What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?

Avoid leaving out the liquid layer—whether pie filling or melted butter—or stirring the cake mix. Those errors lead to dryness and loss of texture.

What is the difference between a dump cake and a cobbler with cake mix?

A cobbler has spooned biscuit or batter topping over fruit. A dump cake is simpler: filling, cake mix, then butter—no mixing, with crisp topping and gooey base.

Can I use muffin mix for dump cake?

Yes, but muffin mix tends to make the cake denser and sweeter. For the classic pecan pie dump cake, stick to yellow or spice cake mix.

Do you refrigerate dump cake after baking?

Yes. Let it cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions before serving for that freshly-baked warmth.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe – Effortless, Gooey & Delicious

Name: Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe – Indulgent, Easy & Irresistible
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (21 oz) pecan pie filling; 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup chopped pecans (optional); Ice cream or whipped cream for serving

Ingredients

Scale

1 can (21 oz) pecan pie filling

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Ice cream or whipped cream for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13″ dish.

2. Dump pie filling into the dish.

3. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over filling—do NOT stir.

4. Drizzle melted butter over cake mix in an even layer.

5. Top with chopped pecans if using.

6. Bake 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbling.

7. Let rest 15 minutes before scooping and serving.

Notes

Store covered in the fridge up to 4 days.

Reheat individual portions in microwave or oven.

Try spice cake mix instead of yellow for extra warmth.

Author: Adam Moretti
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Dump Cake Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian