If you love rich, gooey desserts but want something incredibly easy to make, you are going to adore this Pecan Pie Dump Cake (Crockpot) Recipe. It captures the deep, nutty sweetness of classic pecan pie, but with the effortless charm of a dump cake, cooked low and slow in your crockpot. Imagine luscious pecan pie filling bubbling beneath a tender, buttery cake layer topped with crunchy pecans, all coming together with minimal prep and no oven required. This dessert feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and is sure to become your go-to for holiday dinners or cozy weekends at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Pecan Pie Dump Cake (Crockpot) Recipe, you only need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role in bringing texture, flavor, and that iconic pecan pie appeal to your dessert.
- Pecan pie filling: The star of the dish, providing the signature sweet and nutty base; use canned for convenience or homemade for extra freshness.
- Yellow cake mix: Creates a buttery, soft topping that contrasts wonderfully with the syrupy filling below.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and drizzled over the cake mix to ensure a golden, tender crust with rich flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth that enhances all the other flavors.
- Chopped pecans: Sprinkled on top for an irresistible crunchy finish and intensified nutty taste.
- Nonstick cooking spray or parchment liner: Essential for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking inside your crockpot.
How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake (Crockpot) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Begin by carefully spraying the inside of a 6-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This simple step makes all the difference for effortless serving and cleanup after baking your Pecan Pie Dump Cake (Crockpot) Recipe.
Step 2: Layer the Pecan Pie Filling
Pour the pecan pie filling into the bottom of the crockpot and spread it evenly. This layer is packed with luscious syrup and toasted pecans, setting the foundation for that amazing gooey bite.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pecan filling without stirring. This dry layer will bake into a soft, golden crust that beautifully balances the sticky filling beneath.
Step 4: Drizzle Butter and Add Flavors
Carefully drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible to achieve a moist, rich topping. Then sprinkle the chopped pecans on top and finish with a light drizzle of vanilla extract to bring every flavor together.
Step 5: Cook Slowly to Perfection
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on high for 2½ to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours. Your cake is ready when the top turns golden brown and the center is set. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld perfectly without any fuss.
Step 6: Let it Rest Before Serving
Once cooking is complete, turn off the crockpot and let your Pecan Pie Dump Cake sit uncovered for 20–30 minutes. This resting period helps the dessert firm up just enough for easier serving and better texture.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Dump Cake (Crockpot) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Pecan Pie Dump Cake (Crockpot) Recipe, consider adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. These garnishes add freshness and a velvety balance to the rich, nutty sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pairing this dessert with a simple fruit salad or lightly spiced spiced tea can help refresh the palate between bites. The contrast of bright fruit or aromatic beverages highlights the savory-sweet harmony of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions of this dump cake in charming ramekins or mason jars for a rustic touch. You can also top with toasted pecan halves or a sprinkle of cinnamon for visual appeal and an extra flavor boost that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pecan Pie Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making subsequent servings just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze this dessert by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or placing it in a freezer-safe container. It stays good for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers gently in the microwave or oven. Microwaving in short bursts works well for single servings, while reheating in a 325°F oven covered with foil helps maintain moistness for larger portions.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pecan pie filling for this dump cake?
Absolutely! Homemade pecan pie filling works beautifully and adds a fresh, customized touch to your Pecan Pie Dump Cake (Crockpot) Recipe. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold together well during cooking.
What size crockpot should I use?
A 6-quart crockpot is ideal for this recipe, providing enough room for proper cooking without making the dessert too thin or thick. If your crockpot is smaller, reduce the ingredient quantities accordingly.
Can I make this dessert on the stove or in the oven instead?
While the charm of this recipe is its hands-off crockpot method, you can bake it in a 9×13-inch pan at 350°F for about 40–45 minutes if you prefer. Just watch for a golden top and bubbling filling as cues that it’s done.
Should I stir the ingredients after layering?
It’s best not to stir. The magic of the Pecan Pie Dump Cake (Crockpot) Recipe is in layering the ingredients and letting them bake undisturbed so the cake topping crisps nicely while the filling stays gooey beneath.
How can I make this recipe nut-free?
Since pecans are central to the flavor profile, consider substituting with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds if you need to avoid nuts. You might also use a nut-free pie filling, but the taste will differ from the classic pecan experience.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about how easy and indulgent this Pecan Pie Dump Cake (Crockpot) Recipe is. If you want a dessert that not only melts in your mouth but also frees up your time and oven space, this is absolutely the one to try. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones, and I promise it will become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Pecan Pie Dump Cake (Crockpot) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy pecan pie dump cake made in the crockpot combines all the rich, gooey flavor of a traditional pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake. Featuring a buttery cake topping and sweet pecan filling, this dessert requires minimal prep and offers a perfect hands-off treat for holidays or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Pecan Pie Filling
- 1 can (15 oz) pecan pie filling or 1½ cups homemade pecan pie filling
Cake Topping
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Additional
- Nonstick cooking spray or parchment liner
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of a 6-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray or line with a parchment paper sling for easy removal of the cake after cooking.
- Add Pecan Pie Filling: Pour the pecan pie filling into the bottom of the crockpot and spread it out evenly to create an even base layer.
- Layer Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the pecan pie filling. Do not stir or mix the layers together.
- Add Butter and Toppings: Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, aiming to cover as much surface area as possible. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top, and then lightly drizzle the vanilla extract evenly across the surface.
- Cook the Cake: Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on high for 2½ to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Rest and Serve: Turn off the crockpot and let the dump cake sit uncovered for 20–30 minutes to firm up before serving. Serve warm alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- Use homemade pecan pie filling if canned is unavailable to ensure freshness and customize sweetness.
- Make cleanup easier by using a crockpot liner or parchment paper sling.
- Avoid stirring the layers after adding ingredients to maintain the traditional ‘dump cake’ texture.
- Serving warm enhances the gooey texture; leftovers can be reheated gently in the microwave.
