Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

Irresistible Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe: Sweet Bliss in a Dish

Baking a delightful pecan pie dump cake can turn an ordinary afternoon into a sweet celebration of comfort.

Dessert lovers appreciate how simple ingredients create magic in just one pan.

Southern kitchens have long cherished these effortless treats that combine classic flavors with minimal preparation.

Pecans add a rich, nutty crunch that elevates every single bite.

Warm spices and caramel-like notes dance through this rustic dessert, promising pure indulgence.

Mixing becomes a breeze with this no-fuss approach that welcomes even novice bakers.

You’ll adore how quickly this recipe comes together, making it perfect for spontaneous sugar cravings.

Dive into this delectable experience and let your taste buds rejoice in each decadent spoonful.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake That’s Sticky, Rich, and Simple

  • Quick and Easy Dessert: Whip up this pecan pie dump cake in under an hour with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers classic pecan pie flavors with the simplicity of a dump cake, making it perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert that suits multiple occasions like holiday parties, weekend treats, or casual get-togethers.
  • Minimal Prep Technique: Combines traditional pie ingredients with cake mix for a hassle-free recipe that requires zero fancy baking techniques and delivers maximum deliciousness.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Cake Base:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the simple, quick base for the dump cake with a sweet, classic flavor.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the pecan filling.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup: Creates a rich, sticky sweet base that gives traditional pecan pie texture.
  • Eggs: Helps bind and set the filling with a smooth, creamy consistency.
Nut Component:
  • Pecans: Delivers a crunchy, nutty texture and signature pecan pie flavor, best when fresh and high-quality.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and rounds out the sweet flavors with subtle complexity.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
Moisture Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, helps with browning, and creates a moist, tender texture throughout the cake.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake Dessert Bake Guide

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to keep things from sticking.

Step 2: Create The Gooey Pecan Base

In a big mixing bowl, grab your whisk and blend together:
  • Brown sugar
  • Salt
  • Corn syrup
  • Vanilla extract
  • Beaten eggs
  • Melted butter

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and silky.

Fold in some chopped pecans and pour this heavenly mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Layer On The Delicious Topping

In another bowl, mix your dry cake mix with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Spread this crumbly goodness evenly over the pecan filling.

Drizzle the remaining melted butter across the top, making sure it’s well covered.

Scatter more pecans on top for extra crunch.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a center that’s set but still has a slight jiggle.

Step 5: Let It Rest And Enjoy

Give your masterpiece about 15 minutes to cool and settle.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cloud of whipped cream on top.

Prepare for total dessert bliss!

Dump Cake Tips For Pecan Pie Dessert

  • Drizzle melted butter evenly across the cake mix to ensure every bite gets a rich, moist texture without dry patches.
  • Let the pecan filling set slightly before adding cake mix topping to maintain a crisp, well-defined layer structure.
  • Swap pecans with walnuts or mix different nuts for a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
  • Reduce corn syrup quantity if you prefer a less sweet dessert, balancing the overall flavor without compromising texture.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free cake mix to create a delicious alternative for lactose-intolerant guests.

Save Pecan Pie Dump Cake for Later

  • Store leftover pecan pie dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual portions or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 300°F. Place cake slice on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Heat individual slices for 20-30 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add few more seconds if needed, ensuring cake doesn't become tough.

Sweet Matches for Pecan Dump Cake

  • Sip Sweet Bourbon Complement: Pair this rich pecan pie dump cake with a smooth bourbon like Maker's Mark, which echoes the caramel and nutty undertones of the dessert, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
  • Scoop Creamy Vanilla Delight: Top the warm cake with a cold scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the warm cake and cold ice cream to create a delightful temperature contrast that enhances every bite.
  • Brew Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a freshly brewed cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee, matching the cake's warm cinnamon notes and providing a comforting, aromatic accompaniment that elevates the dessert's sweetness.
  • Drizzle Salted Caramel Sauce: Enhance the dessert by adding a light drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce, which will complement the pecan's richness and add an extra layer of decadent flavor complexity.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake Serving Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Pecan Variation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and choose plant-based cake mix. Select dairy-free vanilla extract and vegan-friendly corn syrup alternatives.
  • Low-Sugar Nutty Option: Use sugar-free cake mix, replace corn syrup with sugar-free maple syrup, and incorporate monk fruit sweetener. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich pecan flavor profile.
  • Nut-Alternative Cake: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for different texture and taste. Select roasted nuts for enhanced depth of flavor and added crunch to the dessert.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe difficult to make?

This dump cake is incredibly easy and beginner-friendly. You simply mix ingredients, pour them in layers, and bake. No complicated mixing or advanced baking skills required, making it perfect for novice bakers.

  • Can I use a different type of nuts?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts or chopped almonds. Just ensure the nuts are roughly chopped to distribute evenly throughout the cake.

A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients are literally “dumped” into a baking dish in layers without extensive mixing. You pour ingredients on top of each other and bake, creating a delicious, effortless dessert.

  • How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown top and a set center that’s still slightly gooey. The edges will be bubbly and the cake mix topping will look crisp. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs.

Print
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Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rich, gooey pecan pie dump cake delivers Southern comfort in one effortless dessert. Sweet layers of buttery cake and caramelized pecans create an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup pecan halves or coarsely chopped pecans
  • 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix

Sweeteners and Syrups:

  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by greasing a 9×13-inch dish and heating the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for the decadent dessert.
  2. Craft the luscious pecan filling by whisking brown sugar, salt, corn syrup, vanilla extract, eggs, and melted butter until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  3. Fold one cup of pecans into the liquid mixture, distributing them evenly to ensure nutty texture throughout the filling.
  4. Gently transfer the pecan-studded mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it to create an even layer that will serve as the cake’s foundation.
  5. Create a crumbly topping by mixing the dry cake mix with ground cinnamon, which will provide a delightful textural contrast to the rich filling below.
  6. Sprinkle the cinnamon-infused cake mix over the pecan filling, ensuring complete and uniform coverage across the surface.
  7. Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the cake mix, helping to create a golden, crisp top during baking.
  8. Scatter the final cup of pecans across the buttered surface, adding visual appeal and extra crunch to the dessert.
  9. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and a slightly gooey center that signals perfect doneness.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to rest for 15 minutes, enabling the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
  11. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a delicate dollop of whipped cream to enhance the indulgent experience.

Notes

  • Adjust butter for dietary needs by substituting with coconut oil or vegan margarine to create a lighter, healthier version of the dessert.
  • Toast pecans beforehand to intensify their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cake’s overall taste profile.
  • Control sweetness by reducing corn syrup or using alternative liquid sweeteners like maple syrup for a more balanced flavor.
  • Enhance texture by sprinkling a thin layer of sea salt on top before baking to create a delightful sweet-salty contrast that elevates the dessert.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 394
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 219 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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