Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

Pecan Pie Dump Cake combines the rich, nutty flavors of traditional pecan pie with the simple convenience of a dump cake recipe. This delicious dessert requires no mixing bowls, no measuring cups for wet ingredients, and certainly no complicated techniques that leave you stressed in the kitchen.

I discovered this recipe during a busy holiday season when I needed to bring dessert to three different gatherings in one weekend. My grandmother’s pecan pie recipe was too time-consuming, but I still wanted that classic pecan pie taste everyone loves. That’s when I stumbled upon this genius dump cake method.

The beauty of pecan dump cake recipes lies in their simplicity. You literally dump the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the work. The result is a warm, gooey dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but actually took just 10 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

For the Base Layer:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Pecan Pie Filling:

• 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup whole pecans for topping

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/4 cup caramel sauce for caramel pecan dump cake variation
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon for extra warmth
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

The ingredient list for this pecan pie dump cake easy recipe is straightforward. Most items are pantry staples, making this one of the best dump cake recipes for last-minute entertaining.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Create the Base Layer

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. This creates the foundation for your pecan dump cake.

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This base layer will become beautifully golden and provide the perfect contrast to the gooey pecan topping.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Pie Filling

In another bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, three eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined. This mixture creates that classic pecan pie flavor we’re after.

Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Dump Cake

Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the cake mix base. Don’t worry about perfect distribution – the rustic look adds to the charm of dump cake recipes easy style.

Sprinkle the whole pecans on top for extra crunch and visual appeal. If you’re making a caramel pecan dump cake, drizzle the caramel sauce over everything now.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. The edges should be slightly firm when gently shaken.

Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set properly and makes cutting much easier.

Pro Tips and Variations

Expert Baking Tips:

Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs. Remember, this is meant to be gooey like pecan pie.

Prevent Over-Browning: If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Let eggs come to room temperature for better mixing and smoother texture.

Delicious Variations:

Butter Pecan Dump Cake: Replace yellow cake mix with butter pecan cake mix for extra richness.

Texas Dump Cake Style: Add 1/2 cup bourbon to the filling for an adult twist that’s popular in Texas.

Chocolate Pecan Version: Swirl in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cake.

Pecan Pie Cobbler Style: Add a layer of vanilla ice cream between servings for a cobbler-like experience.

Make-Ahead Options:

This pecan dump cake recipes easy dessert can be made up to two days ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator and warm slightly before serving.

For busy hosts, prepare the cake mix base and pecan filling separately up to one day ahead. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings:

Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The contrast between warm cake and cold ice cream creates the perfect bite.

Coffee lovers will appreciate this dessert alongside a strong cup of coffee or espresso. The nutty flavors complement coffee beautifully.

Presentation Ideas:

Cut into squares and dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. For casual gatherings, serve directly from the baking dish with a large spoon.

This pecan pie cake recipe easy style works perfectly for potluck dinners, holiday gatherings, or Sunday family dinners.

Portion Control:

Cut into 12 generous squares for rich dessert portions, or 16 smaller pieces for lighter servings. Each piece delivers that satisfying pecan pie taste without overwhelming sweetness.

Conclusion

This pecan pie dump cake proves that the best dump cake recipes don’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. In less than an hour from start to finish, you’ll have a dessert that rivals traditional pecan pie in taste but requires a fraction of the effort.

The combination of textures – from the tender cake base to the gooey pecan filling – creates a dessert experience that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced cook looking for shortcuts, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results.

Next time you need an impressive dessert without the stress, remember this easy pecan dump cake. Your guests will think you’re a baking genius, but you’ll know the delicious secret: sometimes the simplest recipes create the most memorable flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Absolutely! Butter pecan or spice cake mix work beautifully in pecan dump cake recipes. White cake mix creates a lighter base if you prefer less sweetness.

How do I store leftover pecan pie dump cake? Cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore that fresh-baked texture.

Can I freeze this dump cake? Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What if I don’t have corn syrup? Substitute honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious in your pecan recipes.

Can I make this gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cake mix for easy conversion. The rest of the recipe remains the same for this gluten-free take on delicious cake recipes.

How do I know when it’s fully baked? The center should be set but still slightly jiggly, like pecan pie. The top should be golden brown and the edges should be firm.

Can I double this recipe? Yes! Use two 9×13 pans or one large roasting pan. Increase baking time by 10-15 minutes and check for doneness regularly.