There's nothing like the smell of a warm Pecan Dump Cake fresh out of the oven, filling the kitchen with its irresistible, toasty aroma. This dessert is the ultimate fall treat – nutty, buttery, and just sweet enough. It's a family favorite in our house, especially around the holidays, where it often gets more attention than the main course! Best of all, this dessert is so easy to make, requiring only a few pantry staples.

With just one pan and minimal effort, you’ll have a rich, satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any gathering. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with this Pecan Dump Cake!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Dump Cake

Get ready to fall head over heels for this Pecan Dump Cake. It’s not just delicious; it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a go-to for busy bakers or last-minute dessert emergencies!

First, this cake requires no mixing bowls, whisking, or complicated steps. Simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and watch as it transforms into a beautifully golden, nutty dessert. It’s the ultimate in minimal-effort baking!

Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s budget-friendly. You don’t need any fancy ingredients, and it’s a perfect way to use up items you may already have in your pantry.

Plus, this dessert is super versatile. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle caramel sauce over it, or add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. However you serve it, this cake is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Finally, if you’re a fan of make-ahead recipes, this cake holds up well for a few days. The flavors deepen, making it even tastier the next day!

Ingredients Notes

This Pecan Dump Cake is as easy as it gets, with just a handful of ingredients that come together for a comforting and rich dessert. Here’s a quick overview of each component and why it’s essential to this recipe’s flavor and texture.

Yellow Cake Mix: The foundation of this dump cake, yellow cake mix gives it a light and fluffy texture with a hint of vanilla. You can substitute with butter pecan cake mix if you want even more nutty flavor.

Pecan Pieces: Pecans add that classic, nutty crunch and are the star of this cake. Make sure to use fresh, high-quality pecans for the best flavor. If you’re a big fan of pecans, feel free to add a few extra for even more texture!

Butter: Melted butter drizzled over the cake mix is what binds everything together. It melts into the dry mix as it bakes, creating a rich, buttery base with crispy edges.

Brown Sugar: A sprinkle of brown sugar enhances the caramel notes in the cake and adds just the right amount of sweetness. Dark brown sugar will bring an even deeper molasses flavor, but light brown sugar works well too.

Cinnamon: This is optional, but adding a touch of cinnamon gives the cake a warm, cozy flavor that complements the pecans beautifully.

No special equipment is needed here – just a 9x13-inch baking dish to layer all the ingredients. This is truly a one-pan dessert!

How To Make This Pecan Dump Cake

Making this Pecan Dump Cake couldn’t be easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get perfect results every time.

Prepare the Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little melted butter. This helps prevent sticking and makes serving easier.
Layer the Ingredients: Pour the can of crushed pineapple (with juice) and cherry pie filling directly into the baking dish. Spread them out evenly to form the fruity base of the cake. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layer – don’t mix it in, just spread it out as evenly as possible.
Add the Pecans and Brown Sugar: Scatter the pecan pieces on top of the cake mix, followed by a light sprinkle of brown sugar. This adds a delicious, caramelized crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake below.
Drizzle the Butter: Melt your butter and drizzle it as evenly as you can over the entire surface of the cake. Make sure to cover the cake mix as much as possible – this helps it bake up golden and crisp on top.
Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The aroma of toasty pecans and caramelizing sugar will let you know it’s almost ready!

Once it’s done, let the cake cool slightly before serving. Total hands-on time is just a few minutes, and it bakes to a beautiful golden perfection that’s sure to impress.

Storage Options

This Pecan Dump Cake keeps well, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy holidays or casual get-togethers.

Refrigerator: If you have leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
Freezer: To store for longer, let the cake cool completely before wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Reheating Tips: For that just-baked taste, reheat the cake in a preheated oven for a few minutes. This will bring back its crisp edges while keeping the center warm and gooey.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts about this Pecan Dump Cake is how adaptable it is! Here are some variations to make it your own:

Switch the Fruit: If pineapple and cherries aren’t your thing, try swapping them for apple pie filling, blueberry, or peach. Each fruit combination brings its unique sweetness and flavor to the cake.
Use Different Nuts: Not a pecan fan? Substitute with chopped walnuts or almonds for a similar texture and flavor. Or, if you like a mix, go half pecans and half walnuts for extra crunch.
Add Chocolate: For a richer twist, sprinkle chocolate chips over the pecans before baking. The chocolate melts into the cake, creating a decadent dessert everyone will love.
Make It a “Turtle” Cake: For a caramel pecan twist, drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving. This pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream and gives the cake a “turtle candy” flavor profile.
Go Gluten-Free: To make this dessert gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free yellow cake mix. It works just as well and makes the dessert accessible for everyone at the table.

Feel free to experiment with these variations – this recipe is very forgiving and perfect for customization. Once you try this Pecan Dump Cake, you’ll want to keep it in your rotation for every season!