Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply a cozy night in. The beauty of Pecan Pie Dump Cake lies in its simplicity; you can whip it up in no time, making it an ideal choice for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Historically, pecan pie has roots in Southern cuisine, often associated with festive occasions and family traditions. The combination of sweet, gooey filling and crunchy pecans creates a texture that is both satisfying and indulgent. People love Pecan Pie Dump Cake not only for its delicious taste but also for its convenience—just mix, pour, and bake! The result is a warm, comforting dessert that is sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table. So, let’s dive into this easy recipe and discover why Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a must-try for any dessert lover!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
Preparing the Ingredients
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and thoroughly.
2. **Prepare the Baking Dish**: Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. This will help prevent the cake from sticking to the bottom.
3. **Chop the Pecans**: If you haven’t done so already, chop your pecans into small pieces. I like to use a sharp knife for this, but you can also pulse them in a food processor for a finer chop. Set them aside for later.
4. **Melt the Butter**: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. I usually do this in 30-second intervals to avoid overheating. Once melted, let it cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
Mixing the Batter
5. **Combine the Sugars**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use a whisk to mix them together until they are well combined. This step is crucial as it helps to break up any lumps in the brown sugar.
6. **Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk**: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and mix it with the sugars until smooth. This will create a rich, creamy base for your cake.
7. **Incorporate the Vanilla and Salt**: Add the vanilla extract and salt to the mixture. Stir well to ensure that everything is evenly distributed.
8. **Add the Melted Butter**: Slowly pour the melted butter into the mixture while stirring continuously. This will help to emulsify the butter with the other ingredients, creating a smooth batter.
9. **Add Water**: Gradually add the water to the mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. The batter will be quite thin, which is perfectly normal for a dump cake.
10. **Fold in the Pecans**: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will add a delightful crunch to your cake.
Assembling the Cake
11. **Pour the Batter into the Baking Dish**: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom.
12. **Sprinkle the Cake Mix**: Take the box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the batter. Do not stir; just let it sit on top. This will create a delicious crust as it bakes.
13. **Add More Pecans**: If you like, you can sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans on top of the cake mix for added texture and flavor.
14. **Drizzle with Butter**: Pour any remaining melted butter over the top of the cake mix. This will help to create a golden, crispy topping.
Baking the Cake
15. **Bake in the Oven**: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
16. **Cool the Cake**: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will help it set up a bit more before serving.
Serving the Cake
17. **Cut into Squares**: After the cake has cooled slightly, use a sharp knife to cut it into squares. I usually aim for about 12 generous servings, but you can cut them smaller if you prefer.
18. **Serve Warm or Cold**: This pecan pie dump cake can be served warm or at room temperature. I love it warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
19. **Garnish (Optional)**: If you want to elevate your dessert, consider drizzling some caramel sauce over the top or adding a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh whipped cream adds a lovely lightness that complements the richness of the cake.
20. **Store Leftovers**: If you have any leftovers (
Conclusion:
In summary, this Pecan Pie Dump Cake is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake. The gooey, caramel-like filling paired with the crunchy pecan topping creates a heavenly experience that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this delicious cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the experience even further. You can also experiment with variations by adding chocolate chips for a decadent twist or incorporating a splash of bourbon for an adult version that’s sure to impress your guests.
I encourage you to give this Pecan Pie Dump Cake a try and share your experience with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out for you! Happy baking!
Pecan Pie Dump Cake: A Simple and Delicious Dessert Recipe
Enjoy a simple yet indulgent Pecan Pie Dump Cake that features a delightful blend of pecans, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. With its golden crust and moist, buttery texture, this versatile dessert can be served warm or cold, making it a perfect treat for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Chop the pecans into small pieces and set aside.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl, allowing it to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Mix in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt until evenly distributed.
- Gradually pour in the melted butter while stirring continuously to emulsify.
- Slowly add the water, stirring until well combined. The batter will be thin.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the top of the batter without stirring.
- Optionally, sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top.
- Pour any remaining melted butter over the cake mix.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
- Cut into squares, aiming for about 12 servings.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce or add whipped cream for extra indulgence (optional).
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter.
- This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
