If you love rich, warm, caramel-like desserts, this Pecan Pie Dump Cake is about to become one of your favorites. It combines the sweet, nutty flavor of classic pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake, creating a dessert that is soft, gooey, buttery, and incredibly satisfying.
This easy pecan dessert is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want a quick homemade treat without complicated steps. The best part is that you only need a few simple ingredients to create a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a Southern bakery.
What Is Pecan Pie Dump Cake?
Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a simple baked dessert that layers pecan pie-style filling with cake mix and butter. As it bakes, the filling turns rich and sticky while the topping becomes golden, crumbly, and buttery. The result is the perfect mix of pie and cake in one pan.
It is called a “dump cake” because the ingredients are layered and baked with very little mixing, making it one of the easiest desserts for beginners and busy home bakers.
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe
This dessert is popular for so many reasons:
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Easy to make with minimal prep
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Rich pecan pie flavor without making pie crust
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Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and fall baking
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Delicious served warm with ice cream or whipped cream
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Great for feeding a crowd
If you are searching for an easy pecan pie dump cake recipe, this one checks every box.
Ingredients for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
You can make this delicious dessert with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Main Ingredients
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1 box yellow cake mix
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3 large eggs
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1 cup light corn syrup
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1 cup packed brown sugar
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 cups chopped pecans
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1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Topping
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
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Extra pecans for topping
How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Make the Pecan Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.
Pour the pecan mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pecan filling. Do not stir.
Step 4: Add Butter on Top
Place thin slices of butter evenly across the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible so the topping bakes evenly.
Add extra pecans on top if desired.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set slightly while still keeping that warm, gooey texture.
Serve warm on its own, or top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Dump Cake
To make sure your dessert turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
Use Real Butter
Butter helps create that rich, golden topping. Avoid margarine if possible for the best flavor.
Do Not Stir the Layers
The beauty of a dump cake is in the layering. Keep the filling and cake mix separate for the right texture.
Watch the Top Carefully
If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil near the end of baking.
Let It Rest Before Serving
This dessert is best when it has had a few minutes to settle after coming out of the oven.
Variations for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
You can easily customize this dessert depending on your taste.
Add Cinnamon
A small pinch of cinnamon adds cozy fall flavor.
Use Butter Pecan Cake Mix
For extra nutty flavor, swap yellow cake mix for butter pecan cake mix.
Add Chocolate Chips
A handful of chocolate chips makes this dessert even more decadent.
Serve with Caramel Sauce
Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each serving for an indulgent finish.
How to Store Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
You can also enjoy it cold, but most people love it best when warm and gooey.
What to Serve with Pecan Pie Dump Cake
This dessert pairs beautifully with:
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Vanilla ice cream
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Fresh whipped cream
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Caramel drizzle
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Hot coffee
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Chai tea
For holiday tables, it is an easy alternative to traditional pecan pie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Pecan Pie Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake it ahead and reheat before serving. It stays delicious and flavorful.
Does Pecan Pie Dump Cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the egg-based filling, it is best stored in the refrigerator.
Can I use dark corn syrup?
Yes. Dark corn syrup gives the dessert a deeper, more robust flavor.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and warm before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake recipe is the perfect dessert when you want something easy, rich, and crowd-pleasing. It has everything people love about pecan pie, but with less effort and a comforting cake-like finish. Whether you make it for the holidays or just because you are craving something sweet, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
If you are looking for a warm, buttery dessert packed with pecan flavor, give this easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake a try and enjoy every gooey bite.
