Amazing Pecan Pie Dump Cake: 40 Min Treat

September 28, 2025
Written By Zoe Thompson

Zoe Thompson is the founder and head recipe developer at Kitchen Slang. Growing up in a lively Chicago-area home, she learned that great food is all about comfort and connection. Her time working in a bustling bistro taught her the "slang" of professional chefs—the shortcuts and secrets to making incredible food without the fuss. On Kitchen Slang, Zoe acts as a "recipe translator," turning pro techniques into simple, delicious meals for the American home cook. Her mission is to deliver "Real talk for real good food," proving that anyone can cook like a pro once they know the lingo.

Oh, the holidays! The smells, the family, the *pressure* to make everything absolutely perfect, right? I used to stress out about baking enough to keep everyone happy, digging through stacks of cookbooks trying to find something new *and* easy. Then I discovered the magic of dump cakes, and my whole holiday baking game changed. Seriously, this pecan pie dump cake is my secret weapon now. It tastes like pure, buttery Southern comfort but comes together so fast, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life. It’s the closest thing to a hug you can bake! You can read more about my kitchen journey over on our About page!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Trust me, this recipe is an absolute keeper! If you’re looking for those perfect easy holiday desserts without all the fuss, you’ve hit the jackpot.

  • Super Speedy: Seriously, you can have this in the oven in about 10 minutes flat. Perfect for when company’s on the way!
  • Pure Comfort Food Flavor: It’s got that rich, buttery, pecan-y goodness that just screams Southern hospitality. It’s a shortcut to that amazing Thanksgiving dessert vibe.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Because it’s a dump cake, there are hardly any dishes to wash. Hallelujah!
  • Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Everyone loves this cake. Warm, gooey, and fantastic with ice cream or whipped cream.
  • Foolproof: You really can’t mess this one up. Even if you’re new to baking, this is your moment to shine.

Ingredients for Your Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Okay, you asked for the magic list, and here it is! This pecan pie dump cake recipe uses just a few simple things you probably already have, or can grab super easily. No fancy stuff here, just pure deliciousness waiting to happen.

  • 1 box (about 18.25 ounces) yellow cake mix – I like to use the kind that’s just the dry mix, no pudding required!
  • 1 cup chopped pecans – Make sure they’re chopped up nice and bite-size.
  • 1 cup (that’s 2 sticks, or 1/2 pound) unsalted butter, completely melted – Don’t skimp here; the butter is key!
  • 1 jar (12 ounces) pecan pie filling – You know, the stuff specifically for pecan pie. It’s the easiest way to get that flavor without all the pie-making hassle.

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

Alright, let’s get this party started because making this pecan pie dump cake is honestly the easiest part of your holiday prep. It’s totally foolproof; I promise! We’re talking simple layers that bake into pure magic.

Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

First things first, get that oven humming! We want it nice and toasty at 350°F (175°C). Grab your trusty 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good grease-up. Trust me, a little butter or cooking spray here saves you from any heartbreak when it’s time to serve.

Layer the Pecan Pie Filling and Pecans

Now, pour that jar of pecan pie filling right into the bottom of your greased dish. Spread it out as evenly as you can so every bite gets that gooey, sweet flavor. Then, sprinkle those chopped pecans all over the filling. Make sure they’re spread out so you get that nutty crunch in every single piece.

Add the Cake Mix and Butter

Here’s where it gets really fun and fast. Just grab your dry yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the pecans and pie filling. Try to get it all covered, but don’t stress if a few little spots peek through. The real game-changer is pouring that melted butter evenly over the *entire* top. Really try to coat all that dry cake mix; it helps it bake up golden and delicious without any dry patches.

A close-up of a slice of pecan pie dump cake on a white plate, showcasing its gooey filling and crumbly topping. SAVE

Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Slide that beauty into your preheated oven. We’re looking at about 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is gorgeous golden brown and you can see those delicious bubbly edges around the filling. This amazing pecan pie dump cake smells SO good while it’s baking!

Cool Slightly Before Serving

Okay, temptation is real, but let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before you dive in. This lets everything set up just right and makes sure no one burns their tongue on that molten pecan goodness. It’s worth the tiny wait!

Tips for the Best Southern Dump Cake

You know, making a great southern dump cake isn’t rocket science, but a few little tricks can make all the difference between good and OH-MY-GOODNESS-THAT’S-AMAZING. I’ve made this pecan pie version more times than I can count, especially when I’m dreaming of holiday desserts but short on time. Here are my go-to tips to make sure yours turns out perfectly gooey and delicious every single time.

First off, don’t skimp on the quality of your ingredients! Use that good unsalted butter – it really adds a richer flavor than salted. And make sure your pecan pie filling is actually for pecan pie; it’s thicker and has that right flavor profile. Also, when you’re pouring that melted butter over the dry cake mix, *really* try to get it everywhere. I like to use a little spatula or spoon to gently help it along, making sure every pocket of dry mix gets coated. This is crucial for getting that lovely golden crust and preventing any dry, crumbly spots. Oh, and if you can’t find pecan pie filling, a good thick caramel sauce can work in a pinch, but it’ll change the flavor profile a bit!

Serving and Storing Your Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Ah, the best part – serving this glorious pecan pie dump cake! You absolutely *have* to serve it warm. That’s where all the gooey magic happens. It’s divine with a big dollop of fluffy whipped cream, or even better, a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the warm pecan goodness. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them into an airtight container. It’ll keep on the counter for a couple of days, or in the fridge for longer. Pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back that warm, wonderful texture.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Got questions about this super easy pecan pie dump cake? I’ve got answers! It’s one of my favorite go-to recipes, so I get asked about it a lot. Let me break down some of the most common things people wonder about. If you have something else on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out via our Contact page!

Can I use a different cake mix for this pecan pie dump cake?

You bet! While yellow cake mix is fantastic, you can totally switch it up. A spice cake mix would be divine, or even a butter pecan flavored one if you can find it! Just make sure you’re using the dry cake mix itself, not anything pre-made with liquid.

What are the best toppings for a warm dessert recipe like this?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Besides classic vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce is absolutely heavenly over this warm treat. A light dusting of powdered sugar also looks pretty and adds a touch more sweetness. Honestly, whatever makes you happy is the right topping for this glorious warm dessert recipe!

How do I ensure my southern dump cake is baked through?

Great question! You’ll know your southern dump cake is perfectly baked when the edges are bubbly and the top is a beautiful golden brown. For extra reassurance, you can pop a toothpick (or a thin knife) into the center. If it comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs attached – not wet batter – you’re golden!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Keep in mind these are just estimates, okay? Every kitchen is a little different, and brands can vary, but this gives you a good idea of what you’re working with for each delicious slice of this pecan pie dump cake. It’s pretty rich, as you can imagine, but totally worth it!

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: Approximately 450
  • Fat: Around 25g (with about 12g being saturated fat)
  • Carbohydrates: About 55g
  • Sugar: Roughly 40g
  • Protein: Around 4g
  • Sodium: Approximately 200mg

Share Your Pecan Pie Dump Cake Creations!

I just *love* hearing from you all! Did you try this oh-so-easy pecan pie dump cake? Did it rock your holiday table? I’d be absolutely thrilled if you’d leave a comment below and let me know what you think, or even give it a star rating! And hey, if you snapped a pic, show it off on social media – tag me, I want to see your baking triumphs! Just remember to check out our Terms of Use when you’re sharing.

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Pecan Pie Dump Cake

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A simple Southern pecan pie dump cake made with cake mix, perfect for holiday dessert tables.

  • Author: zoe-thompson
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 45 min
  • Total Time: 55 min
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (18.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 jar (12 oz) pecan pie filling

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Spread the pecan pie filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the pecan pie filling.
  4. Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the pecans.
  5. Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix, ensuring it is well distributed.
  6. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  7. Let the cake cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
  • This recipe is a great option for busy holiday cooks looking for easy Thanksgiving desserts.
  • Consider this a shortcut to a classic Southern dump cake.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 40g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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