This 3-ingredient oven baked butter pecan dessert is the kind of easy shortcut recipe that saves the day when you need something sweet without a big grocery list or a lot of prep. It follows the classic dump-cake style method, where dry cake mix is layered right into the pan and baked into a buttery, golden dessert with a soft fruit base and crisp pecan topping. It is especially handy on busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute treat to bring to friends.
Serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped topping so the buttery pecan flavor really shines. It also pairs well with hot coffee after dinner, and if you are bringing it to a potluck, a side of fresh berries helps balance the sweetness nicely.
3-Ingredient Oven Baked Butter Pecan Dessert
Servings: 12
Ingredients
1 box butter pecan cake mix, dry and unmixed
2 cans apple pie filling, about 21 ounces each
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a metal sheet pan or 9x13-inch baking pan so the filling does not stick.
2. Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the pan, making sure it reaches into the corners.
3. Sprinkle the dry butter pecan cake mix evenly over the pie filling without stirring, covering the fruit in a full layer.
4. Drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible over the dry cake mix, trying to moisten most of the surface.
5. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so it sets slightly.
Variations & Tips
Peach version: Swap the apple pie filling for peach pie filling for a softer, sunnier flavor that works especially well in summer. The butter pecan topping still bakes up beautifully with peaches.
Extra pecan crunch: If you want more texture, scatter a small handful of chopped pecans over the top before baking. It gives the dessert a more homemade look and a little extra nutty bite.
Watch for dry spots: If you notice patches of dry cake mix halfway through baking, drizzle over a little more melted butter in those areas. That helps the topping bake up more evenly and keeps you from ending up with powdery spots.
Make-ahead tip: This dessert reheats well, so you can bake it earlier in the day and warm individual portions later. A quick reheat in the microwave makes it taste fresh, especially with ice cream added right before serving.