Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or your favorite flavor)
- 1 cup pecans , chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter , melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg for spice
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Spread the chopped pecans evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pecans, spreading it out evenly.
- Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the cake mix layer.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the top, ensuring most of the dry mix is covered (it’s okay if some dry spots remain).
- Sprinkle with vanilla extract and optional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes , or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips and Variations
- Add Chocolate: Stir chocolate chips into the pecan layer for a chocolate-pecan twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute pecans with toasted coconut flakes or sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the cake ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days . Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Minimal Effort: With no mixing required, this dump cake is as easy as layering and baking.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of sweetened condensed milk, pecans, and butter creates a rich, caramel-like filling.
- Versatile: Perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, but simple enough for everyday enjoyment.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a party, this dessert is sure to be a hit.
- Customizable: Add chocolate, spices, or other mix-ins to make it your own.
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a foolproof way to bring the classic flavors of pecan pie to life with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving something sweet or need a last-minute dessert, this recipe delivers pure comfort and indulgence. 🍂
