If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as easy as it is indulgent, this Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the ultimate treat! With all the rich, gooey flavors of a traditional pecan pie combined with the buttery, golden crust of a cake, this dessert will quickly become a family favorite. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make—just layer, bake, and enjoy!

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, potluck, or just want a no-fuss dessert, this dump cake is sure to impress. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake

• Easy to Make: No mixing bowls required! Just layer the ingredients in a pan and let the oven do the work.
• Pecan Pie Meets Cake: Combines the best of two classic desserts—pecan pie’s gooey filling with the buttery texture of a cake.
• Perfect for Holidays: A crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.
• Customizable: Add your favorite flavors, like chocolate chips or a drizzle of caramel.

What Does Pecan Pie Dump Cake Taste Like?

This dessert has all the nutty, caramelized goodness of pecan pie with a soft, buttery cake topping. The pecans add a delightful crunch, while the cake mix and melted butter create a golden, slightly crispy crust. With every bite, you’ll enjoy a blend of rich, gooey, and buttery flavors.

Ingredients

• Pecan halves (1½ cups)
• Brown sugar (1 cup, packed)
• Corn syrup (¾ cup, light or dark)
• Butter (1 stick or ½ cup, melted)

• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Eggs (3 large, lightly beaten)
• Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz)
• Butter (1 stick or ½ cup, sliced into thin pats)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Chocolate chips (½ cup, for a chocolate twist)
• Cinnamon (½ teaspoon, for a warm, spiced flavor)
• Caramel drizzle (for serving)
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for topping)

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish (to layer and bake the cake).
• Whisk (to mix the wet ingredients).
• Spatula or spoon (to spread the layers evenly).

How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Pecan Pie Base

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.
2. Stir in the pecan halves until evenly coated.
3. Pour this pecan mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Add the Cake Layer

1. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the pecan pie filling. Be sure to cover the entire surface.
2. Arrange the pats of butter evenly across the top of the dry cake mix. This will help create a golden, buttery crust as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pecan filling is bubbling around the edges.
2. Remove from the oven and let the dump cake cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This will allow the layers to set.

Step 5: Serve

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel for the ultimate indulgence.

Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Dump Cake

• Use Real Butter: Real butter (not margarine) ensures a rich, golden crust and the best flavor.
• Spread the Butter Evenly: Slicing the butter into thin pats ensures even coverage and helps the cake bake evenly.
• Don’t Mix the Layers: Resist the urge to stir the layers together! The magic of a dump cake comes from the distinct layers of filling and topping.
• Cool Before Serving: Let the dump cake cool slightly so the filling thickens and sets, making it easier to serve.

Variations

• Chocolate Pecan Dump Cake: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the pecan pie filling before topping with cake mix.
• Spiced Pecan Dump Cake: Mix ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into the dry cake mix for a warm, seasonal twist.
• Caramel Pecan Dump Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake mix before adding the pats of butter.
• Nutty Blend: Swap some of the pecans for chopped walnuts or almonds for a nutty variation.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pecan pie dump cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.
• Freeze: Let the cake cool completely, then freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual servings until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! While yellow cake mix is traditional, butter pecan or spice cake mix would work wonderfully in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the dump cake, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.

Do I have to use corn syrup?

Corn syrup gives the filling its classic pecan pie texture, but you can substitute maple syrup or honey for a slightly different flavor and consistency.

Can I add more pecans?

Of course! If you love pecans, feel free to increase the amount to 2 cups for an extra nutty dessert.

Conclusion

There you have it—Pecan Pie Dump Cake, the easiest way to enjoy all the rich flavors of pecan pie with the buttery goodness of a cake. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to weeknight treats. With its gooey pecan filling and golden cake topping, this dump cake is sure to become a family favorite.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Share your feedback in the comments below or post your photos on Pinterest. And if you’re looking for more easy desserts, check out my apple cobbler dump cake or chocolate cherry dump cake—you’ll love them!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 380
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 28g

Enjoy every gooey, buttery, nutty bite of this Pecan Pie Dump Cake—it’s the perfect indulgence! 🥮✨