Pecan Dump Cake

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both ridiculously easy and absolutely delicious, look no further than this Pecan Dump Cake! This is the kind of dessert that you can throw together with minimal effort and still impress everyone at the table. Picture this: a buttery, sweet, cake-like base, topped with a crunchy, nutty pecan topping that caramelizes into perfection as it bakes. The best part? You don’t even need to mix anything—just “dump” it all in, pop it in the oven, and voilà! It’s the ultimate in “lazy dessert,” but don’t let that fool you—it’s packed with flavor and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, this one’s going to become your go-to for quick, comforting treats.

Why You’ll Love Pecan Dump Cake

This Pecan Dump Cake is an absolute game-changer. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:

Versatile:

This cake is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a weeknight dessert, a potluck, or even a holiday feast. It’s got that balance of comforting and impressive, making it ideal for gatherings or simply when you need something sweet at the end of a long day.

Budget-Friendly:

You don’t need to break the bank for this dessert. It uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your kitchen. No need for fancy equipment or rare ingredients—just a few basics, and you’re good to go.

Quick and Easy:

No mixing, no fuss—just dump the ingredients into a pan, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. It’s almost too easy, but the end result is so worth it.

Customizable:

Want to give it a twist? You can easily customize this cake. Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds, add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate chips, or even throw in some fruit for a fresh twist. It’s a dessert that can easily be adapted to suit whatever you’re feeling!

Crowd-Pleasing:

It’s a simple dessert, but it has big flavor, and people will rave about it. The sweet, buttery cake with that crunchy, toasted pecan topping is like the best of both worlds—a little bit cake, a little bit pie. It’s a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients in Pecan Dump Cake

Here’s what you need to create this super simple, yet indulgent, dessert:

Yellow Cake Mix:

The base of the dump cake comes from a yellow cake mix, which gives it that fluffy, cake-like texture. You don’t need to make the cake from scratch, so it’s all about keeping things easy but delicious.

Butter:

Melted butter is the secret ingredient that brings everything together and gives it that buttery, indulgent flavor. It also helps the cake crisp up beautifully as it bakes.

Pecans:

Chopped pecans are the star topping for this cake. As they bake, they get crunchy and golden, and their nutty flavor adds that perfect contrast to the sweet, rich cake.

Sweetened Condensed Milk:

This is the ingredient that makes the cake ultra-moist and perfectly sweet. It’s thick, rich, and adds that signature gooey texture that makes this dessert so irresistible.

(Note: Full measurements are listed in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the simple steps that will have you enjoying this warm, gooey Pecan Dump Cake in no time!

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will make sure the cake bakes evenly and turns out just right.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish:

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This is just one more step to make cleanup easier.

3. Dump the Ingredients:

Now for the fun part! Simply dump the cake mix evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. There’s no need to mix anything, just spread it out evenly. Then, drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the cake mix, followed by the melted butter. Finish it off by sprinkling the chopped pecans on top.

4. Bake:

Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is bubbly around the edges. The cake should be firm to the touch but soft and gooey in the center.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it on its own, or if you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 400
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 350mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 30g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin D: 0mcg
Calcium: 80mg
Iron: 2mg
Potassium: 150mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes

How to Serve Pecan Dump Cake

This Pecan Dump Cake is delicious on its own, but if you want to make it even more special, here are some ways to serve it:

Ice Cream:

A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream is the perfect pairing with the warm, gooey cake. The cool ice cream complements the rich, buttery cake beautifully.

Whipped Cream:

Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra creamy, sweet touch.

Caramel Sauce:

For an extra indulgence, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top. It adds a rich, buttery layer of sweetness that takes the cake to the next level.

Fresh Fruit:

Serve with fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, to add a little tartness and freshness to balance the sweetness of the cake.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to help you make the most of this simple yet decadent dessert:

Make Ahead:

This cake is perfect for making ahead of time! It stays fresh for a few days, so you can bake it the night before your gathering and just warm it up before serving.

Experiment with Nuts:

While pecans are classic, you can easily swap them out for walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Each type of nut will add its own unique flavor and texture to the cake.

Add Chocolate:

If you’re a fan of chocolate, try sprinkling a handful of chocolate chips on top of the cake mix before baking. They’ll melt into the cake and create pockets of gooey chocolate goodness.

Leftovers:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months, and then reheat in the microwave or oven.

Spice It Up:

Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for a warm, spiced flavor. Perfect for the colder months!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
A1: Absolutely! You can experiment with different cake mixes like chocolate, spice, or butter cake to customize the flavor.

Q2: Can I make this cake without pecans?
A2: Yes! You can swap the pecans for any other nut, or even omit them entirely if you’re not a fan of nuts.

Q3: Can I use a different type of milk?
A3: Sweetened condensed milk is key to this recipe’s texture, but if you need a dairy-free option, you can try coconut condensed milk or sweetened evaporated milk.

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the cake after baking and then reheat it later. Just store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 20-30 seconds or bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Q6: Can I add fruit to this cake?
A6: Absolutely! Try adding sliced apples, berries, or even pears under the cake mix before baking for a fruity twist.

Q7: Can I use a different type of pan?
A7: You can use any baking dish, but a 9×13-inch dish is ideal for this recipe. If you use a smaller pan, it may take longer to bake.

Q8: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A8: Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix in place of the regular cake mix for a gluten-free version of this dessert.

Q9: How long can I store this cake?
A9: You can store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Q10: How can I make this dessert even sweeter?
A10: Drizzle some caramel sauce or chocolate syrup over the top for an extra layer of sweetness. You can also top it with extra whipped cream or ice cream!

Conclusion

There you have it—Pecan Dump Cake, the easiest (and most delicious) dessert you’ll ever make! With its simple ingredients and easy prep, this dessert is perfect for busy days when you want something sweet without the hassle. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream, and watch everyone dig in. It’s a dessert that never disappoints—try it out, and let the compliments roll in!

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