If you love the rich, buttery flavor of pecan pie but want something easier to make, this Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the perfect dessert. It has all the classic flavors of a traditional pecan pie—brown sugar, vanilla, buttery pecans, and a gooey filling—combined with the simplicity of a dump cake.
This recipe is great for holidays, family gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you want a warm and comforting dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake
This dessert is sweet, rich, and full of crunchy pecans. The bottom layer turns soft and gooey like pecan pie filling, while the top becomes golden, buttery, and slightly crisp. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra delicious treat.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix, 15.25 oz
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves, divided
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Pecan Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, light corn syrup, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Stir in 1 cup of pecan halves.
Step 3: Add to Baking Dish
Pour the pecan mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pecan filling. Do not prepare the cake mix according to the box instructions—use it dry.
Step 5: Add Butter and Pecans
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible.
Top with the remaining 1 cup of pecan halves.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set around the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool slightly before serving. It will thicken as it rests.
Serve warm on its own, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Pecan Pie Dump Cake tastes best when served slightly warm. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is an easy dessert that delivers big flavor with very little effort. It is sweet, nutty, buttery, and perfect for anyone who loves pecan pie but wants a quicker, simpler version.
