Pecan Dump Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pecan Dump Cake is an irresistibly easy dessert with layers of rich, buttery flavor and a satisfying crunch. With just a few simple ingredients and no mixing required, it’s perfect for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or satisfying your sweet tooth without a fuss. The golden cake top and nutty pecans over a gooey filling make every bite comforting and indulgent.

ingredients

this Recipe

Yellow cake mix
Pecan halves or chopped pecans
Butter (unsalted, melted)
Crushed pineapple (with juice)
Sweetened condensed milk
Vanilla extract (optional)
Cinnamon (optional for extra warmth)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Pour the crushed pineapple with juice evenly into the bottom of the dish.

Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the pineapple layer.

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top—do not stir.

Top with pecans, spreading them out evenly.

Pour the melted butter evenly over the entire surface.

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon if using.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves 12
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 60-65 minutes

Variations

Use chopped walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
Swap crushed pineapple for cherry pie filling or apple pie filling.
Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Top with whipped cream or caramel drizzle before serving.

storage/reheating

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Do I stir the layers together?
No, just layer and bake—no mixing needed.

Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, white or spice cake mix also works well.

What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
You can use evaporated milk and sugar, but the texture and sweetness will vary.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bake it the day before and reheat when ready to serve.

Is this dessert very sweet?
Yes, it’s rich and sweet—best balanced with ice cream or whipped cream.

Conclusion

Pecan Dump Cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. With its gooey filling, crunchy topping, and sweet, buttery layers, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Keep it in your dessert rotation for those times you want something easy and satisfying.

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