The Fluffiest Pecan Dump Cake Recipe: Caramel Magic in a Pan

Warm ovens and sweet aromas fill the kitchen with comfort during this delightful pecan dump cake recipe adventure.

Southern bakers swear by these simple desserts that come together with minimal effort.

Layers of buttery cake mix meld perfectly with rich, toasted pecans for an irresistible treat.

Crunchy nuts and soft, golden cake create a delectable contrast that melts in your mouth.

Weeknight desserts rarely get easier or more delicious than this classic Southern-style cake.

This recipe transforms basic pantry ingredients into a show-stopping dessert everyone will adore.

Grab a fork and prepare to savor every mouthwatering bite of this crowd-pleasing confection.

Why Pecan Dump Cake Works for Everyone

• Whip Up Quickly: This dump cake comes together in minutes with minimal prep, perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious dessert without complicated steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with sweet pineapple, rich pecans, and a buttery cake topping, this recipe delivers classic flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Dessert Solution: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or spontaneous dessert cravings, this cake works wonderfully as a make-ahead treat that requires zero fancy baking skills.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just one baking dish and requiring simple ingredient layering means less washing up and more time enjoying your delectable dessert.

Must-Have Ingredients for Pecan Dump Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that creates a sweet, tender topping for the dessert.

• Crushed Pineapple: Provides moisture and a tangy tropical flavor to the cake.

• Brown Sugar: Adds rich caramel-like sweetness and helps create a sticky, delicious bottom layer.

• Pecans: Contributes a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweet cake.

• Evaporated Milk, Butter: Ensures the cake stays moist and helps bind the ingredients together.

Pecan Dump Cake Directions

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Give the dish a quick spray or butter rub to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Fruity Foundation

Crack open a can of crushed pineapple and spread it evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

This juicy layer will be the secret to an incredibly moist dessert.

Step 3: Add Sweet and Crunchy Layers

Sprinkle a generous handful of brown sugar over the pineapple, creating a caramel-like base.

Next, scatter a handful of chopped pecans across the surface, adding a delightful crunch to your cake.

Step 4: Cover with Cake Mix

Open a box of yellow or white cake mix and gently shower it over the pecans, creating an even blanket of dry mix that will transform into a golden, fluffy topping.

Step 5: Drench with Moisture

Melt some butter and pour it smoothly over the cake mix.

Follow up by drizzling evaporated milk, ensuring every inch gets a touch of liquid goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes.

Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown top that signals your dump cake is ready to wow everyone.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Serve warm or at room temperature, letting the layers of pineapple, pecans, and cake mingle into a mouthwatering dessert.

Tips for Perfect Pecan Dump Cake

• Choose ripe, sweet pineapple for maximum flavor depth in your dump cake.
• Drizzle melted butter carefully across the entire cake mix surface to ensure consistent moistness.
• Adjust brown sugar quantity based on personal preference or pineapple sweetness.
• Watch cake closely during final baking minutes to get that perfect golden-brown topping without burning.
• Pair warm dump cake with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

Pecan Cake Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Pecan Paradise: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix, ensuring celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals can enjoy this dessert.
• Tropical Coconut Crunch: Swap pineapple with coconut flakes and add shredded coconut to the cake mix for a tropical-inspired version with extra texture.
• Caramel Apple Sensation: Substitute pineapple with diced apples, sprinkle caramel bits over the fruit, and use a spice cake mix for a warm, autumnal dessert.
• Low-Sugar Berry Bliss: Use sugar-free cake mix, replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener, and add mixed berries instead of pineapple for a lighter, diabetic-friendly option.

Serving Ideas for Pecan Dump Cake

• Cozy Comfort Companions: Serve this warm dump cake with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast.
• Brunch Brilliance: Pair the cake with fresh coffee or a light mimosa to elevate your weekend morning gathering with sweet southern charm.
• Dessert Drama: Top with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle extra chopped pecans for added crunch and visual appeal that will impress guests.
• Sweet Storage Secret: Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness and maintain its delectable texture.

Store Your Pecan Dump Cake Easily

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual portions or entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date.
• Warm slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, place in preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Transfer from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, ensuring cake is warmed evenly without becoming dry.

FAQs

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a similar crunchy texture and flavor profile.

• What type of cake mix works best for this recipe?

Yellow or white cake mix are the most popular choices, but you can experiment with other flavors like butter or vanilla cake mix for variety.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The traditional recipe contains gluten from cake mix and dairy from butter, so it may not be ideal for those with gluten or dairy sensitivities.

• How can I tell if the dump cake is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown top and slightly crispy edges. The cake should be set and not appear wet or soggy in the center when done.

Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Pecan dump cake emerges as a Southern comfort classic, blending simplicity with irresistible flavor. Buttery pecans and caramel-like layers create a dessert you’ll crave at every gathering, promising pure indulgence with minimal effort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (20 oz / 567 g) crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 1/2 cups (180 g) chopped pecans

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 can (12 oz / 354 ml) evaporated milk
• 1 cup (227 g) melted butter

Sweetener:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F, ensuring a perfectly heated environment for baking.
2. Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
3. Create a foundation layer by distributing crushed pineapple across the entire bottom of the dish, ensuring even coverage.
4. Generously scatter brown sugar over the pineapple, creating a sweet, caramelized base.
5. Sprinkle chopped pecans across the sugared pineapple layer, adding texture and nutty richness.
6. Uniformly distribute the dry cake mix over the pecan layer, covering the entire surface completely.
7. Meticulously drizzle melted butter across the cake mix, ensuring comprehensive moisture distribution.
8. Gently pour evaporated milk over the entire surface, helping to create a moist and tender cake texture.
9. Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top transforms into a golden-brown, crispy crust.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to rest for 10-15 minutes, helping the layers settle and flavors meld.
11. Serve warm or at room temperature, revealing the delightful layers of pineapple, pecans, and sweet cake.

Notes

• Customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of brown sugar to suit different taste preferences.
• For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Toast the pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the dessert.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to elevate the dish’s richness and create a more indulgent experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 443
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 215 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg