Okay, let’s dive into one of my all-time favorite easy desserts – a pecan cobbler dump cake! It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a kitchen superstar, even when you’re short on time. Picture this: a warm, gooey pecan topping nestled over a moist cake, all from ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Last month, my sister-in-law popped over unexpectedly, and I needed a quick dessert. This pecan cobbler dump cake saved the day! It’s become my go-to for those “oh no, company’s coming!” moments.

It’s funny, my husband, who claims he doesn’t have a sweet tooth (we all know that’s a lie!), always manages to devour a huge piece of this pecan cobbler dump cake. He loves the combination of textures – the crunchy pecans with the soft cake. One of the things I love most about this pecan cobbler dump cake is how simple it is to customize. You can add a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth, or even throw in some chocolate chips for a decadent twist. I remember the first time I made this, I was a bit skeptical about the whole “dump cake” concept, but trust me, it’s pure genius.

The beauty of this pecan cobbler dump cake is that it’s pretty much foolproof. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you can totally nail this recipe. And the best part? Minimal cleanup! We all know how much I hate doing dishes, so that’s a major win in my book. My kids love helping me make this pecan cobbler dump cake, and it’s become a fun family activity. They especially enjoy sprinkling the pecans on top. This recipe is so straightforward that it’s perfect for getting the kids involved. It not only teaches them basic baking skills but also creates wonderful memories in the kitchen.

I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years to get it just right for our family. I’ve learned, for instance, that using melted butter makes all the difference in the texture of the cake. There’s something so comforting about the smell of a pecan cobbler dump cake baking in the oven. It fills the house with warmth and makes everyone feel cozy. This easy pecan dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Trust me, your family is going to love this pecan cobbler dump cake as much as mine does! I can’t wait for you to try it. It’s become such a staple in our house, and I know it will be in yours too. This pecan dump cake recipe is just that good!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing dessert. Don’t worry, most of these ingredients are pantry staples!

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1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix – I usually go with Duncan Hines, but any brand will work. For a richer flavor, you can also use butter pecan cake mix instead.
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted – Make sure it’s cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the cake mix. I prefer using unsalted butter so I can control the amount of salt in the dessert.

1 cup chopped pecans – You can use pecan halves or pieces, whatever you have on hand. Toasting the pecans beforehand adds extra flavor.
1 cup packed light brown sugar – This adds a lovely caramel flavor to the pecan topping. If you only have dark brown sugar, that works too!
1 cup evaporated milk – This is the secret ingredient that makes the pecan topping extra gooey and delicious. Don’t substitute regular milk!

1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a touch of warmth and enhances the other flavors.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the pecan flavor.

For a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free yellow cake mix. I’ve tried it, and it works great! My kids also love it when I add a handful of chocolate chips to the pecan mixture. It adds a fun twist! When I’m feeling fancy, I like to sprinkle a little bit of sea salt on top of the pecan topping before baking. The saltiness complements the sweetness perfectly. This pecan cobbler dump cake is really versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients to find what you like best. You could even try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for extra warmth. This easy pecan dessert is sure to become a family favorite!

If you don’t have evaporated milk on hand, you can try using half-and-half, but the texture won’t be quite as rich. I always buy pecans in bulk at the beginning of the fall and freeze them so I have them on hand for baking. My mom taught me to always sift the brown sugar before using it to prevent lumps. This homemade pecan dessert is best with high quality ingredients! This pecan cobbler dump cake is so easy to make. The pecan dump cake recipe is a real winner!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious pecan cobbler dump cake in no time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; you literally “dump” the ingredients and bake!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use a baking spray with flour in it to make sure nothing sticks.

Pour the dry yellow cake mix evenly into the prepared baking dish. Don’t add any of the ingredients that the cake mix box calls for – just the dry mix!
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until well combined. Make sure the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
Stir in the chopped pecans. Mix until the pecans are evenly distributed in the butter mixture. This pecan mixture is the key to the amazing flavor of this dessert.

Hands sprinkling cake mix over pecan mixture in a baking dish.

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Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the dry cake mix. Try to spread it out as evenly as possible. It’s okay if there are some dry spots – the butter mixture will melt and soak into the cake mix as it bakes.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.

Let the cobbler cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the pecan topping to set up slightly. If you try to serve it too soon, it will be very gooey.

Don’t worry if the top looks a little uneven – that’s part of the charm of a dump cake! I learned the hard way that it’s important to let the cobbler cool before serving. The first time I made it, I was so eager to try it that I cut into it right away, and it was a soupy mess! One trick I use is to rotate the baking dish halfway through baking to ensure even browning. This easy pecan dessert is perfect for any occasion! My family loves this southern pecan cobbler.

If you want to add a little extra flair, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving. This pecan cobbler dump cake is best served warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature. The key to this pecan dump cake recipe is to not overbake it. You want the cake to be moist and tender, not dry and crumbly. This is a real pecan dump cake delight! This cobbler dump cake is a guaranteed success! This pecan pie dump cake is amazing.

Serving Ideas

Now for the best part – serving this delicious pecan cobbler dump cake! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it. Think of this dessert as a blank canvas for all your favorite toppings and pairings. Get creative and have fun!

We love this warm, gooey dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream complements the warm cobbler perfectly. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a simpler option, a dusting of powdered sugar is always a nice touch. This easy pecan dessert is also great on its own, without any toppings. This easy pecan dessert is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. It’s always a hit!

I like to serve this pecan cobbler dump cake at room temperature at summer barbecues, and it’s always a big hit. My mother-in-law even requests it every Thanksgiving! If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), they’re delicious reheated in the microwave or oven. You can also crumble them up and use them as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. This is truly a homemade pecan dessert at its finest. This southern pecan cobbler can be served warm or cold!

My kids love to eat this pecan cobbler dump cake straight from the baking dish with a spoon. It’s a casual and fun way to enjoy it. I sometimes add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. This pecan dump cake recipe is great for any occasion! For a more elegant presentation, you can cut the cobbler into squares and arrange them on a platter. This pecan cobbler dump cake is so easy and delicious, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

This pecan dump cake is a simple yet elegant dessert! This cobbler dump cake can be paired with coffee or tea.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this pecan cobbler dump cake to help you troubleshoot and customize the recipe. Consider this your guide to mastering the pecan cobbler dump cake!

Q: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
A: Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is the classic choice, you can experiment with other flavors like butter pecan, white, or even chocolate. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the cake mix will impact the overall taste of the cobbler. A spice cake mix can also add a delightful twist, especially during the fall season.

Q: Can I use a different type of nut?
A: Of course! While pecans are the star of this recipe, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of different nuts. For a unique flavor, try toasting the nuts before adding them to the mixture. It brings out their natural oils and enhances their taste.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the cobbler ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. This is perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious dessert without the last-minute rush.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving. To prevent the cobbler from drying out, add a small piece of butter on top before reheating.

Q: Can I freeze this cobbler?
A: I don’t recommend freezing this cobbler, as the texture may change upon thawing. The cake can become a bit soggy. However, if you must freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to minimize moisture absorption.

Q: What if my cobbler is too dry?
A: If your cobbler is too dry, it may be because you overbaked it. Make sure to check it regularly while it’s baking and remove it from the oven as soon as the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can also try adding a little bit of extra evaporated milk to the pecan mixture next time.

Q: What if my cobbler is too gooey?
A: If your cobbler is too gooey, it may be because you didn’t bake it long enough. Make sure to bake it until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before serving, as it will firm up as it cools. I hope these answers help you create the perfect pecan cobbler dump cake!

This pecan dump cake recipe is foolproof! This cobbler dump cake is a sweet southern treat!

Conclusion

This pecan cobbler dump cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate. It’s the perfect ending to a family dinner or a sweet treat to share with friends. The simplicity of this recipe is what makes it so special. It’s a reminder that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly delicious. I’ve made this pecan cobbler dump cake countless times, and it always brings a smile to everyone’s face. This easy pecan dessert is a real treat.

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Always use good quality ingredients. I’ve found that it makes a big difference in the final flavor of the pecan cobbler.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Add a pinch of cinnamon, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or a handful of chocolate chips to customize it to your liking.

Let it cool slightly before serving. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting it cool for a few minutes will allow the pecan topping to set up and prevent it from being too gooey.

My family loves this pecan cobbler dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect combination of warm and cold, sweet and salty. Give it a try and see for yourself!

I hope you enjoy making this pecan cobbler dump cake as much as I do. It’s a simple, comforting, and delicious dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite. I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family – drop me a comment and let me know! I think this pecan pie dump cake is sure to become a family favorite!

Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine! Making this pecan dump cake recipe will be a hit! This pecan cobbler dump cake is a keeper!

The Easiest Pecan Cobbler Dump Cake You’ll Ever Make

Print Recipe

This Pecan Cobbler Dump Cake recipe is a delicious dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. It’s the perfect dessert for potlucks, parties, or a quick weeknight treat!

Author: Kiera

Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 45
Total Time: 50

Yield: 12 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup milk

1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup pecan halves

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Pour the yellow cake mix into the prepared baking dish.
Pour in the milk and evaporated milk.
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.

Sprinkle the pecan halves over the butter.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pecans.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.