Pecan Pie Dump Cake

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Pecan Pie Dump Cake – The Easiest Holiday Dessert You’ll Ever Make

If you love the rich, nutty sweetness of classic pecan pie, but dread the fuss of making a pie crust from scratch, then you’re about to discover your new favorite dessert. This Pecan Pie Dump Cake takes all the flavors of traditional pecan pie and transforms them into a ridiculously easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that comes together in minutes — no rolling pin or pie pan required.

It’s gooey, buttery, crunchy, and caramelized in all the right ways. And because it’s a “dump and bake” recipe, there’s no need for complicated steps. Just layer the ingredients in a pan, bake, and serve. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, potluck, or just want something sweet without the effort, Pecan Pie Dump Cake is always a hit.

🧁 What Is a Dump Cake?

A dump cake is a dessert where you literally dump all the ingredients into a baking dish, layer them without mixing, and bake. The result? A cake that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but took you less than 10 minutes to prepare.

🌰 Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake

  • Tastes like pecan pie without the hassle of making a crust
  • Rich, buttery, and sweet with crunchy pecans and a gooey filling
  • Feeds a crowd — perfect for holidays and gatherings
  • Takes just minutes to prepare
  • Customizable – make it your own with fun add-ins or toppings
  • Pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

🧾 Ingredients

To make this decadent dessert, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (standard 15.25 oz box)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1½ to 2 cups chopped pecans
  • ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, sliced thin
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

💡 Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.

Step 2: Make the Pecan Pie Layer

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

  • Eggs
  • Corn syrup
  • Evaporated milk
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Once well combined, stir in chopped pecans.

📝 This will create the gooey, caramelized pecan filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Dump Cake

  1. Pour the pecan pie mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top — do NOT stir.
  3. Dot the top of the cake mix with thin slices of butter, covering as much surface area as possible.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

  • Bake at 350°F for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  • The center should be set but still slightly gooey — just like pecan pie.

⚠️ Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to help the layers set.

🍨 Serving Suggestions

This dump cake is best served warm, but it’s just as delicious at room temperature. Take it to the next level with:

  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream
  • A dollop of fresh whipped cream
  • A drizzle of caramel sauce
  • A sprinkle of sea salt flakes for contrast

🔁 Make It Your Own – Variations

Want to customize your pecan dump cake? Try these delicious twists:

Chocolate Pecan Dump Cake

  • Sprinkle chocolate chips over the pecan layer before adding cake mix.

Maple Bourbon Version

  • Add 1 tbsp of bourbon and 1 tbsp of maple syrup to the filling mixture.

Pecan Apple Dump Cake

  • Add a layer of apple pie filling beneath the pecan mixture for extra texture.

Gluten-Free Option

  • Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

📦 Storing & Reheating

To Store:

  • Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To Reheat:

  • Microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds
  • Or warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes

🍰 It also tastes great cold — especially for next-day leftovers with coffee!

🎉 Perfect for Any Occasion

This pecan pie dump cake is a superstar dessert for:

  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas potlucks
  • Friendsgiving
  • Family reunions
  • Sunday dinner
  • Just because you’re craving something sweet!

❤️ Final Thoughts: Effortless Dessert, Big Impact

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to deliver a dessert that tastes homemade and indulgent. With buttery cake mix on top and rich, gooey pecan pie filling on the bottom, every bite is a balance of sweet, crunchy, and creamy perfection.

Bring this to your next event or treat your family to a comforting dessert — it’s guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear from the dessert table.

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