Pecan Pie Dump Cake

The Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a beautifully simple dessert that brings together the deep, rich flavor of traditional pecan pie and the ease of a no fuss cake. Perfect for when you want that buttery, nutty flavor without rolling out a pie crust, this dump cake recipe layers gooey pecan filling with a buttery, cinnamon kissed cake topping.

It’s a showstopper at potlucks, Sunday suppers, or holiday feasts. The crunchy toasted pecans, the golden cake, and that irresistible caramel like base make every bite melt in your mouth perfect. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream and watch it disappear!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup corn syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted, divided
2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped, divided
1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, corn syrup, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Whisk until fully incorporated.
Stir in 1 cup of the chopped pecans. Pour this pecan mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the cake mix and cinnamon. Sprinkle this dry mix evenly over the top of the pecan base.
Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup melted butter over the top of the cake mix layer.
Finish by scattering the remaining 1 cup of chopped pecans across the top.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is just set (a slight jiggle is okay).
Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving warm, or cool completely for clean slices.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: ~452 kcal per serving | Servings: 12

The Charm of Pecan Pie Dump Cake: A Southern Classic with a Modern Twist

When it comes to classic Southern desserts, pecan pie stands proudly at the top. Its gooey, rich filling and buttery, nutty crunch have warmed generations of tables from Thanksgiving dinners to Sunday suppers. But for all its rich flavor, pecan pie traditionally comes with one major caveat: it takes time and finesse to get just right. That’s where the brilliance of the Pecan Pie Dump Cake comes in a shortcut dessert that sacrifices none of the flavor, yet skips the fuss.

A Cross Between Two Favorites

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the delicious hybrid of two iconic desserts: the timeless pecan pie and the beloved dump cake. The genius of a dump cake lies in its simplicity you literally “dump” the ingredients into a dish and bake. There’s no mixing, kneading, or crust forming required. In this version, the rich pecan pie base sits at the bottom, gooey and caramelized, while a buttery, tender cake layer forms on top, giving it a two in one texture and flavor experience.

It’s the perfect dessert for those who crave the flavor of a pecan pie but don’t have the time or the desire to roll out a crust or watch a custard set just so. With a quick prep and hands off baking, it’s hard not to fall in love with the ease and results of this delightful dish.

The Flavor Profile: Rich, Nutty, and Oh So Satisfying

At first glance, this dessert might look humble, but one bite reveals its true depth. The bottom layer mimics the gooey filling of a traditional pecan pie, made luscious with brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla. This syrupy base is sweet and sticky, carrying hints of molasses and caramel.

But the true stars here are the pecans. Toasted as they bake, they bring a warm, buttery crunch that cuts through the sweetness with balance and texture. The top layer formed from a dry cake mix that’s moistened with melted butter adds a subtle vanilla note and a tender crumb, forming a golden crust that offsets the richness below. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a whisper of spice, tying all the layers together.

If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that’s rich, layered, and texturally dynamic, this one ticks every box.

Why It’s Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the biggest selling points of the pecan pie dump cake is its versatility. Whether you’re preparing for a major holiday like Thanksgiving or simply want something sweet after dinner on a Tuesday night, this dessert delivers.

Holiday gatherings? Absolutely. It fits right in with a Thanksgiving spread, especially when you want something that feels traditional but isn’t labor-intensive.

Potlucks or family parties? It travels well, serves a crowd, and doesn’t require refrigeration right away. It also doesn’t need to be sliced perfectly just scoop it out and serve.

Everyday dessert? 100%. It uses pantry staples and comes together in under an hour. Plus, the leftovers are even better the next day.

This is a no-fuss dessert that doesn’t just meet expectations it exceeds them, especially when you top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Tips for Serving and Pairing

While this cake is a winner on its own, there are plenty of ways to dress it up:

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold, creamy and crunchy, is unbeatable.
Add whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an airy counterpoint to the rich base.
Top with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Pair with coffee or black tea for a balanced bite.
A splash of bourbon or rum in the pecan mixture (if you’re customizing) adds a grown up flavor that deepens the complexity.

If you’re hosting a dinner party or bringing dessert to a gathering, serve it in a clear baking dish to show off its beautiful layers golden cake, caramel center, and toasted pecans on top. Presentation might not be its strong suit out of the oven, but a touch of thoughtful plating goes a long way.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Make Ahead Tips

One of the most practical features of the pecan pie dump cake is its longevity. If you’re baking ahead or storing leftovers, here’s what you should know:

Room Temperature: Store tightly covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Wrap well and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then warm slightly before serving.

To maintain the texture, you can place a small piece of parchment paper under slices when storing to prevent sogginess. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for a gooey treat that tastes just as good as the day you baked it.

Customizing the Dump Cake

Like any good home-style dessert, the pecan pie dump cake is easy to customize. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Chocolate Chips: A handful of chocolate chips between the layers can add a fudge-like surprise.
Coconut Flakes: For a tropical touch, add sweetened shredded coconut to the pecan layer.
Spice It Up: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves to the cake mix for a seasonal twist.
Switch the Cake Mix: White, butter pecan, or even spice cake mix works beautifully.
Add Fruit: A thin layer of sliced apples or pears between the pecan and cake layers adds complexity and cuts sweetness.
Make It Boozy: A splash of bourbon or dark rum in the pecan layer adds warmth and depth.

These small tweaks allow you to create a slightly different dessert every time, keeping things interesting and catering to different tastes or dietary needs.

Dietary Considerations

This dessert contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy, tree nuts, and gluten. However, there are workarounds for some of these:

Gluten Free: Use a certified gluten-free cake mix.
Dairy Free: Opt for plant-based butter.
Egg Free: Use commercial egg replacers or applesauce as an egg substitute (1/4 cup per egg).

While it’s not inherently low sugar, you can cut back on brown sugar or use sugar alternatives to reduce the sweetness slightly without losing texture.

Conclusion:

The pecan pie dump cake is the perfect example of how modern baking can honor tradition while embracing convenience. It delivers everything you love about a pecan pie warmth, crunch, sweetness with none of the pressure or prep time. It’s no wonder this dessert has become a staple for both last minute bakers and seasoned home cooks.

Whether you’re preparing for a celebration or simply want a little indulgence after dinner, this cake will satisfy every time. It’s nostalgic, approachable, and endlessly adaptable everything a great dessert should be.

Pin2

2 Shares