If you love pecan pie and you love cake, this dessert is about to become your new obsession. Pecan Pie Dump Cake is everything dessert lovers dream of—gooey, buttery, nutty, sweet, and incredibly easy to make. It combines the rich, caramel-like filling of classic pecan pie with the soft, golden texture of cake, all baked together in one simple dish.
What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly it comes together. There’s no complicated layering, no rolling dough, and no mixer required. You simply “dump,” bake, and enjoy. Yet the result tastes like something you’d order at a bakery or serve at a holiday gathering.
This is the kind of dessert that makes people ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished their first bite.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Perfect balance of gooey and fluffy
Rich pecan pie flavor without the fuss
Made with simple pantry
ingredients
Feeds a crowd easily
Ideal for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners
Even better served warm with ice cream
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is practically foolproof—and always impressive.
What Is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is exactly what it sounds like: ingredients are layered or poured into a baking dish without complicated mixing or preparation. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. Dump cakes bake into beautifully textured desserts with layers of flavor and richness.
This pecan pie version elevates the idea by combining a custard-style filling with cake mix and crunchy pecans, creating a dessert that tastes far more complex than the effort required.
Ingredients
For the Pecan Pie Dump Cake
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
½ teaspoon salt
These ingredients come together to create a dessert that is sweet, rich, and perfectly textured.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or nonstick spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes serving much easier.
Step 2: Make the Pecan Pie Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn syrup, packed brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
This mixture is the heart of the dessert—it creates that classic pecan pie flavor with a rich, custardy base.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Do not prepare the cake mix according to package instructions—use it straight from the box.
This layer will absorb the filling as it bakes, forming a soft cake-like texture beneath the gooey pecan topping.
Step 4: Pour the Filling
Carefully pour the corn syrup mixture over the dry cake mix. Use a spatula to gently spread it if needed, making sure the cake mix is evenly covered.
As it bakes, the filling will sink into the cake mix, creating layers of texture and flavor.
Step 5: Add the Pecans
Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top. They’ll toast beautifully in the oven, adding crunch and nutty richness to every bite.
Step 6: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The top should look slightly crisp, while the inside remains soft and gooey.
If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving. This helps the layers set while still keeping the dessert warm and indulgent.
Serve plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
Texture and Flavor Experience
Every bite of this Pecan Pie Dump Cake delivers:
A buttery, golden cake layer
A gooey, caramel-like pecan pie center
Crunchy toasted pecans on top
Deep sweetness balanced with vanilla and salt
It’s rich without being overwhelming, sweet without being cloying, and incredibly satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert shines on its own, but it’s even better with:
Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
A drizzle of caramel sauce
A sprinkle of sea salt
Serve it warm for the best flavor and texture.
Perfect Occasions for This Dessert
Thanksgiving and Christmas
Potlucks and family gatherings
Church dinners and bake sales
Weekend desserts
When you need a crowd-pleasing sweet
This is one of those recipes that disappears fast—don’t expect leftovers.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheat individual servings in the microwave
Can be frozen for up to 2 months
The flavors deepen over time, making it just as delicious the next day.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
Use fresh pecans for best flavor
Don’t overbake—the center should be set but soft
Let it rest before cutting for cleaner slices
Serve warm for maximum indulgence
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~320 kcal
Servings: 12
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is truly a must-try for all dessert lovers. It delivers everything you love about pecan pie with the ease and comfort of a dump cake. Simple to make, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to impress, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.