not letting it cool: Cutting into the cake while hot can cause it to fall apart. Let it cool for 15–20 minutes for better slicing.
- Using stale pecans: Fresh pecans enhance flavor and texture. Always use fresh nuts for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Gooey, Buttery, and Outrageously Easy
- Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Gooey, Buttery, and Outrageously Easy
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual servings on high for 30-60 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Pecan Pie Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.
What can I serve with Pecan Pie Dump Cake?
It’s delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
How do I know when my cake is done?
The cake is ready when it’s golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges. A toothpick should come out clean or with moist crumbs.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips or swap pecans for walnuts if you prefer.
Why is my dump cake not gooey?
If it’s not gooey enough, you might have overmixed or baked it too long. Ensure you follow the instructions closely!
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a delightful treat that’s incredibly easy to make. Its rich flavors and gooey texture make it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this comforting dessert!
Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Gooey, Buttery, and Outrageously Easy
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Gooey, Buttery, and Outrageously Easy. This luscious dessert combines the rich taste of traditional pecan pie with the convenience of a dump cake, making it an ideal choice for any occasion—be it a holiday feast or a casual weeknight treat. With minimal prep time and no crust required, you’ll create a warm, gooey delight layered with sweetened condensed milk and crunchy pecans, all topped with a buttery cake mix. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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 (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Gently stir in pecan halves.
- Pour the filling mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the filling without stirring.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top to cover as much area as possible.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow cooling for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of the cake (approximately 97g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
