Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for when I need something sweet, quick, and comforting. This simple yet indulgent treat combines the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, it’s perfect for a last-minute dessert that feels like it took hours to prepare.
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup corn syrup
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish.
Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, spreading it out evenly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, and salt.
Pour the sugar mixture over the cake mix and butter layer.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Variations
I’ve found a few easy variations to switch up the flavor of this Pecan Pie Dump Cake:
Nutty Twist: I can use a mix of nuts like walnuts or almonds alongside the pecans for an added crunch.
Chocolate Lover's Delight: Adding a handful of chocolate chips before baking creates a decadent chocolatey contrast to the pecans.
Pumpkin Spice: For a seasonal twist, I sometimes add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the sugar mixture for a cozy fall flavor.
Vegan Option: I can substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use flax eggs to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Storage/Reheating
If there’s any leftover (which is rare!), I store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To keep it fresh longer, I can refrigerate it for up to a week. When I want to enjoy a slice again, I heat it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften it up or place it in the oven for a few minutes to warm it through.
FAQs
How do I know when the Pecan Pie Dump Cake is done?
I check by looking for a golden brown top, and I gently press the center to ensure it’s set. If it still jiggles, I bake it a bit longer.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! I can prepare the cake and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, I simply bake it as directed. Alternatively, I can bake it ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, I can experiment with different cake mix flavors, like chocolate or spice cake, to give the dessert a unique twist.
Can I freeze Pecan Pie Dump Cake?
I freeze this cake in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave.
How do I make the cake more gooey?
To make it extra gooey, I sometimes reduce the cooking time slightly or add more butter for an even richer texture.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the perfect dessert when I’m craving something sweet without all the hassle. With its rich flavors, simple ingredients, and minimal prep time, it’s a recipe that I’ll keep coming back to time and time again. Whether I’m making it for a family dinner or a holiday treat, it’s always a hit.
Recipe:

Pecan Pie Dump Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a simple and indulgent dessert combining the rich flavors of pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake, making it perfect for a quick, comforting treat.
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup corn syrup
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, spreading it out evenly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, and salt.
- Pour the sugar mixture over the cake mix and butter layer.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For variations, you can add walnuts or almonds for added crunch, or chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use flax eggs.
If making ahead of time, you can refrigerate the prepared cake before baking or bake it ahead and reheat it when needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg