Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a dessert that knows how to strut its stuff. Imagine a luscious layer of gooey pecan pie filling, mingling with the sweet aroma of vanilla and the warm crunch of toasted nuts. This dessert doesn’t just taste good; it sings your taste buds a sweet lullaby that lingers long after the last bite. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t want an easy recipe that delivers such rich flavors without requiring a PhD in baking?
Picture this: You’re sitting around the table with family and friends during Thanksgiving, laughter fills the air, and suddenly someone brings out this stunning Pecan Pie Dump Cake. It looks like a golden masterpiece, with its crispy topping glistening under the soft light, just begging to be devoured. This cake isn’t just for Thanksgiving; it’s perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready for a flavor experience that’ll have you dreaming of pecans long after the last slice has vanished!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Pecan Pie Dump Cake is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy days or unexpected guests.
- The combination of gooey pecan filling and crispy topping creates a flavor explosion you won’t forget.
- Its beautiful presentation makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any dessert table.
- Versatile enough for holidays or casual get-togethers, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Chopped Pecans: Choose fresh pecans for the best flavor; toasting them slightly can enhance their nuttiness.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; brown sugar can also be used for a deeper flavor profile.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter, melted; this will give your cake that rich, buttery essence.
- Yellow Cake Mix: A classic choice that provides structure; opt for high-quality brands when possible.
- Eggs: These bind everything together; room temperature eggs work best for even mixing.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor; avoid imitation varieties if you can.
- Pecans (for topping): Extra chopped pecans on top add crunch and visual appeal.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your trusty baking dish—about a 9×13 inch one will do—and lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with sugar and chopped pecans. Add in eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is beautifully blended into a sweet concoction.
Step 3: Prepare Your Cake Base
Pour half of the mixture into your greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom so every bite gets that gooey goodness.
Step 4: Sprinkle on Cake Mix
Now comes the fun part! Sprinkle an even layer of yellow cake mix over your pecan layer. Resist the urge to stir—this isn’t a stir-fry! Just let it sit there looking all dry and unassuming.
Step 5: Finish with Toppings
Top your cake mix layer with the remaining pecan mixture and sprinkle additional chopped pecans over everything like confetti at a party.
Step 6: Bake Away
Place your masterpiece in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until it’s golden brown and smells like heaven! Let it cool slightly before serving.
Transfer to plates and serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent treat that will leave everyone raving about your incredible baking skills!
You Must Know
- This delightful Pecan Pie Dump Cake combines the rich flavors of traditional pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake, making it a real crowd-pleaser.
- Perfect for potlucks or cozy family gatherings, this dessert is both simple and impressively delicious!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with your Pecan Pie Dump Cake, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms, mix the ingredients in a bowl. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with pecans before baking until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Pecan Pie Dump Cake by adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist or swapping in walnuts if you prefer a different nutty flavor. You can also use gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary preferences.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Pecan Pie Dump Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or warm it in an oven at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your butter is melted but not too hot; otherwise, it can cook the eggs when combined.
- Always measure your ingredients accurately for consistent results.
- Don’t skip letting it cool slightly before serving; it helps set up that delightful texture!
Sometimes I whip up this Pecan Pie Dump Cake for family gatherings, and I swear I hear angels singing with every bite! It’s always a hit and brings everyone together with its warm, gooey goodness.
FAQs :
What is Pecan Pie Dump Cake?
Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a delicious dessert that combines the flavors of traditional pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake. Instead of preparing a crust and filling separately, all the ingredients are dumped into a baking dish, resulting in a gooey and nutty treat. This recipe typically features pecans, butter, and a cake mix, making it simple to prepare for any occasion.
How do I store leftover Pecan Pie Dump Cake?
To store leftover Pecan Pie Dump Cake, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze it for longer storage. If freezing, ensure you wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn. Reheat portions in the microwave for a quick dessert fix.
Can I make Pecan Pie Dump Cake in advance?
Yes, you can make Pecan Pie Dump Cake in advance. Prepare the cake according to the recipe instructions and let it cool completely. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to three days before serving. If you prefer to serve it warm, reheat individual portions before enjoying this delightful dessert.
What are some variations of Pecan Pie Dump Cake?
You can easily customize Pecan Pie Dump Cake by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, caramel sauce, or even different nuts such as walnuts or almonds. For a seasonal twist, consider incorporating pumpkin spice or apple pie filling. These variations can enhance the flavor profile while keeping the essence of the original recipe intact.
Conclusion for Pecan Pie Dump Cake :
Pecan Pie Dump Cake is an effortless yet indulgent dessert that combines rich flavors with minimal preparation time. This cake’s simplicity makes it perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Remember to store leftovers properly and feel free to experiment with variations to elevate your experience. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, this dessert will surely become a cherished favorite among friends and family alike.
Pecan Pie Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the rich flavors of this easy-to-make Pecan Pie Dump Cake, where gooey pecan filling meets a crispy topping—perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup additional chopped pecans for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together melted butter, granulated sugar, and chopped pecans. Add eggs and vanilla extract; stir until well combined.
- Prepare the Base: Pour half of the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly across the bottom.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle an even layer of yellow cake mix over the pecan layer without stirring.
- Finish with Toppings: Pour the remaining pecan mixture over the cake mix layer and sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (92g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider toasting your pecans before using. You can substitute chocolate chips or walnuts for a twist on this classic recipe.
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