Name: Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 1 cup pecans, chopped; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 4 large eggs; 1 cup corn syrup; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; Optional Topping:; Whipped cream, for garnish

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This Pecan Pie Dump Cake combines the beloved flavors of a traditional pecan pie with the simplicity and ease of a dump cake. With a gooey, caramelized base and a golden, crunchy topping of pecans, this dessert is a true indulgence. It’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday dinners to casual family gatherings, offering rich, nutty, and sweet flavors in every bite—all without the fuss of a traditional pie.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert. It has all the rich flavors of pecan pie—gooey corn syrup, sweet brown sugar, and crunchy pecans—combined with the simplicity of a dump cake. You simply layer ingredients, bake, and let the magic happen. The cake bakes into a caramelized, crunchy top, while the filling remains rich and gooey underneath. It’s easy, indulgent, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 large eggs
1 cup corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Topping:

Whipped cream, for garnish

Directions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the wet mixture in the baking dish. Do not mix it in—just let it sit on top.
Pour the Corn Syrup Mixture: Carefully pour the corn syrup mixture over the cake mix layer, covering it as evenly as possible. Spread with the back of a spoon if necessary.
Add the Pecans: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the cake.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, ideally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Pecan Pie Dump Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top!

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, you can use other flavors of cake mix if you prefer, but the yellow cake mix works best for this dessert because it complements the sweet and nutty flavors of the pecans and corn syrup. White or butter cake mixes could also work as substitutes.

Can I use chopped walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional in pecan pie, walnuts can be a great alternative and offer a slightly different flavor. You can also experiment with a mix of both for variety.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Pecan Pie Dump Cake ahead of time. Just let it cool completely before covering it and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it in the oven or microwave.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. It should not be jiggly when you gently shake the pan. If you notice the top getting too brown before the middle is set, you can cover it with foil and continue baking until fully cooked.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze this cake for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I use light corn syrup instead of dark corn syrup?

You can substitute light corn syrup for dark corn syrup, but the dark corn syrup has a richer, more molasses-like flavor, which adds depth to the pie. If using light corn syrup, the flavor will be slightly less robust.

Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of cake mix?

If you’re feeling adventurous and want a more traditional pecan pie experience, you can use a homemade pie crust. However, using cake mix keeps this dessert incredibly easy and quick to prepare!

Conclusion

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is an incredibly easy and indulgent dessert that combines the flavors of a classic pecan pie with the simplicity of a dump cake. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday meal, bringing something to a potluck, or just craving a sweet treat at home. With a gooey, caramelized filling and a crunchy topping of pecans, this dessert is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries it!