Description
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake Easy recipe offers a quick and indulgent dessert combining a gooey pecan filling with a buttery, crispy yellow cake topping. Using pantry staples like sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, pecan halves, yellow cake mix, and melted butter, it creates a rich, caramel-laden treat reminiscent of classic pecan pie without the fuss of traditional pie crust. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family nights, it bakes in one dish and delivers comforting layers of nutty crunch and tender cake.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves
Topping
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to ensure the cake does not stick and bakes evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully blended and smooth, resulting in a glossy, uniform filling.
- Add Pecans: Carefully fold the pecan halves into the wet mixture, coating the nuts evenly to distribute the classic nutty texture and flavor throughout the filling.
- Layer in Pan: Pour the pecan mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure consistent baking.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the entire pecan mixture layer, taking care not to stir or press down so the topping remains loose and tender.
- Drizzle Butter: Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix layer, covering as much of the dry surface as possible to help create a golden, crisp crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Remove and allow to cool slightly before serving to set the gooey filling for neat slices.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the melted butter is evenly drizzled to avoid dry or overly crisp patches on the topping.
- Use fresh, plump pecan halves for optimal crunch and flavor—stale nuts affect taste adversely.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container and reheated for up to three days, maintaining its flavor and texture.
- Try swapping pecans with walnuts or toasted almonds for a flavor variation.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute condensed milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and use vegan cake mix options.
- Sprinkle extra pecans on top before baking for additional crunch.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for enhanced indulgence.
- Use gluten-free yellow cake mix to make the dessert gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pecan pie dump cake, easy pecan dessert, dump cake recipe, pecan dessert, holiday dessert, American dessert, one dish dessert
