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Close-up of a slice of pecan pie dump cake on a wooden tray, showing the pecan topping and cake layers.

Amazing Pecan Pie Dump Cake: 1 Joyful Slice

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Written by Alex Hayes

August 20, 2025

You know, sometimes the best food comes from the simplest ideas. Like this amazing pecan pie dump cake! It’s honestly one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Growing up, the kitchen wasn’t always my happy place either. My job used to pull me in a million directions, and cooking felt like just another chore I didn’t have time for. But finding this dump cake changed things for me. It’s proof that delicious, soulful food doesn’t need all the fuss. It’s incredibly easy, which is totally my jam, and it’s become a go-to for any occasion where a little comfort and joy are needed. It really embodies how incredible food can be accessible to everyone, no matter your kitchen confidence level! Don’t forget to follow our culinary adventures over on Facebook for more simple joys!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Seriously, this pecan pie dump cake is a game-changer, especially if you’re looking for easy holiday desserts or just a simple Southern favorite that tastes incredible. Here’s why it’s become a staple at my place:

  • So Easy: You literally just dump everything into the pan. No fancy techniques needed, just pure, unadulterated joy in baking.
  • Incredible Flavor: That buttery cake mix, sweet pecan pie filling, and crunchy pecans together? Pure magic. It’s like Thanksgiving dessert came to visit!
  • Perfect for Holidays: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a Tuesday that needs a little sparkle, this dump cake is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a true easy holiday dessert that feels totally special.

Gather Your Ingredients for Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Alright, let’s talk about what makes this pecan pie dump cake so darn special! You really don’t need much, and the quality of what you use definitely makes a difference, so grab the good stuff if you can. It’s all about simple, honest ingredients coming together beautifully. This recipe really hinges on a few key players:

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

  • A box of yellow cake mix – I usually go for the 18.25 oz size. It’s the backbone of that fluffy texture!
  • About 1 cup of chopped pecans. Oh, pecans! They’re practically the unofficial nut of the South, aren’t they? They bring that perfect slightly bitter crunch and rich flavor that just screams comfort food.
  • A whole stick (that’s 1 cup, or 2 sticks, really!) of unsalted butter, all melted and ready to go. Don’t skip the butter; it’s what makes that cake mix topping all golden and delicious.
  • One jar, usually 12 oz, of good old pecan pie filling. This is the secret weapon for that gooey, sweet, mapley goodness in every bite.
  • And just a dash of ground cinnamon for that warm spice note. You know, just to tie it all together.

Seriously, that’s it! It’s amazing how these few things transform into something so incredible.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Okay, making this pecan pie dump cake is honestly one of those things that makes me feel like a kitchen superhero, even on my busiest days! It really is as simple as it sounds, so let’s get this deliciousness happening:

  1. First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s 175 Celsius for my international friends!). And grab your trusty 9×13 inch baking dish. Give it a good grease-up so nothing sticks – a little butter or cooking spray works perfectly.
  2. Now, take that jar of pecan pie filling and spread it out as evenly as you can across the bottom of your greased dish. It’s like laying down a sweet, gooey foundation for all the goodness to come.
  3. Next up are our chopped pecans! Sprinkle them right on top of that pecan pie filling. This gives you those delightful nutty bites throughout the finished cake.
  4. Here’s where it gets fun – grab that dry yellow cake mix and just sprinkle it evenly over the pecans and filling. Don’t pack it down or stir it in; just let it be a fluffy layer on top.
  5. Time for the magic ingredient that makes it brown so beautifully: the melted butter! Drizzle that melted butter evenly all over the dry cake mix. Make sure to get it all over so you don’t end up with any dry spots. This is key for that perfect golden crust!
  6. A little sprinkle of cinnamon right on top adds that lovely warm spice that just makes everything feel cozy.
  7. Now, pop it into that preheated oven and let it bake for about 40 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for that glorious golden-brown color on top and for the filling to be nice and bubbly around the edges.
  8. Once it’s out, let it cool just slightly. Trust me, the anticipation is worth it!

Tips for the Best Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake

We all want that perfect slice, right? For this incredible pecan pie dump cake, a few little tricks really amp up the flavor and guarantee it’s a hit. It’s all about making that simple recipe sing and really leaning into that “big on flavor” idea!

My favorite little upgrade? Try using a butter pecan cake mix instead of just plain yellow! It adds another layer of nutty richness that’s just divine. Also, make absolutely sure that butter is fully melted and you drizzle it *evenly* over the dry cake mix. This is super important to avoid those dry patches and get that gorgeous, golden-brown, slightly crisp topping we all love. And please, *please* let it cool for just a little bit before you serve it. That short wait makes all the difference for the texture!

Serving Suggestions for Your Holiday Dessert

This pecan pie dump cake is pure comfort in a pan, and it’s just begging to be shared! It’s absolutely delicious served warm, right when it’s fresh out of the oven. Picture this: a scoop of that gooey, nutty cake with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream or a scoop of melty vanilla ice cream slowly cascading down the sides. Oh, and if you’re looking for other swoon-worthy desserts that are perfect for sharing, you absolutely have to check out my cinnamon roll cheesecake and my stunning salted caramel cheesecake. They’re all about bringing people together to enjoy something truly special!

Storage and Reheating Your Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Okay, so odds are you might have a tiny bit of this glorious pecan pie dump cake leftover – though honestly, I’m usually battling my family for the last piece! If you do happen to have some, storing it is super easy. Just pop it into an airtight container once it’s cooled down a bit and keep it on the counter for a day or two, or pop it in the fridge if you want it to last a bit longer.

Reheating is just as simple! You can pop a slice in the microwave for about 30 seconds for a quick reheat, or if you want to get it nice and warm and a little crispy again, just pop it in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Either way, it’s still just as delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions about Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Got questions about this super easy pecan pie dump cake? I totally get it! It’s such a simple recipe, but sometimes those details matter. Here are a few things folks often ask:

Can I substitute the yellow cake mix in this pecan pie dump cake?

Oh, absolutely! While yellow cake mix is a classic for a reason, you can totally switch it up. A butter pecan cake mix would be *amazing* and give it even more depth, or a spice cake mix could add a lovely warmth that’s perfect for holidays. Just use the same amount, and you should be good to go!

What are the best nuts to use in a Southern dump cake?

For this particular southern dump cake, pecans are really the STAR! They’re just perfect with that pie filling. But if you wanted to mix things up a little, you could try adding some chopped walnuts along with the pecans, or even some sliced almonds for a different crunch. Just keep the total amount of nuts around the same, and you’ll still get that delicious nutty goodness!

How can I ensure my pecan pie dump cake bakes evenly?

The absolute key here is making sure that melted butter gets distributed really evenly over the dry cake mix. Don’t just pour it all in one spot! Take your time drizzling it all over the top. This helps the cake mix get crispy and golden brown everywhere, and it prevents those pockets of dry, uncooked cake mix. It’s a small step, but it makes a world of difference for the final texture! For extra peace of mind, you can always check out our site disclaimer for general baking advice.

Nutritional Estimate for Your Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Just so you know, all these amazing desserts can add up! This pecan pie dump cake is a winner for a reason, but it’s definitely a treat. We’re looking at about 450 calories per serving, with around 25g of fat, 55g of carbs, and 35g of that beautiful sugar that makes it taste so good. It also offers about 2g of fiber and 4g of protein. Remember, these are just estimates, and they can change based on the brands you use, but it gives you a good idea!

Share Your Pecan Pie Dump Cake Creations!

Alright, now that you’ve hopefully whipped up this amazing pecan pie dump cake, I would absolutely LOVE to hear all about it! Did you try it with whipped cream or ice cream? Did you add anything special? Drop a comment below to share your experience, and if you feel like it, give the recipe a star rating! It really helps other home cooks find these simple joys. And if you snapped a photo – you know I want to see it! Tag us on social media, we’d be thrilled to see your creations! Feel free to reach out via our contact page too if you have any questions!

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Pecan Pie Dump Cake

A delicious slice of pecan pie dump cake on a plate, topped with pecans and syrup.

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This easy pecan pie dump cake is a Southern favorite, perfect for holiday gatherings. It combines buttery cake mix with a sweet pecan filling for a comforting dessert.

  • Author: purejoyalex
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 45 min
  • Total Time: 60 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
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Evenly spread the pecan pie filling in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the pie filling.
  4. Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the pecans.
  5. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
  6. Sprinkle the cinnamon over the top.
  7. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  8. Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can use a butter pecan cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
  • Ensure the butter is evenly distributed to prevent dry spots in the cake.
  • This dessert is best served warm, making it ideal for holiday dessert tables.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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Hi, I'm Alex! I believe incredible food doesn't have to be complicated. Here at Pure Cooking Joy, I share delicious, approachable recipes designed to bring happiness back into your kitchen. Let's get cooking!

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