Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Oh friends, if you’ve ever loved the gooey sweetness of a pecan pie but wished it were as simple to make as a one-pan dessert—you are in for a treat! This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the answer. It combines all the sticky, nutty goodness of classic pecan pie with the ease of a dump-and-bake cake recipe. I’ve made it for gatherings, potlucks, and family holidays, and every single time, someone asks me for the recipe.

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Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake

This dessert isn’t just delicious—it’s dangerously easy. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Effortless prep: No rolling out pie dough or fussing with crust. Just layer, dump, and bake.
• Feeds a crowd: Serves 10–12, making it perfect for parties or family dinners.
• Rich flavor: Gooey pecan filling meets buttery cake topping.
• Versatile: Serve warm with ice cream, or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream.

What Does Pecan Pie Dump Cake Taste Like?

Imagine the caramelized filling of a pecan pie—sweet brown sugar, nutty pecans, and golden syrup—all topped with a buttery cake layer that’s crisp at the edges and soft underneath. The smell when this is baking? Absolutely heavenly. One bite and you’ll understand why I call this dessert a keeper.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Beginner-friendly: Even if you’ve never baked before, you can master this recipe.
• Minimal cleanup: Everything goes into one baking dish.
• Holiday-ready: It looks impressive without extra effort.
• Make-ahead friendly: Can be baked a day in advance and reheated.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Dump Cake (Serves 10–12)

• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 stick butter, sliced into thin pats (½ cup)

Optional Additions & Substitutions

• Cake mix: Try butter pecan or spice cake mix for a flavor twist.
• Nuts: Use walnuts or a mix of pecans and almonds.
• Corn syrup alternative: Maple syrup or honey can be substituted for a slightly different sweetness.
• Add chocolate chips: Sprinkle ½ cup dark chocolate chips over the pecan layer before adding cake mix.

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake

1. Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the pecan filling: In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans.
3. Pour into dish: Spread the pecan mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Add cake mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pecan filling. Do not stir.
5. Top with butter: Arrange the thin pats of butter evenly over the cake mix.
6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling at the edges.
7. Cool slightly: Let sit for at least 15 minutes before serving (the filling sets as it cools).

What to Serve With Pecan Pie Dump Cake

• Vanilla ice cream – the cold creaminess pairs perfectly with the warm gooey filling.
• Whipped cream – lightens up the richness.
• Coffee or hot chocolate – a cozy pairing for fall or holiday gatherings.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm in the oven before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 1 of 12)

• Calories: ~420
• Fat: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Sugar: 32g
• Protein: 5g

(Values are approximate and vary based on ingredients used.)

Final Thoughts

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is everything I love in a dessert: comforting, indulgent, and easy enough to whip up without stress. It’s a recipe that feels fancy enough for holidays but simple enough for a weeknight treat. And best of all? It brings smiles every time it hits the table.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you—leave a comment below or share your photo on Pinterest and tag me. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your creations!

And if pecans are your thing, don’t miss these other pecan-filled recipes coming soon to the blog.