If you love the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie but crave the ease of a dump cake, you’re in for a treat. A pecan pie dump cake combines the best of both worlds—the gooey, caramel-like filling of a traditional pecan pie with the simplicity of a cake mix dessert. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can whip up a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress.
In this article, we’ll share 5 pecan pie dump cake recipes you can make for holidays, potlucks, or just when that sweet tooth kicks in. Each version puts a delicious twist on the classic, giving you options for every mood and occasion.
Why You’ll Love Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Before diving into the recipes, let’s talk about why this dessert has become a crowd favorite.
- Easy to Make: No rolling out pie crusts or complicated steps. Just layer and bake.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients like cake mix, butter, and canned pie filling.
- Versatile: Works with different flavors, toppings, and add-ins.
- Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or sharing at work.
- Rich Flavor: Tastes like pecan pie, but with a softer, cake-like topping.
1. Classic Pecan Pie Dump Cake
This recipe is the traditional version—sweet, nutty, and buttery. It’s the ultimate dessert for Thanksgiving or any holiday feast.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) pecan pie filling (or substitute 1 can pecan pie filling + 1 can caramel filling)
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour pecan pie filling into the dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the filling.
- Top with chopped pecans.
- Pour melted butter over the cake mix and nuts.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving with whipped cream or ice cream.
Why it Works: This recipe mimics the gooey filling of pecan pie with a golden cake topping that adds crunch and texture.
2. Chocolate Pecan Pie Dump Cake
If you’re a chocolate lover, this variation is for you. Adding chocolate makes the dessert even richer and indulgent.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans pecan pie filling
- 1 box chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butter (melted)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a greased 9×13 pan, spread pecan pie filling.
- Sprinkle chocolate cake mix over the filling.
- Add chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes.
Serving Idea: Pair with a scoop of coffee ice cream for a mocha-inspired twist.
3. Caramel Pecan Pie Dump Cake
This version layers caramel sauce with pecan pie filling for extra gooey goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 can pecan pie filling
- 1 can caramel topping or caramel apple pie filling
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix (or yellow cake mix)
- 1 cup butter, melted
- ½ cup pecan halves for garnish
Instructions:
- Spread pecan pie filling and caramel in a baking dish.
- Top with dry cake mix.
- Drizzle butter over the mix.
- Add pecan halves on top for presentation.
- Bake at 350°F for 40–50 minutes.
Pro Tip: Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the baked cake before serving for a bakery-style finish.
4. Pumpkin Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Perfect for fall, this recipe combines pumpkin pie flavors with pecans for a seasonal treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 can pecan pie filling
- 1 box spice cake mix
- 1 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, condensed milk, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Spread mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Add pecan pie filling on top.
- Sprinkle spice cake mix evenly.
- Pour melted butter across the surface.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes until golden.
Serving Suggestion: Top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.
5. Slow Cooker Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Want a set-it-and-forget-it dessert? This crockpot version is ideal when oven space is limited during the holidays.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans pecan pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray.
- Spread pecan pie filling at the bottom.
- Sprinkle cake mix over the filling.
- Drizzle butter on top, then add pecans.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours or LOW for 4–5 hours.
Pro Tip: For a crispier top, uncover the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes.
Tips for the Perfect Pecan Pie Dump Cake
To make sure your dessert turns out just right, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Stir the Layers – Dump cakes work because of the layering effect. Stirring can make it mushy.
- Use Real Butter – Margarine won’t give the same richness.
- Cake Mix Options – Yellow, butter pecan, chocolate, or spice cake mixes all pair beautifully with pecans.
- Add Texture – Mix in coconut flakes, toffee bits, or extra nuts for variety.
- Serve Warm – This dessert tastes best warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
FAQs About Pecan Pie Dump Cake
1. Can I make pecan pie dump cake ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge and reheat before serving.
2. How long does pecan pie dump cake last?
It keeps 3–4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
3. Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze in individual portions and thaw overnight before reheating.
4. Do I have to use pecan pie filling?
If you can’t find it, use a mix of caramel filling and chopped pecans for a similar flavor.
Conclusion
These 5 pecan pie dump cake recipes prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a rich, decadent dessert. From the classic version to indulgent twists like chocolate or pumpkin pecan, each recipe is simple, versatile, and guaranteed to please a crowd.
Whether you bake it in the oven for Thanksgiving dinner or let the slow cooker do the work for a potluck, pecan pie dump cake is the ultimate comfort dessert. Try one (or all five!) and discover your new go-to sweet treat.