Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Warm, gooey, and irresistibly rich — this Pecan Pie Dump Cake brings all the flavor of classic pecan pie with none of the fuss!
If you love the comforting sweetness of pecan pie but want something quicker and easier, this Pecan Pie Dump Cake is your dream dessert. It has all the signature flavors — buttery pecans, caramel-like filling, and a golden cake layer — without rolling out a single crust. Just layer, bake, and enjoy a crowd-pleasing dessert that practically makes itself.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy fall evening, this dump cake transforms a handful of pantry staples into a gooey, nutty masterpiece. It’s part cake, part pie, and completely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert is one of those recipes you’ll make again and again because:
- It’s effortless: No mixing, no complicated steps — just dump and bake.
- Packed with flavor: Buttery pecans, caramelized brown sugar, and cake combine into something magical.
- Feeds a crowd: Ideal for potlucks and family gatherings.
- Comforting and nostalgic: Classic fall flavors in every bite.
- Versatile: Delicious warm, cold, or topped with ice cream.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or just short on time, this recipe delivers homemade flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
For the Cake Layer:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel drizzle
- Whipped cream
Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2 – Mix the Pecan Pie Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and well combined. Stir in chopped pecans until evenly coated.
Pour this gooey mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Step 3 – Add the Cake Mix Layer
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pecan filling. Do not stir — just spread it gently with your hand or a spoon to cover the entire surface.
Step 4 – Add Melted Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix layer. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible so it bakes up golden and crispy.
Step 5 – Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.
Step 6 – Serve Warm (and Add Toppings!)
Scoop generous portions into bowls or plates and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce takes it to the next level.
Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in chopped pecans and pour mixture into the baking dish.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the top — do not stir.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake 45–55 minutes until golden and bubbling. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Dump Cake
- Use real butter: Margarine won’t give you the same flavor or texture.
- Don’t stir the layers: The magic of a dump cake comes from how the ingredients bake together naturally.
- Add extra pecans: If you love crunch, toss an extra handful on top before baking.
- Check early: Oven temperatures vary, so start checking around 45 minutes.
- Make ahead: This dessert reheats beautifully, making it perfect for gatherings.
Variations
- Chocolate Pecan Dump Cake: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips over the pecan layer before the cake mix.
- Pumpkin Pecan Dump Cake: Mix 1 cup pumpkin puree into the pecan filling for a fall twist.
- Butter Pecan Dump Cake: Use butter pecan cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for even more nutty flavor.
- Salted Caramel Pecan Dump Cake: Add a pinch of sea salt and drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To make ahead: Assemble the layers in your baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
To store: Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven before serving. Add ice cream or whipped cream for freshness.
To freeze: Slice into portions, wrap each piece in plastic, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This gooey dessert is incredibly versatile. Try serving it with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream (melts into a caramel sauce!)
- Maple whipped cream for a fall-inspired topping
- A sprinkle of sea salt for contrast
- Espresso or black coffee to balance the sweetness
Why It Works So Well
This recipe takes all the flavor and texture you love in pecan pie — the buttery nuts, sweet caramel filling, and soft bite — but adds the convenience of a dump cake. As it bakes, the pecan layer bubbles up through the cake mix, forming a self-saucing dessert that’s both tender and crispy on top.
It’s the perfect hybrid dessert for those who love the richness of pie but want the simplicity of cake.
Common Questions
Can I use white cake mix instead of yellow?
Absolutely! White cake mix makes it slightly lighter in flavor.
Can I use dark corn syrup?
Yes — it will add a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
Can I use pecan halves instead of chopped?
Sure! It will look beautiful, but chopped pecans distribute more evenly through the filling.
Is it supposed to be gooey?
Yes! The filling will remain slightly soft, similar to pecan pie.
Nutrition (Per Serving – 12 servings)
Calories: 480 | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 380mg | Sugar: 45g | Fiber: 2g
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that warms the soul. It’s rich, gooey, nutty, and bursting with caramel flavor — everything you love about pecan pie but without the effort. Just dump, bake, and enjoy a treat that’s guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Serve it fresh out of the oven with a scoop of ice cream, or enjoy a cold square straight from the fridge — it’s irresistible either way.
With minimal effort and maximum payoff, this dessert deserves a permanent spot in your fall and holiday rotation.
