Amazing 1 Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

October 7, 2025
Written By Leo Grant

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Okay, picture this: the holidays are rolling around, you’ve got a million things on your plate, but you *still* want that amazing, comforting dessert that tastes like a hug. That’s where this pecan pie dump cake struts in, ladies and gentlemen! Seriously, this is my go-to when I need something spectacular with zero fuss. It’s got all those cozy Southern roots and tastes like pure pecan pie magic, but it’s SO ridiculously easy. This recipe totally gets Leo Grant’s whole philosophy over at Dishicious – eating well without spending your whole evening in the kitchen. It’s the perfect sweet ending to a busy holiday meal, trust me!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Seriously, if you need a dessert that’s both a showstopper and ridiculously easy, this is it! This southern dump cake is my secret weapon for holidays or any time I need something sweet and comforting fast.

  • Super Simple: It’s a classic dump cake, meaning minimal effort for maximum deliciousness!
  • Incredible Flavor: Tastes just like homemade pecan pie, but with way less work.
  • Perfect for Holidays: It’s a go-to easy holiday dessert that always gets rave reviews on Thanksgiving and Christmas tables.
  • Cozy & Comforting: That warm, gooey texture is pure bliss.

Gather Your Ingredients for Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Alright, my dears, get ready to raid your pantry because this pecan pie dump cake comes together with just a few simple things. You probably even have most of them already waiting for you!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • One box (about 15.25 ounces) of good ol’ yellow cake mix. Don’t get fancy, the basic kind is perfect here!
  • A cup of chopped pecans. Make sure they’re chopped up nicely so you get that nutty goodness in every single bite.
  • One 12-ounce can of evaporated milk. This is what makes it all gooey and rich!
  • One cup of packed brown sugar. That “packed” part is important for the right sweetness and texture.
  • Half a cup (that’s one stick, folks!) of unsalted butter, all melted and goopy.
  • And finally, one teaspoon of vanilla extract – just for that little extra warmth and aroma.

How to Make a Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Step-by-Step

Okay, let’s get this glorious pecan pie dump cake in the oven! Don’t worry, it’s so simple you’ll want to make it again and again. We’re going to layer all the goodness and let the oven do the magic. Trust me, it’s practically foolproof!

Prepping Your Baking Dish and Oven

First things first, let’s get your oven nice and warm. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good grease. You don’t want any of this deliciousness sticking!

Layering the Pecan Pie Dump Cake Base

In your greased baking dish, carefully spread out that dry yellow cake mix nice and evenly. Then, generously sprinkle all those chopped pecans right over the top. This is going to be the crunchy, nutty layer!

Creating the Rich Liquid Mixture

Now, grab a separate bowl. We’re going to whisk together the evaporated milk, that lovely packed brown sugar, your beautiful melted butter, and the vanilla extract. Just mix it all up until it’s smooth and happy. No lumps allowed!

Assembling and Baking Your Southern Dump Cake

This is the part where you have to resist your urge to stir! Pour that liquid mixture evenly all over the pecans and cake mix in the dish. Make sure it covers most of it. Then, pop it into your preheated oven for about 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the cake looks nice and set in the middle. The edges might even look a little bubbly, which is perfect!

Tips for the Perfect Pecan Pie Dump Cake

You know, after making this pecan pie dump cake more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few little tricks to make it absolutely perfect every single time. It’s all about those tiny details that make a good dessert *great*, just like Leo’s philosophy of optimizing for the best results with less fuss!

First off, don’t skimp on the pecans! Use good quality ones, and chop them yourself if you can. Pre-chopped nuts can sometimes be a little stale. Also, make sure your butter is fully melted and not just lukewarm – it helps create that lovely gooey layer. Ovens can be wild things, so keep an eye on your dump cake towards the end. If the top is browning too fast but the inside still looks soft, you can loosely tent it with foil. It’s all about tweaking for that golden-brown perfection and super fork-tender texture!

Serving and Storing Your Warm Dessert Recipe

This pecan pie dump cake is simply divine served warm! It’s especially wonderful with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream or a scoop of melty vanilla ice cream – pure heaven, right? If you happen to have any leftovers (which I highly doubt!), just let it cool completely, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely at room temperature for a couple of days, though honestly, it’s best the day it’s made. Just give it a quick zap in the microwave to warm it up again if you like!

Frequently Asked Questions about Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Got questions about this easy southern dump cake? I’ve got answers! This recipe is pretty forgiving, but here are a few things folks often wonder about.

Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?

You sure can! While yellow cake mix is my favorite because it’s so neutral, a butter or even a spice cake mix would be delicious. Just remember they might change the final flavor profile a bit!

How do I know when the dump cake is fully baked?

You’ll know it’s perfect when the top is a lovely golden brown and looks set, not jiggly. You can also carefully insert a knife or a toothpick near the center – it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs, no wet batter!

Can this pecan pie dump cake be made ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh and warm, you can totally assemble it ahead of time! Just mix up all your ingredients, pour everything into the baking dish, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready, though you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s talk numbers for this heavenly pecan pie dump cake! Keep in mind these are just estimates, as brands and exact measurements can make a tiny difference. But generally, you’re looking at around 450 calories per serving. It’s got about 25g of fat, 50g of carbs with around 55g of sugar (because, well, pecan pie!), and about 5g of protein. It’s definitely a treat, but oh-so-worth-it, especially for those special holiday moments!

Share Your Pecan Pie Dump Cake Creations

Have you whipped up this incredible pecan pie dump cake? I’d absolutely LOVE to hear all about it! Drop a comment below, give it a star rating, or even share a pic of your delicious creation on social media. Your feedback really helps other home cooks, and honestly, I just can’t get enough of seeing what you all make in your kitchens! If you have any questions or need a little help, feel free to reach out through my contact page.

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Pecan Pie Dump Cake

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A simple and delicious Southern-style dump cake that captures the flavors of pecan pie, perfect for holiday gatherings.

  • Author: leogrant
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 50 min
  • Total Time: 60 min
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In the prepared baking dish, spread the dry yellow cake mix evenly.
  3. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the cake mix.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the pecans and cake mix. Do not stir.
  6. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is set.
  7. Let the cake cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
  • This dessert is excellent for Thanksgiving and Christmas dessert tables.
  • Consider this a great alternative to traditional meal planning for busy holidays.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 55g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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