Fall potlucks, am I right? They’re the BEST. But who has time to slave away at some complicated dessert when there are leaves to rake (or, let’s be honest, admire from the window)? That’s where this Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake comes in. It’s seriously the easiest thing EVER, and it always gets rave reviews. I mean, dump cake? The name says it all!
Honestly, I’ve been bringing some version of a dump cake to every potluck since college. They are my secret weapon! People always think I spent hours on it, but shhh…our little secret. This Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake is my new go-to, though. The apple and pumpkin together? Genius! And the pecans give it that perfect fall crunch. Trust me, you’ll be the star of the dessert table. I’ve tweaked and perfected this recipe over the years, so you know it’s a winner!
Why You’ll Love This Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake
Okay, seriously, where do I even start? This Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake is about to become your new best friend. Why? Let me break it down for ya:
Benefits of this Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake
- Super duper easy to make. I’m talking, like, minimal effort here!
- Totally perfect for fall. The apple, pumpkin, and pecans are a match made in autumn heaven!
- It’s a HUGE crowd-pleaser. Seriously, watch it disappear!
- Needs only minimal ingredients. You probably have half of them already!
- The flavor combination is just… *chef’s kiss*. Sweet, spiced, and nutty – yum!
Ingredients for Your Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of this Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake is that you don’t need a million things. We’re keeping it simple, folks! Here’s what you’ll want to grab:
First, you’ll need one box (about 15.25 oz – that’s the standard size, right?) of yellow cake mix. Then, snag one (21 ounce) can of apple pie filling – the cheap stuff is totally fine! You’ll also need one (15 ounce) can of pumpkin puree – not pumpkin pie mix, okay? Just plain ol’ pumpkin. After that, get one cup of chopped pecans, because what’s a fall dessert without pecans?! And don’t forget one cup of melted butter (salted or unsalted, your call!), and one teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. That’s it! See? Easy peasy!
How to Make Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get baking? This Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake is so easy, it’s almost embarrassing. But hey, I’m not complaining! Let’s walk through it step-by-step, and you’ll be enjoying a slice of fall heaven in no time.
Preparing the Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (that’s 175 degrees C for all my international friends!). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use a glass one, but metal works fine too. Just give it a quick spray with some non-stick cooking spray, just in case.
Now, the fun part! Pour that can of apple pie filling right into the bottom of the dish. Spread it out evenly – no need to be perfect here, we’re going for rustic charm! Next, grab that can of pumpkin puree and dollop it all over the apple pie filling. Then, gently spread it out so it covers the apples in an even layer.
Okay, time for the cake mix! Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin puree. Try to get it as even as possible, but don’t stress if there are a few bare spots. Now, sprinkle those chopped pecans all over the cake mix, followed by the pumpkin pie spice. Mmm, I can already smell the fall goodness!
Finally, pour that melted butter evenly over the entire top. This is important! You want to make sure the butter soaks into all that cake mix. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot – it’ll all work out in the end. I sometimes use a spoon to help spread the butter around and make sure everything gets nice and saturated.
Baking Your Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake
Alright, slide that baby into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly – and your whole kitchen smells amazing! Keep an eye on it, though, because ovens can be a little temperamental. If it starts to get too brown on top, just loosely cover it with some foil.
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. I know, the waiting is the hardest part! But trust me, it’s worth it. Letting it cool just a bit allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to set up a little. Plus, you don’t want to burn your tongue! And that’s it! You’ve just made an amazing Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake. Go you!
Tips for the Best Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake
Want to take your Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my top tips:
First, and this is HUGE: **don’t overbake it!** A slightly gooey center is way better than a dry, crumbly mess. Also, I know it’s tempting, but **let it cool slightly before serving**. Seriously, patience is a virtue! And, like with anything, **use good quality ingredients** when you can. It really does make a difference. Oh, and make sure you **distribute those pecans evenly** – nobody wants a pecan-less corner! My favorite part is adding **a touch of cinnamon to the cake mix** for extra warmth. Trust me on this!
Variations on Your Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake
Okay, so you’ve made the original, and you’re OBSESSED (I knew you would be!). But what if you want to mix things up a little? No problem! This Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake is super adaptable. You could swap out the pecans for different nuts – walnuts or almonds would be delicious! Or try a different pie filling – cherry or blueberry, maybe? Ooh, and a handful of chocolate chips never hurt anyone! You could also use a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for an extra kick of fall flavor. So many possibilities!
Ingredient Substitutions for Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake
Ran out of pecans? Walnuts or slivered almonds work great! Can’t find apple pie filling? Use cherry or blueberry – whatever you like! Don’t have pumpkin pie spice? Just mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It’s all good! This recipe is very forgiving, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Serving Suggestions for Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake
Okay, you’ve got your Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake, it smells amazing… now what? Well, you could just dig in with a fork (no judgement here!), but if you wanna get fancy, I’ve got some ideas! My absolute fave is a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top – the cold creaminess is just *perfect* with the warm cake! Whipped cream is also a winner. Or, drizzle some caramel sauce over it for extra decadence! And for a final touch? A sprinkle of cinnamon – always!
Storing Your Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake
Okay, so you somehow managed to NOT eat the entire Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake in one sitting (I’m impressed!). Now what? Easy! Just cover it tightly – plastic wrap or foil works great – and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave does the trick! Or, if you’re feeling fancy, warm it up in the oven. Yummy leftovers!
Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake FAQs
Okay, so you’re ready to make this amazing Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake, but you’ve got a few questions? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe:
Common Questions About Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake
Can I use a different size baking dish? Sure thing! A slightly smaller or larger dish will work, but you might need to adjust the baking time a bit. Just keep an eye on it!
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the whole thing and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze this? Yep! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice? No problem! Just mix together cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a tiny pinch of cloves. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information for Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake
Okay, so heads up! The nutritional info can totally vary depending on the brands you use and how big your slices are. So, consider this a general ballpark, not an exact science, okay?
Enjoy Your Delicious Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake!
Alright, that’s it! Go forth and bake this amazing Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rate the recipe below – I wanna know what you think! And pretty please, share it on social media! Happy baking, friends!
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Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake: Shockingly Easy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and delicious Autumn Pecan Potluck Dump Cake.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Pour apple pie filling into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread pumpkin puree evenly over the apple pie filling.
- Sprinkle cake mix evenly over the pumpkin puree.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans and pumpkin pie spice over the cake mix.
- Pour melted butter evenly over the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Adjust pumpkin pie spice to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
