Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Craving the rich flavors of pecan pie but want something easier to make? This Pecan Pie Dump Cake delivers all the caramel-sweet, nutty goodness of traditional pecan pie with the simplicity of a dump cake.

Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or satisfying your sweet tooth any day of the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

Rich, Decadent Flavors 🍯

This dessert perfectly captures the caramel-like sweetness and nutty goodness of traditional pecan pie while adding the soft texture of cake for an irresistible treat that combines the best of both worlds.

Simple Preparation, Amazing Results 🙌

With just 10 minutes of prep time and basic pantry ingredients, this dump cake delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort – perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Perfect for Any Occasion 🎉

Whether it’s a family dinner, holiday gathering, or potluck, this dessert is guaranteed to impress and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth without keeping you tied to the kitchen.

Serving Size 🍽️

This recipe makes 12 generous servings (approximately 3/4 cup each), making it perfect for family gatherings or when you want leftovers to enjoy throughout the week. You can easily adjust the recipe by using a smaller baking dish for fewer servings.

Ingredients List 🛒

For this delicious Pecan Pie Dump Cake, you’ll need:

• 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) package yellow cake mix
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For a richer variation, you can use:

• 2 3/4 cups dark brown sugar (divided into 2 cups and 3/4 cup)
• 1 cup dark corn syrup
• 1 1/4 cups salted butter (divided into 1/2 cup and 3/4 cup)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups pecan halves (divided into 3 cups and 1 cup)
• 1 box white cake mix (15.25 ounces)
• 1 cup hot water
• Optional caramel topping

Preparation Time ⏳

• Total prep time: 10 minutes
• The beauty of dump cakes is their simplicity – just mix, layer, and bake!

Cooking Time ⏲️

• Baking time: 40-45 minutes
• Total time from start to finish: Approximately 50-55 minutes (including preparation)

Instructions / Method 👩‍🍳

Preparing Your Baking Dish 🍽️

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Creating the Pecan Pie Base 🥜

1. In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, corn syrup, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and 1/2 cup of the melted butter.
2. Mix these ingredients well until thoroughly combined.
3. Stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
4. Pour this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish1.

Adding the Cake Layer 🎂

1. In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and cinnamon.
2. Sprinkle this dry cake mixture evenly over the pecan mixture in the baking dish.
3. Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup of melted butter over the top of the cake layer.
4. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of pecans on top.

Baking to Perfection 🔥

1. Bake in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
2. Check at the 30-minute mark as oven temperatures can vary.
3. The cake may still have a slight jiggle in the middle when done – this is normal and will firm up as it cools.
4. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm, or let cool completely for easier slicing.

Cooking Tools & Equipment 🛠️

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or mixing spoon
• Cooking spray

Flavor Profile 🌶️

Taste Description 😋

This dessert offers the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors with a multi-layered texture experience.

The bottom layer provides a gooey, caramel-like sweetness reminiscent of pecan pie filling, while the cake layer on top offers a soft, moist contrast, all crowned with crunchy, toasted pecans.

Key Flavors & Spices 🌿

• Brown sugar provides deep, molasses-like sweetness
• Vanilla extract adds aromatic warmth
• Cinnamon brings subtle spice notes
• Pecans contribute earthy, buttery nuttiness
• Corn syrup creates that classic pecan pie texture and flavor

How to Balance the Flavors ⚖️

• If you find the dessert too sweet, serve with unsweetened whipped cream
• A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors without making the dessert salty
• The cinnamon can be adjusted to your preference for more or less spice

Allergen Information ⚠️

Common Allergens 🚨

This recipe contains several common allergens:

• Eggs
• Dairy (butter)
• Tree nuts (pecans)
• Wheat (in the cake mix)

Substitutions for Allergen-Free Options 🔄

• Egg substitutes: For each egg, use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer
• Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter alternatives
• Nut allergies: Unfortunately, pecans are essential to this recipe. Consider trying a different dump cake recipe without nuts
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix

Nutritional Information 🥗

Based on commercially prepared pecan pie which has a similar ingredient profile, each serving (approximately 3/4 cup) contains:

• Calories: Approximately 452 calories
• Carbohydrates: Around 64.64g
• Fats: Approximately 20.9g
• Protein: About 4.52g
• Sugars: Around 31.92g
• Fiber: Approximately 3.96g

Note that this is a rich, indulgent dessert meant to be enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Dietary Considerations 🥑

Suitable for Special Diets

• This recipe is suitable for omnivorous diets
• Contains gluten, so not suitable for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals
• High in sugar, so not suitable for low-sugar or diabetic diets without modification

How to Modify for Dietary Needs 🌱

• Low-sugar option: Use a sugar-free cake mix and reduce the brown sugar by 1/3
• Gluten-free: Substitute with a gluten-free cake mix
• Vegan: Use plant-based butter, egg replacer, and ensure your cake mix is vegan-friendly

Recipe Variations 🔄

Ingredient Substitutions 🧪

• Cake Mix Options: While yellow cake mix is traditional, try white cake mix, butter pecan cake mix, or spice cake mix for different flavor profiles
• Syrup Alternatives: If you don’t have corn syrup, caramel sundae topping can work as a substitute
• Liquid Variations: For the alternative recipe, replace hot water with coffee or rum for added depth of flavor

Alternative Cooking Methods 🍳

• Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 3-4 hours for an even more gooey texture
• Individual Portions: Divide mixture into ramekins and bake for 25-30 minutes for personalized servings

Customization Tips ✨

• Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist
• Mix in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a tart contrast
• Add 1 teaspoon of bourbon for a more complex flavor profile that enhances the pecan notes
• Sprinkle with coarse sea salt before serving for a sweet-salty contrast

Pairings & Side Dishes 🍷

Recommended Side Dishes 🍽️

• Vanilla ice cream provides the perfect cool, creamy contrast
• Fresh whipped cream lightens the richness
• Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries adds brightness

Beverage Pairings 🥤

• Coffee balances the sweetness beautifully
• Cold milk is a classic companion
• Sweet dessert wines like Port complement the nutty flavors
• Hot tea with honey offers a soothing contrast

Balanced Meal Suggestions 🥘

Since this is a rich dessert, consider serving after:

• A lighter main course like grilled fish or chicken
• A meal with plenty of vegetables to balance the sweetness
• Any Southern-inspired meal for a thematic connection

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

Presentation Ideas 🎨

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting on top
• Dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for visual appeal
• Present in clear glass dishes to showcase the beautiful layers

Garnishing Tips 🌿

• A light drizzle of caramel sauce creates an elegant finish
• A sprig of mint adds a pop of color
• A perfect pecan half placed on top signals what’s inside

Storage & Shelf Life ❄️

• Room Temperature: Cover tightly and store for up to 2 days
• Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Well-wrapped, this cake can be frozen for up to 2 months
• To Prevent Sogginess: For leftover slices, place a piece of parchment paper under the crust to absorb excess moisture
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds

Cooking Tips & Tricks 🔥

Techniques for Better Results 👨‍🍳

• Allow eggs to come to room temperature for better incorporation
• Pour hot water carefully over the cake mix without stirring to create the perfect cake texture (if using the alternative recipe)
• Check for doneness at the minimum baking time as ovens vary
• A slight jiggle in the center when removing from the oven is normal – it will set as it cools
• Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving for easier slicing

Time-Saving Hacks ⏱️

• Chop pecans in advance and store in the freezer
• Measure all ingredients before starting to streamline the process
• Use pre-chopped pecans if available
• Clean as you go to minimize post-baking cleanup

When Things Go Wrong 🤔

Too Dry 😫

• Problem: Cake layer seems too dry or crumbly
• Solution: Make sure to drizzle all the butter evenly over the cake mix; no dry spots should remain visible before baking

Too Wet 💦

• Problem: Center doesn’t set properly
• Solution: Bake 5-10 minutes longer, covering with foil if the top is getting too brown

Burnt Pecans 🔥

• Problem: Pecans on top getting too dark
• Solution: Cover with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking

Soggy Bottom 😕

• Problem: The bottom crust becomes soggy during storage
• Solution: Store in the refrigerator, which slows moisture migration and helps thicken the filling, and place parchment paper under slices when storing leftover portions

FAQs ❓

Can I make this Pecan Pie Dump Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert can be made 1-2 days in advance and refrigerated. For best results, bring it to room temperature before serving or warm individual slices slightly in the microwave.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The top should be golden brown, and the center should be mostly set with just a slight jiggle. Remember that it will continue to set as it cools, so don’t overbake.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

While pecans are traditional for that pecan pie flavor, you could substitute walnuts for a similar result. Almonds or hazelnuts would create a different but still delicious dessert.

Is this the same as a pecan cobbler?

While similar, this dump cake has distinct layers with a cake-like top, while a cobbler typically has a biscuit-like topping dropped over the filling.

Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet version?

Yes, you can reduce the brown sugar by up to 1/3 without significantly affecting the texture, though the flavor will be less rich.

Final Thoughts ❤️

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake brilliantly combines two beloved desserts into one easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

With its gooey pecan pie bottom and fluffy cake topping, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

The next time you’re craving pecan pie but don’t want the fuss of making a traditional pie crust, give this delicious dump cake a try! 🥧✨