Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the *Pecan Pie Dump Cake*! This dessert is a glorious mash-up of two classics: rich pecan pie and warm, comforting cake—all in one simple dish. I remember the first time I had this at a family gathering; my aunt brought it out fresh from the oven, and the sweet, nutty aroma filled the room. We all dove in, and I swear I could hear angels singing. It’s so easy to whip up, and trust me, it’s the kind of dessert that makes people gather around the table just to get a slice. You’re gonna love it!

Ingredients List
- 1 box yellow cake mix (just the dry mix, no need to prepare it)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (roughly chopped so they mix in nicely)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (this adds richness, so don’t skimp!)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (make sure to pack it tightly for that deep flavor)
- 1 cup corn syrup (this is what gives it that gooey pecan pie texture)
- 4 large eggs (bring them to room temperature for easier mixing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because vanilla makes everything better!)
How to Prepare Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown. So go ahead and get that oven fired up!
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Next, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it up well. I like to use a bit of non-stick spray, but you can also use butter if you prefer. Just make sure you cover the bottom and sides so your delicious creation doesn’t stick when it’s time to serve!
Step 3: Mix the Base Ingredients
Now, in a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. This is where the magic begins! Stir until everything is well combined, and you see a smooth, sweet mixture. It should look gooey and oh-so-inviting!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Time to add the eggs and vanilla extract! Crack those eggs in one at a time, and stir until everything is nicely blended. You want that beautiful vanilla flavor to shine through, so don’t rush this step—mix it well!
Step 5: Pour the Mixture
Once your base is all mixed up, pour the glorious mixture into your greased baking dish. I like to use a spatula to scrape every last bit from the bowl because, trust me, you want all that sweetness in your cake!
Step 6: Add Cake Mix
Here’s where it gets super easy—just sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of your mixture. No need to mix it in; you want those layers to stay separate for that perfect dump cake texture. It’s all about the contrast!
Step 7: Top with Pecans
Now, sprinkle those lovely chopped pecans over the cake mix. This adds an amazing crunch and that classic pecan pie flavor we all love. Feel free to be generous with them—I always am!
Step 8: Bake
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Just a few moist crumbs are totally fine—trust me, it’ll be delicious!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once it’s baked to perfection, let the cake cool for a bit before serving. This is key! I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but allowing it to cool helps the flavors settle. Serve it warm with a scoop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on top, and watch everyone fall in love!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s chat about the numbers! Here are the typical nutritional values for a slice of this heavenly *Pecan Pie Dump Cake*. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on the ingredients used, so your actual values might vary a bit. But it’s good to know what you’re diving into, right?
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
So, there you have it! A delightful treat that’s rich and satisfying, but hey, it’s all about balance, right? Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *Pecan Pie Dump Cake* turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure you nail it every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are fresh! It really makes a difference in flavor and texture. Trust me, you’ll taste the love!
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re mixing your base ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, and we want that light, fluffy texture!
- Let It Cool: Cooling the cake before serving is crucial. While it’s tempting to dig in right away, allowing it to sit for about 20-30 minutes helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
- Serving Suggestions: This cake is divine on its own, but for an extra special touch, serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You could even drizzle some caramel sauce on top for an indulgent treat!
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. Yum!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feeling adventurous? You can mix in some chocolate chips or even a splash of bourbon for a fun twist on the classic flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
With these tips, you’re all set to make the most delicious *Pecan Pie Dump Cake*! Enjoy the baking process, and watch everyone rave about your creation!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this *Pecan Pie Dump Cake* is its flexibility. You can use any flavor of cake mix you love—chocolate, spice, or even a gluten-free version! Just keep in mind that it might slightly change the flavor profile, but I promise, it’ll still be delicious!
How can I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is pretty rare!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until it’s warm and gooey again. Trust me, it’s just as fabulous the second time around!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can! This cake is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it the day before and just pop it in the fridge after it cools down. When you’re ready to serve, reheat individual slices in the microwave or serve it cold—either way, it’s still a crowd-pleaser. Just make sure you don’t forget to top it with whipped cream or ice cream right before serving for that extra touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- One dish means less cleanup! Just mix, pour, and bake; it doesn’t get simpler than that.
- The flavor combination of pecan pie and cake is absolutely irresistible—sweet, nutty, and oh-so-comforting!
- You can customize it with different cake mixes or add-ins for a fun twist every time you make it!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser! Everyone from kids to adults will be asking for seconds.
- Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or as a delightful treat just because. Seriously, who doesn’t love a warm dessert?
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious—reheat for a quick indulgence anytime.
Pecan Pie Dump Cake: 9 Reasons to Fall in Love
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple dessert that combines pecan pie and cake in one dish.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.
- Add eggs and vanilla, then stir until combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the cake mix.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- This dish is best enjoyed warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Pecan Pie Dump Cake