Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the aroma of toasted pecans wafts through the kitchen, I can’t help but feel drawn to this delightful dessert we all love—Pecan Pie Dump Cake. It’s the perfect fusion of rich pecan pie filling and a soft, cake-like topping, all without the fuss of rolling out pie crust. What’s more, this easy recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and can be made ahead of time—ideal for potlucks or cozy family dinners. With just a handful of ingredients layered together, you’ll enjoy a gooey, caramel-like indulgence that pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Are you ready to discover this comforting sweet that’s simpler than you think? Let’s get started! Why Is This Cake So Irresistible? Simplicity: With minimal prep time, this Pecan Pie Dump Cake lets you whip up a stunning dessert without the stress of traditional baking. Gooey, Delicious Layers: The combination of caramelized pecans and a soft, cake-like topping creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the day before and let the flavors meld—perfect for busy holiday gatherings! Customizable: Feel free to swap the yellow cake mix for butter pecan or chocolate for a fun twist that keeps things exciting. Check out my Lime Pie Bars for another easy dessert idea! Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a sure hit at any family gathering or potluck, ensuring everyone will leave with a satisfied smile. Pecan Pie Dump Cake Ingredients For the Cake Base Yellow Cake Mix – A simple base that forms the cake layer; feel free to substitute with butter pecan or spice cake mix for a twist. Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and richness; melted for even distribution over the cake mix. For the Gooey Filling Eggs – Essential for binding ingredients and providing structure, contributing to that beautiful, gooey texture. Corn Syrup – Key for the sticky, sweet filling; can be swapped with brown sugar or honey if desired. Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and depth; light or dark varieties can be used based on your flavor preference. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile and sweetness, enriching the cake’s taste. Salt – A small amount to balance the sweetness and elevate all the flavors in the dish. Bourbon/Rum (optional) – Adds a hint of complexity; feel free to omit for a more classic taste. For the Topping Pecans – The star ingredient adding delightful crunch and nutty flavor; toasting them enhances their richness. Additional Brown Sugar – A sprinkle on top creates a crispy, sweet finish, complementing the gooey filling well. This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is not only easy to prepare, but it also packs a flavorful punch that will leave everyone wanting more! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pecan Pie Dump Cake Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (or 325°F if your oven runs hot). While the oven heats up, grab a 9×13 baking dish and generously grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent the cake from sticking. A well-prepped dish ensures that your Pecan Pie Dump Cake will come out smoothly and maintain its beautiful shape! Step 2: Toast the Pecans In a dry skillet over medium heat, add 1 cup of pecans and toast them for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are fragrant and golden brown. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the pecans, making your Pecan Pie Dump Cake even more delicious. Once toasted, remove the pecans from the heat and set them aside to cool slightly. Step 3: Layer the Ingredients Start layering for your Pecan Pie Dump Cake by scattering the toasted pecans evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and optional bourbon or rum for about 1-2 minutes until combined. Pour this sweet mixture gently over the pecans, allowing it to settle without stirring. Step 4: Add the Cake Mix Carefully dump the yellow cake mix over the liquid pecan layer, spreading it out evenly across the top. Avoid stirring; this helps create the cake’s signature layers. Next, sprinkle ½ cup of brown sugar over the dry cake mix for an added touch of sweetness and a crispy finish. This layer will caramelize beautifully while baking! Step 5: Drizzle with Butter Melt the unsalted butter and pour it evenly over the cake mix and brown sugar layers. This will bring moisture and richness to your Pecan Pie Dump Cake, mixing perfectly as it bakes. Make sure to cover as much of the dry mix as possible with the melted butter to improve the texture. Step 6: Bake the Cake Place your Pecan Pie Dump Cake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check for a golden brown top with bubbling edges; if the center appears soggy, let it bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. You want the perfect combination of a firm outer layer with gooey goodness beneath! Step 7: Cool and Serve After baking, carefully remove the Pecan Pie Dump Cake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes. Cooling is essential for firming up the filling and making it easier to cut. Once cooled, slice and serve warm, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful finish! Expert Tips for Pecan Pie Dump Cake Greasing Matters: Don’t skip the greasing step to prevent any sticking; a well-greased dish ensures an easy release and beautiful presentation. Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before layering them elevates their flavor; skip this step, and you might miss out on that rich, nutty taste. Observe Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; if the center looks soggy after 60 minutes, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes for the perfect texture. Cooling is Key: Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes post-baking; cutting too soon could lead to a gooey mess instead of neat slices. Experiment With Mixes: Don’t be afraid to swap out the yellow cake mix for butter pecan or spice cake to personalize your Pecan Pie Dump Cake for varying tastes! How to Store and Freeze Pecan Pie Dump Cake Fridge: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the cake moist and fresh. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits! Freezer: To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in an airtight container; it will last for up to 3 months. Reheating: For the best experience, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30-40 seconds or bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Enjoy the gooey goodness! Pecan Pie Dump Cake Variations Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful dessert by trying out these fun twists that will elevate your Pecan Pie Dump Cake! Chocolate Cake Mix: Swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix to create a rich and decadent dessert that pairs perfectly with the pecans. This twist adds a delightful contrast that simulates a chocolate-covered pecan treat! Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans entirely for a nut-free version that still maintains the sweetness and gooey texture. While the character changes, the cake remains delicious and appealing to those with nut allergies. Spice Cake Mix: Use a spice cake mix instead of yellow for a warm, cozy vibe. The spices enhance the festive feel and bring out the delicious caramel notes in the filling, making it a perfect holiday treat. Maple Syrup Substitute: Replace corn syrup with maple syrup for a unique flavor twist. This delightful swap infuses the cake with a rich, earthy sweetness that complements the nuts beautifully—perfect for autumn! Add Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top along with the pecans for an amazing tropical flair. The coconut adds texture and a hint of sweetness, giving the dish an exotic twist that surprises the taste buds! Extra Vanilla: Boost the flavor by adding an extra teaspoon or two of vanilla extract. This enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor, ensuring every bite is packed with delightful richness. Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the pecans. This spicy touch creates an unexpected surprise, awakening the taste buds with each gooey bite! Fruit Add-In: Mix in fresh or dried fruit, like cranberries or chopped apples, within the layers. This twist adds a fruity freshness that perfectly complements the sweet filling and provides an interesting texture contrast. Don’t forget to explore variations like my Key Lime Pie Bars or the delightful London Fog Cake for even more dessert inspiration! Make Ahead Options These Pecan Pie Dump Cake preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can mix the gooey filling (egg, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and optional bourbon/rum) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. The pecans can also be toasted in advance; simply keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunchiness. On the day of serving, just layer the pecans and filling into the baking dish, top with cake mix and melted butter, and bake as directed. This make-ahead approach ensures you’ll delight your guests with a delicious dessert while keeping your kitchen stress-free! What to Serve with Gooey Pecan Pie Dump Cake Imagine delighting your guests with complementary flavors and textures that elevate your dessert experience to the next level. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and refreshing, it perfectly balances the cake’s sweetness while adding a deliciously cool contrast to the warm filling. Whipped Cream: A light dollop of whipped cream adds an airy touch, enhancing the richness of the cake without overshadowing its flavors. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cake creates a luscious topping that enhances the gooey texture and deepens the caramel notes. Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries introduce a tart freshness that cuts through the richness, making each bite more vibrant and balanced. Chocolate Ganache: For chocolate lovers, a silky chocolate ganache creates a decadent layer, turning your dessert into an indulgent chocolate-pecan experience. Chai Tea: A warm cup of spiced chai provides a cozy, aromatic beverage that complements the nutty notes of the cake, enhancing the entire experience. Pairing these delights with your Pecan Pie Dump Cake will surely make for a memorable dessert table, impressing friends and family alike! Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right pecans for my Pecan Pie Dump Cake? Absolutely! When selecting pecans, look for nuts that are fresh and free of dark spots or any signs of moisture. Fresh pecans should smell nutty and slightly sweet. If you have the option, try to choose ones that are labeled as “halves” for presentation, as they add an elegant touch to the cake. How should I store my Pecan Pie Dump Cake and for how long? Very! Store your Pecan Pie Dump Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Make sure to use plastic wrap or a tight lid to prevent any fridge odors from affecting your delightful dessert. Can I freeze my Pecan Pie Dump Cake? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This can last for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and warm slices in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy! What if my Pecan Pie Dump Cake is soggy in the center? Oh no! If you find that the center is soggy after baking, don’t worry. Simply continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking every few minutes until you see the edges bubbling and the top turning golden brown. Allow it to cool properly after baking; this helps firm it up! Is this Pecan Pie Dump Cake suitable for people with nut allergies? Great question! Since pecans are the star ingredient, this recipe is not safe for those with nut allergies. However, you can create a variation by omitting nuts entirely, but it will change the character of the cake. If you need an alternative consideration, a chocolate or fruit-based cake might be a delightful choice! Can the ingredients be modified to suit dietary preferences? Absolutely! For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour in place of the yellow cake mix, or opt for low-sugar substitutes for corn syrup and brown sugar. Note that these alterations might slightly affect the texture and final taste, but it’s perfect for those keeping an eye on their diet! Always feel free to tailor this Pecan Pie Dump Cake to fit your needs. Irresistible Pecan Pie Dump Cake That’s Super Easy to Make A delightful Pecan Pie Dump Cake that combines classic flavors with a simple, no-fuss approach, perfect for holiday gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake Base1 box Yellow Cake Mix Can substitute with butter pecan or spice cake mix1/2 cup Unsalted Butter MeltedFor the Gooey Filling2 Eggs Essential for binding1 cup Corn Syrup Can substitute with brown sugar or honey1 cup Brown Sugar Light or dark varieties can be used1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract1/4 teaspoon Salt1/4 cup Bourbon/Rum OptionalFor the Topping1 cup Pecans Toasted1/4 cup Additional Brown Sugar For topping Equipment 9x13 baking dishMixing BowlSkillet Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Pecan Pie Dump CakePreheat your oven to 350°F (or 325°F if your oven runs hot) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.Toast 1 cup of pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden brown.Layer toasted pecans in the greased baking dish. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and optional bourbon or rum. Pour over the pecans.Carefully dump the yellow cake mix over the liquid pecan layer and sprinkle with ½ cup of brown sugar.Melt the unsalted butter and drizzle evenly over the cake mix and brown sugar layers.Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes until golden brown with bubbling edges; additional baking may be needed if soggy.Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg NotesAllow the cake to cool completely before cutting to maintain structure. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
