The aroma of warm pecan pie is undeniably comforting, but the thought of making one from scratch can be daunting. Fear not, fellow pie lovers! This easy pecan pie dump cake recipe delivers all the deliciousness with minimal effort. It's the perfect dessert for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a true testament to the magic of dump cakes—simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor.
What is a Dump Cake?
Before we dive into the specifics, let's clarify what a dump cake is. It's a simple dessert made by layering ingredients—typically cake mix, pudding mix, and other additions—in a baking dish and baking until golden brown and bubbly. The beauty lies in its ease; no creaming of butter, no precise measuring, just dumping and baking! This method creates a moist, comforting cake with a delightful topping.
Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal once baked.
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Layer the Cake Mix: Pour the entire box of yellow cake mix evenly into the prepared baking dish. This forms the base of our delicious dump cake.
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Pour Melted Butter: Evenly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. This adds moisture and richness to the cake.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture will be the sweet, pecan-infused center of the cake.
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Pour Wet Ingredients over Cake Mix: Gently pour the wet ingredient mixture over the buttered cake mix. Don't worry about mixing it in; it will bake beautifully as is.
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Top with Pecans: Sprinkle the cup of pecan halves evenly over the top. The pecans add a delightful crunch and that signature pecan pie flavor.
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Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
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Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. It's delicious warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
While yellow cake mix works best for its classic flavor profile, you can experiment with other varieties like spice cake or even devil's food cake for a richer, chocolatey twist. The flavor will change, but the dump cake method will remain equally simple.
What if I don't have pecan halves?
You can substitute with chopped pecans or even walnuts for a different nutty flavor profile. However, pecans are the traditional choice for that authentic pecan pie taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dump cake is best served fresh from the oven, but you can bake it a day ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will still be delicious, though the texture might be slightly less tender than freshly baked.
How do I store leftover dump cake?
Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dump cake?
Yes, you can freeze this dump cake. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
This easy pecan pie dump cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity makes it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, while its delicious flavor will keep everyone coming back for more. Enjoy!
