There’s something truly magical about the cozy aroma of pecans and brown sugar wafting through your kitchen—especially when it’s coming from this Pecan Pie Dump Cake. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or just a comforting treat on a chilly weekend, this dessert combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or simply craving something sweet and indulgent, this recipe brings Southern charm to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Inspired by classic pecan pie—an American favorite—this dump cake version is even easier to prepare and offers a unique texture that’s somewhere between a gooey pie and a buttery cake. And the best part? It requires just a handful of pantry staples and a single baking dish. Let’s dive in and discover why this decadent dessert should be the next star of your sweet spread.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake

This dessert isn’t just delicious—it’s irresistible. Here’s why:

✅ Effortless to make – No mixer, no special techniques, no fuss. Just mix, dump, and bake.
✅ Rich, buttery flavor – Thanks to the combination of brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla.
✅ Perfect texture – A gooey, caramelized base topped with a golden, slightly crunchy cake topping.
✅ Customizable – Add chocolate chips, swap in different nuts, or serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
✅ Feeds a crowd – With 12 servings, this is ideal for potlucks, parties, or family meals.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is practically foolproof and always crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might already have everything you need in your pantry. Here’s the full list:

1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 large eggs
1 cup corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Each ingredient plays a role in creating the signature flavor and texture of this cake. The cake mix provides a buttery crust, while the corn syrup and brown sugar create that classic pecan pie gooeyness. The pecans bring crunch and warmth, and the vanilla ties everything together with a rich aroma.

How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Making this cake is as easy as pie—literally. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This ensures your cake won’t stick and will slide out beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

1 cup corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup melted butter
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms your sticky-sweet base—almost like pecan pie filling.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the wet mixture in the baking dish. Do not mix it in—just let it sit on top. The magic of a dump cake is in the layering!

Step 4: Pour It On

Carefully pour the corn syrup mixture over the cake mix layer, covering it as evenly as possible. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread if necessary.

Step 5: Add the Pecans

Sprinkle the chopped pecans across the top. They’ll toast up beautifully while baking, adding a nutty crunch that perfectly complements the gooey base.

Step 6: Bake

Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set. The top should be firm but not hard.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let your dump cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for the best experience, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this Pecan Pie Dump Cake is divine on its own, here are a few ideas to elevate it even further:

Serve With:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a hot-and-cold combo
Maple whipped cream for extra fall flavor
A drizzle of caramel sauce for indulgence overload
A dusting of powdered sugar for presentation

Add-In Variations:

Chocolate chips – For a Turtle-inspired twist.
Toasted coconut – Add tropical flavor and extra texture.
Spices – A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the warmth.
Different nuts – Try walnuts or almonds for variety.
Gluten-free cake mix – A simple swap for gluten-sensitive guests.

Tips for Success

To make sure your Pecan Pie Dump Cake turns out perfect every time, keep these pro tips in mind:

Use quality ingredients: Real butter, fresh pecans, and pure vanilla extract make a difference.
Don’t mix the layers: The unique texture comes from layering—resist the urge to stir!
Let it rest: Cooling allows the filling to firm up slightly and makes slicing cleaner.
Make ahead: Bake the night before and reheat gently before serving. It stores beautifully.

How to Store and Reheat

If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if), here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storage:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps for 5–6 days in the fridge. Cover tightly.
Freezer: Wrap portions in foil or airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Microwave individual slices for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Warm larger portions in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

While this is an indulgent treat, here’s a rough breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings):

Calories: 320 kcal
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugar: 26g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g

This dessert is definitely a splurge—but it’s worth every bite.

What Makes Dump Cake So Special?

If you’re new to the world of dump cakes, let’s talk about what makes them so unique and beloved:

They’re ridiculously easy – Just layer and bake. No need to dirty every bowl in your kitchen.
They’re endlessly customizable – Mix and match fillings, toppings, and cake flavors.
They taste homemade – Even though they use store-bought cake mix, the final result is rich and impressive.
Perfect for beginners – Great for kids, baking parties, or anyone intimidated by traditional baking.

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the ultimate fusion of traditional Southern dessert flavors and modern-day convenience. The result? A comforting classic with a new twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Absolutely! Yellow cake mix adds buttery richness, but butter pecan, vanilla, or even spice cake mix would work well too.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap in a gluten-free yellow cake mix, and ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. It’s even better the next day. Just reheat before serving for that fresh-baked taste.

How do I know it’s done baking?

The edges should be golden brown and the center should be set but still slightly jiggly. It will firm up more as it cools.

Can I make individual servings?

You sure can! Use a muffin tin or ramekins and adjust the baking time (around 25–30 minutes depending on size).

Final Thoughts: A Must-Bake Dessert for All Occasions

If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s quick, delicious, and guaranteed to wow your guests, look no further than this Pecan Pie Dump Cake. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug—a rich, sweet, nutty hug straight from the oven.

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a dinner party, or simply indulging in a well-earned treat, this dessert fits every occasion. And because it’s so easy to whip up, you can spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen.

**So go ahead—grab a fork and dig in. Your