Description

Pecan Pie Dump Cake Easy is a decadent, buttery layered dessert combining a gooey pecan filling with a golden, crisp cake topping. Made with pantry staples, it offers the rich caramel flavor and nutty crunch of traditional pecan pie without the hassle of pie crust. Perfect for holidays or gatherings, this simple recipe layers sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and pecans topped with yellow cake mix and melted butter, all baked to bubbling perfection.

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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides for an even blend.
Add Pecans: Gently fold in the pecan halves so they are evenly coated with the wet mixture, ensuring a consistent pecan distribution in every bite.
Pour into Baking Dish: Evenly pour the pecan mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula for uniform baking.
Layer Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pecan filling without stirring or pressing it down, creating a loose, tender topping layer.
Drizzle Butter: Slowly drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer, covering as much dry mix as possible to promote a golden, crisp crust.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If the edges brown too quickly, tent with foil.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set for neat slices. Serve warm or at room temperature with optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Use fresh, plump pecans for the best flavor; substitute walnuts or toasted almonds for a twist.
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based condensed milk and vegan butter alternatives.
Butter can be cooled slightly before drizzling to avoid scrambling the eggs underneath.
This cake is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
Leftovers reheat well and taste great for up to three days.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Pecan Pie Dump Cake, Easy Pecan Dessert, One Dish Cake, Southern Dessert, Holiday Dessert, Pecan Cake