Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe — Easy, Gooey, and Delicious!

Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both comforting and effortlessly delicious, this Pecan Pie Dump Cake recipe is your new go-to. Inspired by classic Southern flavors, this recipe brings the rich, buttery sweetness of pecan pie in a simplified, no-fuss dump cake form. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort, this cake offers a gooey, nutty filling paired with a fluffy, golden cake topping.

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Sarah Yummyum Recipes

The Easiest Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe – Gooey Southern Dessert

5 from 2 votes

This pecan pie dump cake recipe combines the rich, buttery flavors of classic pecan pie with the ease of a layered dump cake. Perfect for holidays or dessert anytime, it features a gooey pecan filling topped with a golden cake crust. Follow these simple steps for a crowd-pleasing Southern delight!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Baking, Dessert, Holiday Recipes

Cuisine: American, American Comfort Food, Comfort Food, Southern

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 box yellow cake mix 15.25 oz
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup brown sugar light or dark
• 1 cup corn syrup or ¾ cup maple syrup for substitue
• 1 stick ½ cup unsalted butter, sliced
• 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls (2 sizes)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Oven

Method

 

1. Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Mix Gooey Base: In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup (or maple syrup), sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add Pecans to Mixture: Stir half of the chopped pecans into the gooey base mixture to evenly distribute nutty flavor.
4. Step 4: Assemble Layers: Pour the gooey pecan mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly on top. Then, scatter the remaining pecans over the cake mix.
5. Step 5: Add Butter Slices: Place thin slices of unsalted butter evenly across the top of the cake mix. This creates a buttery, crispy topping as it bakes.
6. Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges.
7. Step 7: Cool and Serve: Let the dump cake cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free yellow cake mix.
• Maple syrup is a delicious natural alternative for corn syrup.
• Add bourbon or chocolate chips for tasty variations.
• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

 

Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 350 | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 45g | Protein: 3g | Sugars: 30g

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Dump Cake

• 1 box yellow cake mix (gluten-free option available)
• 1 cup chopped pecans (fresh or roasted for extra flavor)
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 cup corn syrup or ¾ cup maple syrup (for a natural alternative)
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, sliced
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt

Tips: Use high-quality pecans for the best nutty flavor. If avoiding corn syrup, maple syrup makes a tasty substitute. Gluten-free and dairy-free versions work well too by using suitable cake mixes and butter substitutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Enjoy the classic flavors of pecan pie without the fuss of rolling crust with this easy, gooey Pecan Pie Dump Cake! Layered with buttery pecans, brown sugar, and rich cake mix, it bakes into a comforting dessert perfect for holidays or any occasion. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

Step 2: Mix the Gooey Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup (or maple syrup), sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, eggs, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth and thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Add Pecans to the Base

Stir half of the chopped pecans into the gooey mixture to distribute the nutty flavor evenly throughout the filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Dump Cake Layers

Pour the gooey pecan mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix evenly over the top. Scatter the remaining pecans over the cake mix for added crunch.

Step 5: Add Butter Slices

Arrange thin slices of butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. As it bakes, the butter will melt and soak into the cake, creating a golden, crisp topping.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges. The center may jiggle slightly but will firm up as it cools.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for 15 minutes. This resting time allows the filling to thicken for the perfect slice. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Estimated Cost: 7 USD

Supply:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 cup corn syrup (or ¾ cup maple syrup as alternative)
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, sliced
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt

Tools:

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls (2 sizes)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Oven

Materials: Butter (unsalted)Yellow cake mixPecansBrown sugarCorn syrup or maple syrupSweetened condensed milkVanilla extractGround cinnamonSalt

Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Dump Cake

• Avoid soggy centers: Use fresh pecans and even layering. Don’t stir the cake mix into the wet ingredients—this layering creates the signature texture.
• Best cake mix: Yellow cake mixes with butter flavor enhance richness.
• Butter helps create the crisp topping: Don’t skip the sliced butter step on top.
• Sweetener swaps: Maple syrup adds depth, but corn syrup achieves traditional gooeyness.
• Equipment: A glass or ceramic baking dish helps bake evenly.

Variations and Adaptations

• Bourbon Pecan Dump Cake: Add 1-2 tablespoons bourbon for a Southern twist.
• Turtle Pecan: Add caramel sauce and chocolate chips before baking.
• Dairy-Free: Swap butter for coconut oil or dairy-free margarine.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
• Mini-Skillet Pies: Bake portions in ramekins or cast iron skillets for personal servings.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

• Store: Keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm single servings in the microwave for 30 seconds or the whole cake at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugars: 30g
• Allergens: Contains nuts, dairy, gluten (if not substituted)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pecan pie dump cake is a heartwarming dessert that’s perfect for sharing. It combines the iconic rich pecan pie flavor with the convenience of a layered dump cake, delighting taste buds with gooey, buttery goodness. Whether for Thanksgiving, holiday celebrations, or everyday indulgence, this recipe delivers Southern charm with minimal effort.

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