Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Divine 10-min Dessert

13 de September de 2025

Pecan Pie Dump Cake has always been my go-to for a quick, comforting dessert that tastes like it took hours. It’s the perfect answer to that craving for classic pecan pie, but with zero fuss. If you’re wondering what is a dump cake, it’s essentially a dessert you “dump” ingredients into a pan and bake – no fancy mixing or layering required! This particular recipe is so easy it practically makes itself, delivering that gooey, nutty, caramel-y goodness everyone loves. I remember making this for the first time when I was in college, and it was an instant hit. Let’s get cooking this delicious, easy pecan pie dump cake!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake

This simple dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for so many reasons:

Incredible Taste: It captures all the decadent, gooey, nutty flavors of traditional pecan pie.
Lightning-Fast Prep: Seriously, you can whip this up in about 10 minutes flat – perfect for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making it a wonderfully affordable treat.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore this easy pecan pie dump cake.
Minimal Effort: The “dump and bake” method means less mess and stress in the kitchen.
Versatile: It’s fantastic on its own or jazzed up with toppings.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, this easy pecan pie dump cake always impresses.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Gathering your pecan pie dump cake ingredients is the easiest part of this recipe! You’ll find that these common pantry staples come together in a snap to create something truly special. I love that it uses a simple yellow cake mix for the crust, which bakes up beautifully golden and tender. The filling is where all the magic happens, with rich corn syrup and brown sugar creating that signature gooey texture.

1 box yellow cake mix – this forms the base of our easy crust
1 ½ cups chopped pecans – for that essential nutty crunch and flavor
1 cup light corn syrup – this is key for achieving that classic gooey filling
1 cup brown sugar – adds sweetness and a lovely caramel note
4 large eggs – they bind everything together beautifully
1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors
½ tsp salt – balances the sweetness
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted – poured over the top to create a golden crust
Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Learning how to make pecan pie dump cake is incredibly satisfying because it’s so forgiving and delicious. This method truly simplifies classic pecan pie into an effortless dessert. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can go from pantry staples to a bubbling, golden masterpiece. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is just divine – pure comfort! This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone needing a quick, impressive dessert.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Divine 10-min Dessert - Pecan Pie Dump Cake - additional detail

Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 cup light corn syrup, 1 cup brown sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and ½ tsp salt until smooth. Then, gently stir in the 1 ½ cups chopped pecans. This mixture forms the luscious, nutty base of our dessert.
Step 2: Assemble the Dump Cake
Pour the prepared pecan filling evenly into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, evenly sprinkle the entire 1 box yellow cake mix over the pecan layer, making sure to cover it completely. Finally, slowly and evenly pour the 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted over the dry cake mix, allowing it to seep down.
Step 3: Bake and Cool
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully golden brown crust with bubbling edges. Once it’s done, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let the Pecan Pie Dump Cake cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before serving. This cooling time is crucial for the filling to set properly.

Pro Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Want to elevate your dessert game? Here are my top tips for making the absolute best pecan pie dump cake. These little tricks ensure a perfect result every time, even if you’re aiming for a quick pecan pie dump cake.

Toast Your Pecans: For an extra layer of nutty flavor, lightly toast your chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant before adding them to the filling. It makes a surprising difference!
Don’t Overmix the Filling: Gently stir the pecans into the filling mixture. Overmixing can make the eggs scramble slightly, affecting the texture.
Even Butter Distribution: Make sure the melted butter is poured evenly over the entire surface of the dry cake mix. This ensures the crust bakes up golden and crisp all over.
Resist the Urge to Peek: While tempting, opening the oven door too often can lower the temperature and affect baking time. Trust the process!

What’s the secret to perfect Pecan Pie Dump Cake?

The real secret to a perfect simple pecan pie dump cake lies in the quality of your ingredients and allowing the butter to fully saturate the cake mix. Ensure your butter is fully melted and poured evenly; this creates that delicious, crisp topping that contrasts beautifully with the gooey filling.

Can I make Pecan Pie Dump Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the filling and pour it into the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, sprinkle the dry cake mix and pour the melted butter over the top, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Pecan Pie Dump Cake?

A common pitfall when making a pecan pie dump cake from scratch is not letting it cool sufficiently before serving. This can lead to a very runny filling. My advice is to let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. Also, ensure your melted butter is spread evenly to avoid dry spots in the cake topping.

Best Ways to Serve Pecan Pie Dump Cake

This delightful pecan pie dump cake dessert is fantastic on its own, but I love serving it warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey cake and the cold, smooth ice cream is pure bliss! Another favorite of mine is a dollop of freshly whipped cream, which adds a light, airy sweetness. For a truly decadent experience, a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top takes this simple dessert to a whole new level. It’s the perfect way to finish any meal!

Nutrition Facts for Pecan Pie Dump Cake

This pecan pie dump cake is a rich and decadent dessert, so it’s no surprise that it comes with some hearty nutritional values. It’s definitely a treat to be enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a general breakdown per serving, which is typically about 1/12th of the cake:

Calories: Approximately 450-500 kcal
Fat: High
Protein: Moderate
Carbohydrates: High
Sugar: High
Sodium: Moderate

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, especially the cake mix and butter.

How to Store and Reheat Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Once your delicious Pecan Pie Dump Cake has cooled completely, proper storage is key to keeping it tasting its best. I usually let mine rest on the counter for at least an hour until it’s no longer warm to the touch. Then, I cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, or transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Stored this way in the refrigerator, this cake stays wonderfully moist and flavorful for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep this delightful dessert even longer, you can freeze it! Wrap individual slices securely in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they’ll be good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For reheating, you can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or pop them into a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. This ensures your Pecan Pie Dump Cake is just as gooey and delicious as when it was freshly baked!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Pie Dump Cake

What is a Pecan Pie Dump Cake?

A Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a wonderfully simple dessert that mimics the classic flavors of pecan pie but uses a “dump and bake” method. Instead of meticulously preparing a pie crust and filling, you literally dump the ingredients into a baking dish and bake. It’s a fuss-free way to get that gooey, nutty, caramel goodness that makes traditional pecan pie so beloved.

Can I make the pecan pie filling ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can mix up the pecan pie filling and pour it into your baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply sprinkle the cake mix and pour the melted butter over the filling, and bake as usual. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the filling will be cold.

What if I don’t like pecans? Can I make a Pecan Pie Dump Cake without them?

While pecans are a star ingredient in this dessert, you can certainly adapt it! If you have a nut allergy or simply don’t care for pecans, you can omit them altogether. The cake will still have a lovely gooey, caramel-like filling from the corn syrup and brown sugar mixture. Alternatively, you could try adding other chopped nuts like walnuts or even some chocolate chips to the filling for a different flavor profile.

How do I ensure the cake mix topping gets crispy?

The key to getting that lovely crispy topping on your Pecan Pie Dump Cake is by ensuring the melted butter is poured evenly over the entire surface of the dry cake mix. This allows the butter to saturate the mix properly, helping it to bake up golden and slightly crisp. Don’t skip this step, and resist the urge to stir it in – just let it pour!

Variations of Pecan Pie Dump Cake You Can Try

The beauty of a dump cake is its adaptability, and there are so many fun pecan pie dump cake variations to explore! Whether you have dietary needs or just want to switch things up, these ideas will keep your dessert game exciting. I love how easily this recipe can be modified to suit different tastes and occasions, making it a truly versatile treat.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake with Pecans

This version highlights the star ingredient! By ensuring you use a generous amount of high-quality pecans, you really amplify that classic nutty flavor and satisfying crunch that people adore in this dessert.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake No Nuts

For those with nut allergies or preferences, you can easily make this without pecans. Simply omit them from the filling. The gooey caramel-like layer will still be delicious and satisfying on its own!

Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Dump Cake

To make a gluten-free pecan pie dump cake, simply use a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Ensure your other ingredients, like corn syrup and brown sugar, are also certified gluten-free for a safe and delicious treat.

Dairy-Free Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Creating a dairy-free pecan pie dump cake is straightforward. Use a dairy-free yellow cake mix and substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or melted coconut oil. The results are just as delicious!

Pecan Pie Dump Cake Baking Time and Temperature

Getting the Pecan Pie Dump Cake baking time and temperature just right is key to achieving that perfect golden crust and gooey center. I’ve found that preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is the sweet spot. This moderate temperature allows the cake mix to bake through and turn a beautiful golden brown without burning, while also giving the pecan filling ample time to bubble and set. The typical Pecan Pie Dump Cake baking time is usually around 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the top looks golden and delicious. Always keep an eye on it towards the end, as oven temperatures can vary!

Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Divine 10-min Dessert - Pecan Pie Dump Cake - additional detail

For more dessert inspiration, check out our latest recipes or explore our collection of holiday treats. If you’re looking for something savory, our chicken enchiladas are a family favorite, and for a lighter option, try our guacamole.