Pecan Pie Dump Cake

The Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a luscious, fuss-free twist on two Southern classics — the gooey richness of pecan pie and the buttery simplicity of a dump cake. With layers of spiced pumpkin filling, buttery cake crumbles, and crunchy pecans, this dessert captures the essence of comfort food in every bite. Perfect for the holiday season, this easy-to-make treat is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but want to impress. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, a fall gathering, or just craving something sweet and indulgent, this cake brings warmth, nostalgia, and flavor to your table with almost no effort.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the pumpkin mixture — do not mix in.
Sprinkle chopped pecans generously over the cake mix layer.
Drizzle melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the cake.
Bake for 50–60 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Let cool for 15–20 minutes before serving. Serve warm or chilled, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 415 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

Pecan Pie Dump Cake: The Ultimate Southern Shortcut Dessert

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the perfect blend of rustic Southern charm and modern-day convenience. It’s an ideal dessert for when you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests with something rich, warm, and comforting. This dish combines the flavor profile of a classic pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake, creating a gooey, crunchy, buttery dessert that everyone will rave about.

Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just want to treat yourself to something special, this dessert ticks all the boxes. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, only requires a handful of ingredients, and doesn’t involve rolling out pie crusts or fiddling with technical baking steps. It’s literally a “dump and bake” situation — and the results are spectacular.

What Makes This Dessert So Special?

There are many reasons why this recipe stands out, especially when compared to traditional pies or cakes.

Ease of Preparation
One of the biggest appeals of a dump cake is how quick and straightforward it is. There’s no need to make a crust, separate layers, or even mix batter. All you need to do is layer the ingredients in the right order, pop it into the oven, and let the magic happen.
Rich Flavor Combination
This cake brings together sweet, spiced pumpkin filling and the deep nuttiness of toasted pecans, all topped with a buttery golden crust. Each bite has a combination of textures — creamy, crunchy, soft, and crisp — that make it incredibly satisfying.
Perfect for Holidays and Gatherings
Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s particularly perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall celebration. It complements seasonal flavors and fits right in on a holiday dessert table.
Customizable
While this version calls for pumpkin and pecans, you can easily adapt the ingredients. Not a fan of pumpkin? Use sweet potato puree instead. Want it a little sweeter? Add a swirl of caramel or chocolate chips. Need to make it dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and evaporated coconut milk.

The History and Evolution of Dump Cakes

Dump cakes have been around since at least the 1960s, gaining popularity as part of the convenience food movement. Originally featured in community cookbooks and family gatherings, the “dump” concept emerged as an easy, no-fuss solution for home bakers who wanted fast results with minimal cleanup.

Pecan pie, on the other hand, has roots that go even deeper into Southern culinary tradition. This rich pie made with corn syrup, sugar, and pecans has long been a staple of Thanksgiving and Southern dinners. The fusion of these two desserts represents the modern way of blending nostalgic flavors with practical techniques.

The Pecan Pie Dump Cake brings these traditions together — the love of comforting, homemade desserts with the efficiency needed in busy modern kitchens.

Nutritional Highlights and Dietary Flexibility

While the dish is indulgent by nature, it offers a few interesting benefits:

Pecans are a source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber. They add not just crunch but also nutritional value to the dessert.
Pumpkin is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, along with beta-carotene and potassium. Its natural sweetness means you can use less added sugar compared to other pies.
The recipe is easily made gluten-free by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
It can be adjusted for vegetarian and dairy-free diets with minor substitutions.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Don’t stir the layers: The beauty of a dump cake lies in layering — the cake mix needs to sit on top of the pumpkin filling to form a crust as it bakes. Resist the urge to mix!
Use real butter: This gives the dish a richer flavor and helps achieve that golden, crisp top layer.
Chop the pecans coarsely: This ensures every bite has a satisfying crunch, but the pieces are small enough to toast evenly in the oven.
Let it rest before serving: The filling sets better if the cake is allowed to cool slightly after baking. It also makes it easier to slice or scoop.

Serving Suggestions

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is delicious on its own, but here are some ways to elevate your serving presentation:

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream while the cake is still warm — the melting cream contrasts beautifully with the crunchy pecan top.
Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.
Pair it with coffee or a spiced chai latte for the perfect cozy afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This dessert stores beautifully and actually tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the dump cake for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes for a crispy top.

Conclusion

This recipe is more than just a shortcut — it’s a modern spin on cherished traditions. It reminds us that incredible flavor doesn’t always require hours of preparation. With just a few pantry staples and a baking dish, you can create something magical that captures the essence of the holidays, the warmth of home, and the beauty of simplicity. The mix of textures and the classic pumpkin-pecan combo make every bite feel like a hug in dessert form. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll pass down, print out, or bookmark because once you make it, it’ll become part of your seasonal rotation for years to come. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned baker looking for something fun and low-effort, this dump cake proves that great taste can come from simple steps.