If you’ve ever craved the gooey magic of pecan pie but wished for an easier, even more delightful method, this Pecan Pie Dump Cake will absolutely steal your heart. Imagine the rich, caramelized flavors of classic pecan pie, layered with buttery cake in every golden bite—yet all you need to do is stir, sprinkle, and bake! Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, bringing a treat to a potluck, or simply want to fill your home with that irresistible, nutty aroma, this recipe brings decadent comfort to your table with almost no fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in delivering the classic flavors and dreamy texture of Pecan Pie Dump Cake. Take a look at what you’ll need to make this dessert shine, along with a few helpful tips to make each component count.
- Yellow cake mix: The backbone of the cake, ready to soak up flavor and add that fluffy, golden top.
- Eggs: Essential for binding and giving the filling its luscious, custardy texture.
- Light corn syrup: Adds that iconic pecan pie gooiness and sweet, glossy finish.
- Granulated sugar: Helps balance the filling and deepen the sweetness.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds warmth and enhances the caramel-like undertones in every bite.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash transforms your filling with a beautiful, mellow aroma.
- Chopped pecans: The star of the show—use fresh pecans for the best crunch and flavor.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Drizzled on top, it pulls everything together for a gorgeous, buttery crust.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps everything from sticking, making slicing and serving a breeze.
How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for some serious dessert magic. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This simple step ensures those gooey corners of your Pecan Pie Dump Cake slide out beautifully every time.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, shiny base. Next, stir in your chopped pecans—this mixture is what gives the cake its irresistible, classic pecan pie flavor and texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Pour your glossy pecan filling evenly into the prepared dish. Without stirring, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix all across the top, making sure to cover the filling completely. The key is not to mix—it’s the secret behind those swoon-worthy layers!
Step 4: Add the Butter
Take your melted butter and drizzle it slowly and evenly over the cake mix. Don’t worry if every last crumb isn’t drenched—once baked, the butter works its magic, creating an irresistibly crunchy, golden crust while locking in the moisture below.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Pop your dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. The top should be golden with a set center, inviting you to dive in. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes—this allows everything to settle and makes serving neat, decadent squares a cinch!
How to Serve Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Garnishes
This is where the dessert party really begins. Serve your Pecan Pie Dump Cake warm, crowned with a scoop of silky vanilla ice cream or a lush dollop of whipped cream. For an extra flourish, sprinkle a few toasted pecan halves or a dusting of cinnamon on top—guaranteed to impress anyone at your table!
Side Dishes
Balance the dessert’s richness with a side of fresh berries or a tart fruit salad. A strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk on the side rounds out the experience perfectly, highlighting the sweet, buttery flavors in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to give your Pecan Pie Dump Cake the VIP treatment, consider serving individual portions in pretty ramekins or mason jars for a rustic look. Or, cut the cake into squares and drizzle each with caramel sauce before plating—suddenly it’s dinner party-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Pecan Pie Dump Cake has cooled completely, cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delectable for up to 4 days—if you can resist sneaking extra bites in the meantime!
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully, making it a lifesaver for holiday prep or busy weeks. Cut cooled slices and wrap them individually or pack the whole dish in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before indulging.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked comfort, warm slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or cover the baking dish with foil and heat in a low oven (300°F) until warmed through. The aroma alone will have everyone running to the kitchen!
FAQs
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Absolutely! Dark corn syrup will add a deeper, more molasses-like flavor to your Pecan Pie Dump Cake. It’s a fun twist if you want a slightly richer taste.
Are there cake mix alternatives?
You bet. Butter pecan or spice cake mix makes for a tasty spin, or you can even try a white cake mix if that’s what you have on hand. Each option brings its own unique flavor profile to this versatile recipe.
Can I make Pecan Pie Dump Cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and check that the rest of your ingredients are gluten-free. The end result is just as indulgent and crowd-pleasing.
Should I toast the pecans first?
Toasting your pecans is optional, but highly recommended if you want that extra crunch and a boost in nutty flavor. Just spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes, then cool before adding to your filling.
Can I make this dessert in advance for a party?
Pecan Pie Dump Cake is actually even better when made a day ahead! The flavors meld and intensify overnight. Simply bake as directed and refrigerate; reheat before serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a true celebration of simplicity and unforgettable flavor, destined to become a staple in your dessert lineup. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy with friends and family—here’s to making sweet, easy memories together!
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Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of pecan pie and cake with this easy-to-make Pecan Pie Dump Cake. A perfect dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 (15-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
Pecan Pie Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (melted)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Pecan Pie Filling: In a bowl, combine eggs, corn syrup, sugars, and vanilla. Stir in pecans and pour into the dish.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry cake mix over the filling.
- Drizzle Butter: Evenly pour melted butter over the cake mix.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Alternate cake mixes for different flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
