Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake. I remember the first time I tried it at a family gathering. My aunt brought it along, and I was curious. The golden brown crust and the sweet aroma wafting through the house instantly drew me in. Pecan Pie Dump Cake brings a smile to everyone’s face because it’s comfort food made simple! It has become a favorite because it’s not only delicious but also quick to make. If you are looking for an effortless and tasty dessert, this recipe is definitely worth trying.
Why Make This Recipe
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is special for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You don’t need fancy tools or skills to create this dessert. Just a few simple ingredients, and you can whip it up in no time. The combination of the pecan pie filling and cake mix creates a magical texture that is crunchy on top and gooey in the middle.
This recipe is also perfect for gatherings or busy weeknights. With so many seasons of life, sometimes we need recipes that are fast and crowd-pleasing. This dessert fits the bill. It has a sweet flavor that reminds us of family traditions and holiday feasts. My family often made this dessert for special occasions, and it always brings back warm memories.
Plus, you can serve it warm or cool. You can enjoy it straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled from the refrigerator with a sprinkle of nuts on top. It’s versatile and can easily be a part of any meal, whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive celebration.
How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Making Pecan Pie Dump Cake is straightforward and enjoyable. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As the oven warms up, gather your ingredients – a can of pecan pie filling, sweetened condensed milk, and a box of yellow cake mix. The sweet scent of the cake mix will fill your kitchen as you open the box, reminding you of the freshly baked goods you might find at a bakery.
In a 9×13 baking dish, pour the pecan pie filling evenly at the bottom. As you spread it out, take a moment to admire the rich, sticky texture. Next, drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the pecan filling. The milk will create a creamy layer that complements the pie filling perfectly.
Now comes the fun part. Open the box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it on top of the layers. Make sure it covers the entire surface without stirring it. You want to create a lovely crust as it bakes. The anticipation builds as you place it in the oven, imagining the golden color it will turn.
Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, but keep an eye on it. The top should be golden brown and the mixture should bubble slightly around the edges when it’s done. When the timer goes off, carefully pull it out of the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. The aroma in your kitchen will have everyone asking, “What is that delicious smell?” You’ll feel proud as you slice into the cake, revealing the sweet layers inside.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) pecan pie filling: This is the star of the show! It lends a rich, sweet flavor and gooey consistency, reminiscent of traditional pecan pie. You can also use homemade pecan pie filling if you prefer.
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: This adds creaminess and sweetness to the cake. If you need a dairy-free option, look for coconut cream or other dairy-free condensed milk alternatives.
- 1 box yellow cake mix: The cake mix provides great texture and body to the dish. You can also swap it for a gluten-free cake mix if needed.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. These straightforward components make it easy to whip up deliciousness while spending less time in the kitchen.
Directions
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important to ensure that your cake bakes evenly.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Get a 9×13 inch baking dish and make sure it’s clean. This will be the home for your dump cake.
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Spread the Pecan Pie Filling: Open the can of pecan pie filling and pour it into the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. Take a moment to enjoy the smell of the sweet pecans.
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Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Open the can of sweetened condensed milk and drizzle it over the pecan filling. Use a spatula to spread it if needed. You want this layer to be smooth, as it adds creaminess to the cake.
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Sprinkle the Yellow Cake Mix: Now, take the box of yellow cake mix and open it. Without mixing, sprinkle it evenly over the pie filling and milk. Make sure to cover every spot. This layer will create a delightful crust as it bakes.
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Bake in the Oven: Carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on it. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a golden brown color and bubbles appear around the edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
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Cooling Time: Once it’s baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. This will prevent burning your tongue! The waiting will be worth it as your home fills with the wonderful smell of baked goodness.
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Serve and Enjoy: Slice into your Pecan Pie Dump Cake and serve. You can top each piece with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence. Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Pecan Pie Dump Cake can be enjoyed in several delightful ways. It’s perfect as a warm dessert after a family dinner or at a holiday gathering. Imagine serving it at Thanksgiving, with everyone gathered around to enjoy something familiar yet special.
Pair it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the flavors. The creaminess balances the sweetness of the cake and adds a refreshing touch. You can also serve it with a hot cup of coffee or tea after a cozy meal. The warm notes of the drink complement the dessert beautifully.
If you’re looking for casual serving options, it can also be a great addition to a potluck or picnic. Just scoop portions into cups for guests to enjoy outdoors. It’s an easy dessert to transport, and it’s sure to bring smiles wherever it goes.
How to Store Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Storing leftovers of Pecan Pie Dump Cake is easy! If you have any left (which might be unlikely!), let it cool completely in the baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. This can be kept in the refrigerator for up to about a week.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. It’s best to slice the cake before freezing, as it allows for easier portions later. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, when you crave a slice of sweet goodness, you can take one piece out without having to defrost the whole cake.
To reheat, take out a slice from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy it, you can warm it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until heated through. Just be careful, as it can get hot!
Tips to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake
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Don’t Overmix: When you sprinkle the cake mix, just spread it evenly. Mixing can create a dense texture that doesn’t bake well.
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Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done. Insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
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Cool Before Slicing: Let your dump cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes for cleaner cuts.
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Use Good Quality Ingredients: The flavor of the pie filling and cake mix can make a difference in taste, so choose quality brands if you can.
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Experiment with Toppings: Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel drizzle on top of the cake for added flavor.
Variation
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Add Spices: For some warm flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the cake mix. It gives a lovely spiced aroma that feels festive.
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Chocolate Pecan Dump Cake: For a chocolate twist, replace half of the yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix for a rich, chocolatey version.
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Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert accessible for friends with dietary restrictions.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut condensed milk instead of regular sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free version. Substitute the cake mix as well, if needed.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Pecan Pie Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Pecan Pie Dump Cake a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Heat it in the oven for a few minutes before serving to bring back that warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
The best way to reheat it is to place a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Q: Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! You can swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate, spice, or even lemon cake mix. Each will give your Pecan Pie Dump Cake a unique twist suitable for different occasions.
In conclusion, Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a delightful and simple recipe that everyone will love. Its gooey, sweet layers and crunchy topping make it a comforting dessert for any gathering. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, with ice cream or on its own, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious treat with loved ones!
Print
Pecan Pie Dump Cake
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert combining rich pecan pie flavors with the ease of a dump cake, perfect for gatherings and busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) pecan pie filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 box yellow cake mix
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring it’s clean.
- Spread the pecan pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the pecan filling.
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly on top without mixing.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbles form around the edges.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy warm with whipped cream or ice cream if desired!
Notes
For a gluten-free version, swap the yellow cake mix for gluten-free cake mix. For dairy-free, use coconut condensed milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pecan pie, dump cake, dessert, easy recipe, family gathering