If you love the buttery, caramelized flavor of pecan pie but dread the effort of homemade crust, this pecan pie dump cake recipe is your new best friend. It combines the nostalgic charm of a Southern dessert with the convenience of a one-pan cake. No mixing bowls, no rolling pins—just layer, bake, and enjoy!
This dessert is perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving tables, or any time you want to wow a crowd with minimal effort. Every bite is rich, nutty, and gooey with a golden buttery crust on top.
Ingredients:
For the Filling Base:
- 1 can (15 oz) pecan pie filling (store-bought, or homemade substitute below)
- If unavailable, use:
- 1½ cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- If unavailable, use:
For the Dump Cake Layers:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans (for topping)
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions:
1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2.Layer 1 – Filling:
Spread the pecan pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. If using the homemade mix, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Fold in the chopped pecans, then pour into the dish.
3.Layer 2 – Cake Mix:
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix directly over the pecan layer. Don’t stir! The dry mix will bake into a buttery crust.
4.Layer 3 – Butter & Nuts:
Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, doing your best to moisten most of the surface. Some dry patches are fine—they’ll crisp up deliciously!
Sprinkle the top with the remaining chopped pecans for texture and a beautiful finish.
5.Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling up around the edges.
6.Cool for at least 15–20 minutes before serving. This lets the layers set up and makes it easier to serve.
Optional: Serve warm, room temp, or chilled—it’s fantastic any way!
Decoration & Serving Tips:
- Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream while warm.
- Drizzle with warm caramel sauce just before serving for a luxurious finish.
- Garnish with whole toasted pecans arranged on top for a decorative, elegant touch.
- Lightly dust with powdered sugar for a festive, wintry effect.
- Serve in vintage-style ramekins or dessert jars for a rustic, cozy presentation.
Final Thoughts,
This pecan pie dump cake recipe is proof that effortless can still be extraordinary. With layers of nutty, syrupy goodness and a buttery cake crust, it’s the kind of dessert that disappears fast at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or need a quick weeknight treat, this cake brings the warmth of home and the sweetness of tradition—without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
So grab your baking dish, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the easiest route to pecan pie bliss!