Pecan Dump Cake
Description
Pecan Dump Cake is a classic Southern-inspired dessert that’s wonderfully simple to prepare. Unlike traditional cakes, there’s no mixing bowl required—ingredients are simply layered (“dumped”) into a baking dish and baked until golden and bubbly. The result is a dessert with a crisp, buttery topping, gooey caramel-like filling, and crunchy toasted pecans. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an irresistible treat.
Prep Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Bake: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: 55–60 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings
Makes: 10 servings
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Topping
- 1 box (15.25-ounce) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Garnishes
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Extra chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3
Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom.
Step 4
Pour the crushed pineapple (including the juice) over the apples and gently spread.
Step 5
Stir in vanilla extract and cinnamon if using.
Step 6
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the fruit. Do not stir.
Step 7
Scatter chopped pecans evenly across the cake mix.
Step 8
Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top, covering as much of the cake mix as possible.
Step 9
Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
Step 10
Allow to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Do not mix the layers after adding the cake mix.
- Using melted butter helps evenly moisten the topping.
- Small dry spots on the cake mix are normal, but try to cover most of it with butter.
- Toasting the pecans beforehand enhances their flavor.
- The dessert thickens slightly as it cools.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality butter for richer flavor.
- Chop pecans evenly for consistent texture.
- Add ½ teaspoon nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for extra crunch.
- Serve warm for the best texture.
- Refrigerate leftovers and reheat before serving.
Variations
Chocolate Pecan Dump Cake
Add ½ cup chocolate chips.
Caramel Pecan
Drizzle caramel sauce between the fruit and cake mix layers.
Pumpkin Pecan
Replace apple pie filling with pumpkin pie filling.
Cherry Pecan
Use cherry pie filling instead of apple.
Spice Cake Version
Swap yellow cake mix for spice cake mix.
Storage
Refrigerator
- Store covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds.
- Or bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 15 minutes.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and vary depending on ingredients used.
Health Benefits
- Pecans provide heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
- Pecans contain antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Apples contribute dietary fiber.
- Pineapple supplies vitamin C and manganese.
- This dessert can satisfy sweet cravings in moderate portions, making it enjoyable as an occasional treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
1. Why is it called a dump cake?
Because the ingredients are layered directly into the baking dish without traditional mixing.
2. Can I use fresh apples?
Yes. Cook them first with a little sugar, butter, and cinnamon until slightly softened.
3. Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely. Spice, butter pecan, white, or vanilla cake mixes all work well.
4. Should I stir the cake mix?
No. Leave the layers untouched for the signature texture.
5. Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Bake it a day in advance and reheat before serving.
6. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes. Walnuts provide a different but equally delicious flavor.
7. Why are there dry patches on top?
The butter didn’t fully cover the cake mix. Drizzle a little extra melted butter over dry areas and continue baking if needed.
8. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and verify the pie filling ingredients are gluten-free.
9. Can I reduce the sweetness?
Use pie filling with no added sugar or a reduced-sugar version, and skip caramel or other sweet toppings.
10. What pairs well with pecan dump cake?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, hot coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk are all excellent accompaniments.