Thank you so much for stopping by—because oh my goodness, you’re in for a treat today. Whether you’re a pecan pie fanatic or just love a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that basically makes itself, this one’s for you.

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is everything. It’s got the gooey, caramelized pecan layer you love from classic pecan pie, topped with a buttery, golden cake layer that forms as it bakes. It’s rich, sweet, nutty, and the definition of a no-fuss dessert win. Bonus: no pie crust required.

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What Is a Pecan Pie Dump Cake?

A dump cake is one of those magical, mix-and-go desserts. You layer the ingredients—no stirring—pop it in the oven, and boom: you get a gooey, buttery, pie-meets-cake kind of masterpiece. This version gives you all the nostalgic goodness of pecan pie, but way easier.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Dump-and-bake simplicity—no mixing bowls if you don’t want them
✅ Minimal ingredients—6 staples you probably already have
✅ Crisp on top, gooey in the center
✅ Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just because
✅ Make-ahead and freezer-friendly

What Does It Taste Like?

Like warm pecan pie collided with buttery yellow cake—gooey in the middle, slightly crunchy on top, and packed with toasted pecan flavor. Each bite is rich, caramel-y, and beyond satisfying. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Next level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 can (15 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 cups pecan halves
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup unsalted butter, melted

Tools You’ll Need

9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Spatula
Measuring cups/spoons

Optional Add-Ins & Swaps

Add-ins:

1/2 tsp cinnamon for a warm, cozy layer
1/2 cup chocolate chips for a turtle-style twist
A splash of bourbon or maple syrup for depth

Swaps:

Use spice cake mix or butter pecan cake mix
Sub in chopped walnuts if you’re out of pecans

How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Stir in pecan halves and pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the top—no mixing!
Drizzle melted butter over the top, covering as much of the dry mix as possible.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
Let cool slightly before serving. Best warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

What to Serve It With

Vanilla ice cream (highly recommended)
Whipped cream
A drizzle of caramel sauce
Hot coffee or chai on the side

Tips for the Best Dump Cake

Don’t stir the layers—just let them do their thing.
Cover all of the cake mix with butter to avoid dry patches.
Let it cool for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
Want extra gooeyness? Add an extra 1/4 cup condensed milk.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 4 days
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds
Freeze: Freeze cooled cake in an airtight container for up to 2 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it, cool it, refrigerate it—then reheat and serve when ready.

Can I use chopped pecans?
Absolutely! You’ll get more nut in every bite, which some folks love.

Does it really need ice cream?
Need? No. But want? Always.

In Conclusion

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the shortcut dessert that delivers maximum comfort with minimum effort. Whether it’s for a holiday, a potluck, or just a cozy night at home, it’s warm, rich, and downright addictive. Plus, you only need one bowl and a baking dish—yes, please.

More crave-worthy comfort recipes you’ll love:

Protein Cookie Dough Recipe – Sweet snack, big protein, zero bake
Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Savory, creamy, and easy to make ahead
Hoisin Beef Noodles – A quick noodle dish that packs huge flavor
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo – Light, fresh, and a weeknight favorite

Let’s See Your Dump Cake Magic!

If you try this Pecan Pie Dump Cake, I want to see it! Tag your bakes on Pinterest @TheKitchenJoyy and don’t forget to leave a comment below. Your photos, feedback, and kitchen wins make this space so much sweeter!