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

The most common mistake is stirring the ingredients after layering. Dump cakes rely on keeping those layers intact so the cake mix bakes into a crust-like topping. Stirring breaks that structure and leads to uneven texture. Just layer and let the oven do the magic.

Why are they called dump cakes?

They’re named for the method: you simply “dump” all the ingredients into the pan—no mixing, no bowls, no fuss. This makes them one of the easiest types of dessert, which is part of why butter pecan dump cake is so beloved. It’s rustic, quick, and shockingly delicious.

What makes butter pecan butter pecan?

Butter pecan flavor typically comes from the combination of roasted pecans and rich, creamy butter. In baking, this often means using butter pecan cake mix, which includes natural or artificial flavoring to capture that nutty, toasted sweetness people love.

Is dump cake supposed to be refrigerated?

Yes, you should refrigerate leftover dump cake once it cools completely. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. It reheats well in the microwave, or you can enjoy it cold—it actually firms up and takes on a pie-like texture.

Butter Pecan Dump Cake – Easy, Sweet, Irresistible Dessert (2025)

Name: Butter Pecan Dump Cake Recipe – Cozy, Sweet, and Incredibly Easy
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 box butter pecan cake mix; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups chopped pecans; Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract; Optional: pinch of cinnamon

Description

A rich, sweet, and buttery Southern dessert made with butter pecan cake mix, pecans, and condensed milk. Simple, comforting, and ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

1 box butter pecan cake mix

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

2 cups chopped pecans

Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional: pinch of cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Pour condensed milk into the dish and spread evenly.

3. Sprinkle butter pecan cake mix evenly on top—do not stir.

4. Scatter chopped pecans across the cake mix layer.

5. Drizzle melted butter over the top, covering as much as possible.

6. Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly.

7. Let cool 10–15 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can add sliced apples or caramel drizzle for seasonal variation.

This cake is delicious warm or chilled.

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern