When the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, few desserts say “comfort” quite like a slice of pecan pie. But what if you could capture the rich, buttery flavor of pecan pie with half the effort? Enter the Pecan Pie Dump Cake—an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any fall gathering, holiday feast, or cozy evening at home.

This recipe is inspired by southern traditions and holiday get-togethers, where pecan pie is often the star of the dessert table. With just a few pantry staples and a simple layering technique, this dump cake brings all the nutty, caramelized goodness of a traditional pecan pie without the need to roll out a single pie crust. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute Thanksgiving dessert or just craving something sweet and gooey, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

What Is a Dump Cake?

Despite its unflattering name, a dump cake is one of the easiest types of desserts you can make. It gets its name from the method: you simply “dump” ingredients into a baking dish in layers—no stirring, no fuss. It’s typically made with canned fruit or pie filling, a box of cake mix, butter, and a few additional toppings, and the result is somewhere between a cobbler and a cake.

This pecan pie dump cake uses a gooey brown sugar and corn syrup base, chopped pecans, and a buttery cake mix topping to mimic the deep, toasty flavor of pecan pie. The texture is wonderfully varied, with crunchy nuts on top, tender cake in the middle, and a caramel-like filling at the bottom.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake

• Easy prep – No need for pie dough, mixers, or complicated steps.

• Make-ahead friendly – Bake it in advance and reheat before serving.

• Feeds a crowd – Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and holidays.

• Incredible texture – Crunchy pecans, moist cake, and gooey filling in every bite.

• Customizable – Add chocolate chips, bourbon, or maple syrup for a fun twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic pecan pie dump cake:

For the Filling:

• 1 cup light corn syrup

• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 cups chopped pecans

For the Topping:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional Add-ins and Substitutions

• Maple syrup – Replace ¼ cup of corn syrup with real maple syrup for extra depth.

• Chocolate chips – Sprinkle ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips over the pecan layer for a chocolate-pecan pie flavor.

• Bourbon – Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for a boozy twist.

• Spices – Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm, spiced notes.

How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake

This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Pecan Pie Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans. This forms your gooey pecan pie base.

Step 3: Pour Into the Dish

Pour the pecan pie mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the pecan mixture. Do not stir.

Step 5: Add Melted Butter

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the cake mix as possible to avoid dry patches.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. The center should be set but still slightly gooey—just like the center of a pecan pie.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the dump cake cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible finish.

Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Dump Cake

• Even Butter Distribution – Use a spoon to drizzle butter evenly or slice cold butter into thin pats and place them across the top for more uniform coverage.

• Avoid Dry Pockets – Pat down the cake mix gently after adding butter to help ensure it bakes evenly.

• Let It Rest – Don’t skip the cooling time. It helps set the layers and makes slicing easier.

• Use Quality Pecans – Fresh, high-quality pecans make a big difference in flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful all on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate your presentation:

• With Ice Cream – Classic vanilla is the go-to, but butter pecan or cinnamon ice cream are excellent choices.

• Whipped Cream and Caramel Sauce – Add a generous swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel for a dessert that rivals restaurant fare.

• Crumbled Over Yogurt – Try leftovers crumbled over vanilla Greek yogurt for a decadent breakfast treat.

• Holiday Brunch Addition – Serve it alongside pancakes, muffins, or a breakfast casserole for a festive twist.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead

This dump cake is perfect for preparing in advance. You can make it up to 2 days ahead and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven at 300°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze pecan pie dump cake! Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a few minutes to bring back its fresh-from-the-oven texture.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, consider these delicious spin-offs:

Pumpkin Pecan Dump Cake

Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree to the filling and a dash of pumpkin pie spice for a fall-forward treat.

Apple Pecan Dump Cake

Layer thinly sliced apples under the pecan filling for added sweetness and a touch of tartness.

Chocolate Pecan Dump Cake

Stir cocoa powder into the filling and sprinkle chocolate chips between the layers for a rich chocolate flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes! While yellow cake mix gives the most traditional flavor, you can use butter pecan, spice, or even vanilla cake mix for a different twist.

Do I need to toast the pecans first?

It’s not required, but toasting pecans beforehand enhances their flavor. Toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant, then cool before using.

What if I don’t have corn syrup?

You can replace light corn syrup with a mix of maple syrup and honey in a 1:1 ratio, though the texture may differ slightly.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Why This Recipe Belongs on Your Holiday Table

When you’re short on time but still want to impress, pecan pie dump cake is a true lifesaver. It brings the nostalgic flavors of a classic pecan pie with a modern shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Its warm, gooey filling and buttery topping make it a standout dessert that’s easy enough for a weeknight and special enough for Thanksgiving.

Serve it warm, top it with something creamy, and watch as your guests ask for seconds (and the recipe). It’s the kind of dessert that becomes tradition after just one bite.

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