Amazing Pecan Pie Dump Cake: 1 Easy Southern Delight

October 16, 2025
Written By Katherine Reilly

Kate Reilly is the founder and head cook behind Taste This Plate. Growing up in a bustling Midwestern home, she learned that the best memories are made in the kitchen. With a passion for deconstructing classic American dishes, Kate’s expertise lies in making delicious, home-cooked meals accessible to everyone, regardless of their busy schedule. She believes that with simple ingredients and a little guidance, anyone can create extraordinary everyday meals. Her recipes are tested, tweaked, and perfected to ensure they are as reliable as they are delicious.

Oh, the holidays! There’s just something magical about that time of year, isn’t there? The cozy vibes, the twinkling lights, and, of course, all those incredible desserts. If you’re anything like me, you want that perfect sweet ending to your holiday meal, but you’re also juggling a million other things. That’s where this amazing pecan pie dump cake comes in! It’s like a little slice of Southern comfort that practically makes itself. Seriously, forget those complicated pie crusts – this beauty lets you have all the gooey, nutty, buttery goodness you crave with hardly any fuss at all. I remember the first time I made it for Thanksgiving, and everyone raved, completely shocked when I told them how simple it was!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Seriously, you’re going to adore this recipe! It’s a total game-changer for anyone who loves holiday baking but hates the stress.

  • Super Simple: It’s a genuine southern dump cake – just layer and bake! No fancy techniques needed.
  • Incredible Flavor: Rich, buttery, nutty, and gooey – all the best parts of pecan pie!
  • Holiday Perfect: This is one of those easy holiday desserts that gets rave reviews every single time.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: It’s honestly impossible not to love this warm, comforting dessert.

Ingredients for Your Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Get ready, because this is where the magic happens with barely any effort! When I talk about a true southern dump cake, these are the goodies you actually need. You probably have most of them hiding in your pantry right now, which is just another reason to love it. Honestly, the most important thing is to grab good quality pie fillings – it really does make a difference!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix – Just the dry mix, no need to prepare it or anything!

  • 1 cup chopped pecans – Freshly chopped are best, but if you have some chopped bits already, go for it!

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted – Melting it makes it so easy to pour evenly.

  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling – A classic flavor for a reason!

  • 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling – This little bit of tartness is what makes it taste so much like pecan pie.

How to Make the Perfect Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Alright, get ready for the easiest part! Making this pecan pie dump cake is seriously a breeze. You just layer everything up, and the oven does all the hard work. It’s one of those warm dessert recipes that just screams comfort and holiday cheer. Trust me, it smells incredible while it’s baking!

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, let’s get that oven nice and hot to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your trusty 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good little grease. This just makes sure nothing sticks, and we want beautiful slices, right?

Step 2: Layer the Dry Ingredients

Now, take your dry yellow cake mix and carefully sprinkle it all over the bottom of that greased dish. Try to get it as even as you can – this is the base for all that yummy goodness that’s coming!

Step 3: Add the Pecans

Next up, sprinkle those chopped pecans right over the dry cake mix. They’ll get all toasty and delicious in the oven, adding that perfect nutty crunch to your pecan pie dump cake.

Step 4: Pour the Butter

Gently pour your melted butter all over the cake mix and pecans. Make sure to get it as evenly distributed as possible. This is what’s going to help moisten everything and create that wonderfully rich flavor.

Step 5: Distribute the Pie Fillings

Now for the ‘pie’ part! Spoon dollops of the cherry pie filling and the lemon pie filling all over the top. Don’t worry about making it perfect; just spread them out so you get a bit of both in every bite.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop that pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 40 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color on top with the filling all bubbly and irresistible. That’s how you know your pecan pie dump cake is ready!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for just a little bit. Letting it sit for about 10-15 minutes helps everything set up just right. Then, serve it warm – it’s the absolute best way!

Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Okay, so this recipe is already pretty foolproof, which is why I love it! But if you want to take your pecan pie dump cake from super easy to *spectacularly* amazing, here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up. A little extra flavor here, a little tip there, and you’ve got a dessert that tastes like you spent hours on it! Don’t worry about the bottom getting soggy – we’ve got that covered too!

Serving Your Thanksgiving Dessert Favorite

This pecan pie dump cake is just begging to be served warm! Honestly, it’s pure bliss when that gooey filling and buttery crust are still a little steamy. My family absolutely loves it with a big dollop of fluffy whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting right into it. It’s seriously the perfect sweet ending for Thanksgiving or Christmas, don’t you think? It makes everybody feel so cozy and loved!

Frequently Asked Questions about Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Got questions about this super easy fall dessert? I’ve got answers! This is one of those recipes where people always have a little wonder about how it works so simply, but I promise, it’s all good.

Can I use different pie fillings in this southern dump cake?

Oh, you absolutely can! While the cherry and lemon combo gives this southern dump cake that special vibe that reminds you of pecan pie, feel free to experiment. Peach or apple pie filling would also be delicious!

How do I store leftover pecan pie dump cake?

Honestly, leftovers are rare at our house, but if you find yourself with some, just pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’s still pretty yummy the next day, maybe even better when it’s cooled down a bit. You can gently reheat a slice in the microwave if you like it warm.

Is this a true pecan pie recipe?

This isn’t your grandma’s traditional rolling-pin-and-all pecan pie, no sir! Think of this pecan pie dump cake as a delightful shortcut. It captures all those wonderful pecan pie flavors – that buttery crust, the sweet nutty filling – but in a way that’s just ridiculously easy. It’s definitely more of a cake-like dessert inspired by pecan pie!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Now, before you dive headfirst into this delightful dessert (which I totally get!), here’s a little peek at what you’re getting. These numbers are just an estimate, of course, because every kitchen is a little different and we all love to add our own little touches! But it gives you a good idea of the goodness in each slice of this pecan pie dump cake. Remember, it’s a treat, and totally worth it!

  • Serving Size: 1/12th of cake
  • Calories: Around 450
  • Fat: About 25g (with 12g saturated)
  • Carbohydrates: Roughly 60g
  • Sugar: Approximately 55g
  • Protein: About 4g

Naturally, your actual numbers might change a bit based on the brands you use and if you add any extra goodies like ice cream! Enjoy every bite!

Share Your Pecan Pie Dump Cake Creations!

Alright, bakers, now it’s YOUR turn! Have you made this super simple pecan pie dump cake? I would absolutely LOVE to hear all about it! Drop a comment below and tell me how it turned out for you, or if you added any special twists. Did you serve it with ice cream? Did your family go nuts for it? And if you snap any photos, be sure to tag us on social media – seeing your delicious creations makes my day! Happy baking, everyone!

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Pecan Pie Dump Cake

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A simple Southern pecan pie dump cake recipe perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring buttery cake mix and a sweet pecan filling.

  • Author: katereilly
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 45 min
  • Total Time: 55 min
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American Southern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
  • 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Pour the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the dry cake mix.
  4. Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix and pecans.
  5. Spoon the cherry pie filling and lemon pie filling over the buttered cake mix and pecans, spreading them out as evenly as possible.
  6. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  7. Let the dump cake cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
  • This cake is excellent for Thanksgiving and Christmas dessert tables.
  • For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted butter.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/12th of cake
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 55g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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