Welcome to the ultimate shortcut to dessert heaven! This Pecan Pie Dump Cake recipe gives you all the rich, gooey, caramelized flavor of a classic pecan pie with a fraction of the effort. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s ridiculously easy to make, you’ve found it. We simply “dump” the ingredients in a baking dish and let the oven do the magic. It’s the perfect treat for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any night you need a sweet, comforting fix.
This recipe combines a buttery cake topping with a decadent pecan and brown sugar filling, creating a dessert that is truly unforgettable. Prepare to amaze your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish.
What Exactly Is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is a wonderfully simple dessert that gets its name from the preparation method. You literally dump the ingredients into a baking dish without any mixing. Typically, this involves a layer of fruit or pie filling, followed by a dry cake mix, and topped with melted butter. As it bakes, the butter melts down, combining with the cake mix to form a golden, crumbly, cobbler-like topping. It’s a foolproof way to create a delicious dessert with minimal effort and cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and no mixing bowl required, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Rich & Decadent: It captures the beloved flavor of pecan pie—sweet, nutty, and buttery—in a warm, scoopable cake.
- Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe is easily doubled and baked in a larger dish, making it an ideal choice for parties and family gatherings.
- Versatile: Serve it warm from the oven, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake uses simple pantry staples to create its magical flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pecans: Chopped pecans are the star of the show, providing that essential nutty flavor and crunch.
- Brown Sugar: We use both light and dark brown sugar for a deep, molasses-rich caramel flavor in the filling.
- Corn Syrup: Dark corn syrup helps create that classic gooey pecan pie texture.
- Eggs: Large eggs bind the filling ingredients together.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is used in both the filling and on top of the cake mix to create a rich, moist dessert.
- Yellow Cake Mix: A box of yellow cake mix creates the effortless, buttery, crumbly topping. Do not prepare the cake mix; you’ll use it dry.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors.
How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake Step-by-Step
You won’t believe how simple this is. Just follow these easy steps for the perfect dump cake.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, and dark corn syrup until smooth. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract. Finally, stir in the chopped pecans. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pecan filling. It’s important to distribute it well to cover the entire surface. Gently pat it down, but do not mix it in.
- Top with Butter: Slice the cold unsalted butter into thin pats and arrange them evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter will melt and create the perfect golden-brown crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The center should be set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set up properly. It’s best served warm!
Pro Tips for Success
While this Pecan Pie Dump Cake is nearly foolproof, a few tips will guarantee a perfect result every time.
- Even Distribution is Key: Make sure the dry cake mix and butter pats are spread evenly over the top. This ensures every bite has the perfect ratio of topping to filling and prevents dry patches.
- Don’t Skimp on the Butter: The butter on top is crucial for creating the crust. Ensure the cake mix is mostly covered with butter pats for a rich, golden topping.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dump cake to cool for at least 15 minutes is essential. This helps the molten filling set, making it easier to scoop and serve.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Sprinkle a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the pecan filling before adding the cake mix for an even more decadent treat. A reader favorite is our Chocolate Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies recipe, which inspired this variation!
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: After baking, drizzle the warm cake with your favorite salted caramel sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Different Cake Mixes: While yellow cake mix is classic, you could experiment with butter pecan, spice, or even a chocolate cake mix for a different flavor profile.
Storing and Reheating Your Dump Cake
Store any leftover Pecan Pie Dump Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. For the best texture, reheat it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help crisp up the topping again.
For another great make-ahead dessert, check out our No-Bake Christmas Cheesecake Bites. If you’re looking for a savory dish to make ahead, this Crock Pot Potato Soup is always a winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can bake it a day in advance. Let it cool completely, then cover and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through before serving.
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is a classic choice, you could easily substitute it with a butter pecan, spice, or even a chocolate cake mix for a unique flavor twist.
No, and that’s the magic of it! You should not mix the layers. The dry cake mix sits on top of the wet filling, and as it bakes, the butter melts down to create a delicious, crumbly topping.
The dump cake is done when the top is a deep golden brown, the filling is bubbly around the edges, and the center is set (it shouldn’t jiggle too much when you gently shake the pan).
This dessert is best served warm to get the full gooey effect. It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
More Delicious Desserts You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this easy dessert, you’re sure to love some of our other favorites. Try our famous Amish White Bread for a comforting classic or these incredible Pumpkin Pie Cookies for another holiday-inspired treat.
Share Your Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this amazing Pecan Pie Dump Cake! It’s a recipe that proves delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
The Best Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe
Pecan Pie Dump Cake: The Easiest Holiday Dessert!
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of melted butter, light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, and dark corn syrup until smooth. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the pecan mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the filling. Gently pat it down, but do not mix.
- Arrange the 1/2 cup of cold, sliced butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and set in the center.
- Let the cake cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set. Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
Tip 2: Ensure the cold butter pats cover as much of the cake mix as possible to avoid dry spots.
Tip 3: Serve this cake warm for the best gooey texture. It pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
