There's nothing quite like the cozy aroma of a warm Pecan Dump Cake filling your kitchen. This effortless dessert combines the nutty richness of pecans, the comforting flavors of spiced cake, and a buttery topping that’ll have you reaching for seconds.

I first tried this recipe at a family gathering, and it’s been my go-to dessert ever since. Simple yet delicious, this cake requires minimal effort, yet delivers a perfectly indulgent treat that's ideal for sharing (or saving all to yourself!). Let’s dive into why this Pecan Dump Cake deserves a spot in your dessert rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Dump Cake

Get ready to add a new favorite to your dessert repertoire. This Pecan Dump Cake is an absolute breeze to prepare and yields delicious results every time.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. True to its name, you simply “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the work. Perfect for beginners or anyone short on time, there’s no mixing bowl required!

The textures are amazing. As it bakes, the cake mix combines with butter and pecans to create a tender cake with a slight crunch on top. Each bite is a delightful combination of sweet, buttery cake with toasty pecans.

This recipe is great for entertaining. With its effortless preparation and warm, cozy flavors, this cake is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners. Plus, it’s best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Finally, this cake is easily customizable. Swap in different types of cake mix or add some spices to make it your own. And with pantry-staple ingredients, you can whip this up anytime a dessert craving strikes.

Ingredients Notes

The simplicity of Pecan Dump Cake is one of its best features. Using just a few ingredients, this cake comes together quickly, with each component bringing its own flavor and texture.

Pecan halves: These add a rich, nutty flavor and a lovely crunch to the cake. Toasting them lightly beforehand can enhance their flavor even more, but it’s optional. Be sure to use fresh pecans for the best taste.
Yellow or Spice Cake Mix: This is the foundation of the cake. For a more classic, mild flavor, go with yellow cake mix. If you’re in the mood for extra warmth and spice, a spice cake mix pairs beautifully with pecans.
Butter: Use melted unsalted butter for a rich, golden topping. As it bakes, the butter combines with the cake mix to form a soft, almost cobbler-like texture that contrasts with the crisp top.
Brown sugar: Sprinkling brown sugar over the top adds a hint of molasses sweetness and deepens the flavor of the cake. Light or dark brown sugar will work here, so use whatever you have on hand.
Optional: Cinnamon or Nutmeg: If you’re using a yellow cake mix, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to bring out the warmth of the pecans and make the cake even cozier.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe, just a 9x13 baking dish and an oven – it’s as easy as that!

How to Make This Pecan Dump Cake

Creating this delectable Pecan Dump Cake couldn’t be simpler. Just follow these steps to have a warm, gooey cake on your table in under an hour.

Prepare the oven and pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Add the pecans and cake mix. Spread the pecan halves evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, open the box of cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the pecans, making sure to cover them completely.
Add brown sugar and optional spices. For a deeper flavor, sprinkle brown sugar over the cake mix, along with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if using. These extra layers add a lovely caramel note to the final cake.
Drizzle melted butter. Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter will help bind everything together as it bakes, creating a slightly crisp top with a soft, moist cake layer beneath.
Bake. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is set. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start to bubble and the top feels crisp.

After baking, let the cake cool slightly. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and enjoy every bite of this comforting, pecan-filled dessert.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), storing this Pecan Dump Cake is easy.

Room Temperature: Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to two days. The texture will remain moist and delicious for a couple of days without refrigeration.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just keep in mind that refrigeration may firm up the cake slightly, so reheat for the best results.
Freezing: You can also freeze portions for up to three months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up before serving.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or heat larger portions in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This Pecan Dump Cake recipe is delightfully versatile, allowing you to adjust flavors and ingredients to your liking.

Add Fruit: A layer of fruit, like apple slices or canned peach slices, beneath the cake mix adds a lovely sweetness and flavor. Just drain any canned fruit before adding it to avoid a soggy cake.
Switch Cake Mix Flavors: Try using chocolate cake mix for a rich twist or butter pecan cake mix to amp up the nutty flavor. Spice cake mix is also an excellent choice for a warm, spiced flavor.
Experiment with Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or a mix of your favorite nuts. Almonds or hazelnuts add a unique flavor twist while still providing that satisfying crunch.
Add Coconut: For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle shredded coconut over the pecans before adding the cake mix. This creates a tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery cake.
Extra Spice: Add more cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin spice if you’re using a yellow cake mix to make it feel even cozier.

There’s no wrong way to make this Pecan Dump Cake – have fun experimenting, and make it uniquely yours! Enjoy the process and don’t forget to share your delicious results with family and friends.