Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen crafting intricate desserts that never quite match the picture? That’s exactly how I felt before discovering the magic of dump cakes. At Cooks Foody, we believe that incredible flavor shouldn’t require culinary school training.
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake combines the beloved flavors of traditional pecan pie with the simplicity of a dump cake making it the perfect solution for both novice bakers and busy dessert lovers.
As part of our journey at Cooks Foody, Elizabeth has tested this recipe through multiple iterations, ensuring that the balance between the gooey pecan filling and buttery cake topping creates that perfect texture we all crave in a dessert. Today, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know from ingredient selection to serving suggestions to create a Pecan Pie Dump Cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe Works
• Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have
• Takes less than 10 minutes of hands-on prep time
• Creates the nostalgic pecan pie flavor without the fussy pie crust
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight treats
• Can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Best Pecan Options for This Recipe
The star ingredient in any Pecan Pie Dump Cake is, of course, the pecans. For best results, use fresh, high-quality pecans that haven’t been sitting in your pantry for months. Halved pecans create that classic pecan pie appearance, while chopped pecans integrate more thoroughly into the filling.
Cake Mix Selection
While yellow cake mix is traditional for Pecan Pie Dump Cake, a butter-flavored cake mix can enhance the rich, buttery notes. In a pinch, white cake mix works too, though it creates a slightly different flavor profile.
Substitutions
If pecans aren’t available or you’re looking to vary the recipe, walnuts make an excellent alternative. For those with nut allergies, consider a different dump cake variation altogether, like our Raspberry Cookies recipe for a delicious nut-free dessert option.
Ingredients & Prep for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Dump Cake Base Essentials
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1½ cups pecans (divided)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping Elements
- ½ cup butter, cold and cut into thin slices
- ½ cup chopped pecans for garnish
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Step-by-Step Pecan Pie Dump Cake Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Measure all ingredients before beginning to ensure smooth assembly.
Mixing the Pecan Pie Filling Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in 1 cup of pecans until evenly distributed.
- Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Creating the Dump Cake Layer
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pecan filling layer.
- Arrange the thin slices of cold butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible.
- Scatter the remaining ½ cup of pecans over the top.
Baking Your Pecan Pie Dump Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out mostly clean.
- The center may still appear slightly jiggly this is normal as it will set while cooling.
- Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Avoiding Common Dump Cake Mistakes
- Don’t mix the cake layer with the filling – the separation creates the magic.
- Ensure butter slices cover as much cake mix as possible to prevent dry spots.
- If any dry cake mix remains on top during baking, lightly spray with cooking spray.
Tool Recommendations
A glass baking dish works best for this recipe as it allows you to see when the bottom layer is properly caramelized. An offset spatula makes serving neat portions much easier.
Storage & Reheating
Store your Pecan Pie Dump Cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth.
Looking for more delicious treats? Check out our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs for another easy dessert option!
Flavor Variations for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Spicy Twist
Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced version perfect for fall gatherings.
Health-Conscious Options
For a lighter version, use a sugar-free cake mix and reduced-sugar corn syrup alternative.
Seasonal Adaptations
| Season | Flavor Addition | Serving Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Add 1/2 cup pumpkin puree | Serve with cinnamon whipped cream |
| Winter | Mix in 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg | Pair with eggnog ice cream |
| Spring | Add 1 tbsp orange zest | Top with citrus whipped cream |
| Summer | Include 1 cup fresh berries | Serve with berry compote |
Serving Suggestions for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
This versatile dessert can be served warm or at room temperature. For an extra-special presentation, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Coffee, tea, or milk make perfect beverage pairings.
For a complete meal, consider serving this rich dessert after a lighter main course like our Braised Leeks for a perfect balance of flavors.
Want more cooking inspiration? Find our latest recipes on Pinterest where we share weekly dessert ideas you won’t want to miss!
FAQs About Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Can I make Pecan Pie Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes! This dessert actually develops more flavor overnight. Make it a day in advance, cool completely, cover, and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
Why is my dump cake still powdery on top?
This happens when the butter doesn’t cover all the cake mix. Ensure your butter slices are thin and cover as much surface as possible. If you notice dry spots during baking, lightly spray with cooking spray.
Can I freeze Pecan Pie Dump Cake?
Absolutely! Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before serving.
Is this recipe good for beginners?
This is one of the most beginner-friendly desserts you can make! With minimal measuring and mixing, it’s almost impossible to mess up making it perfect for new bakers.
Conclusion
The beauty of this Pecan Pie Dump Cake lies in its simplicity and incredible flavor. It captures all the rich, nutty goodness of traditional pecan pie but requires just a fraction of the effort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a quick dessert solution or a kitchen novice wanting to impress, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results.
Print
Pecan Pie Dump CakePecan Pie Dump Cake: 5 Reasons to Bake It TodayIs Pecan Pie Dump
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, gooey, and irresistibly easy dessert that combines the flavors of classic pecan pie with the simplicity of a dump cake buttery, nutty, and perfectly caramelized with minimal effort!
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) pecan pie filling or 1 1/2 cups homemade pecan pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread pecan pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
3. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the filling.
4. Evenly pour the dry cake mix on top — do not stir.
5. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix to cover as much as possible.
6. (Optional) Sprinkle brown sugar and a pinch of salt on top for extra caramel flavor.
7. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
8. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
9. Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
For extra richness, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Try using butter pecan or spice cake mix for a fun flavor twist.
This dessert tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: pecan pie dump cake, easy dessert, holiday dessert, fall baking, caramel pecan cake, gooey butter cake