Easy pecan pie dump cake recipe is more than just a treat—it’s a celebration of comfort and creativity. Inspired by Savannah’s love for traditional dishes with a modern twist, this sweet dessert blends simplicity with unforgettable flavor. At Eminent Recipes, cooking is about joy and connection, and this recipe delivers both. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this dish invites everyone to explore warm, nutty flavors in the easiest way possible.
Table of Contents
Pecan pie dump cake recipe
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy all the rich flavors of pecan pie with my easy dump cake recipe! Just 10 minutes of prep for a gooey, buttery dessert that’s perfect for holidays or weeknight treats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 can (15 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread pecans evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Mix condensed milk, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over pecans.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the liquid layer.
- Arrange butter pats evenly over cake mix.
- Pour water over the entire surface.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I believe you’ll fall head over heels for this pecan pie dump cake recipe for so many reasons—and once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s become one of my go-to desserts.
Simplicity at Its Finest
This isn’t one of those recipes that requires multiple bowls, fancy techniques, or loads of cleanup. With just 8 pantry staples and barely 10 minutes of prep time, this dessert lets your oven do all the hard work. It’s a true dump-and-bake miracle.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a laid-back Sunday dinner or a festive Thanksgiving feast, this dessert fits right in. It’s casual enough for potlucks and comforting weeknights, yet rich and golden enough to shine on any holiday dessert table.
Balance of Textures
That crunchy, buttery cake topping over a gooey, caramel-like pecan filling? Pure heaven. I especially love the contrast in every bite—soft, sticky pecans and crisp golden crust. It’s the best of both worlds: pie and cake in one irresistible treat.
Customizable Sweetness
I’ve tested this pecan pie dump cake recipe with both light and dark corn syrup. Want a deeper, molasses-like sweetness? Go with dark. Prefer a milder flavor? Light corn syrup does the trick. Either way, you can control how rich or sweet it turns out.
Crowd-Pleaser Every Time
Seriously, bring this to a party and watch it disappear. I’ve had people chase me down for the recipe at neighborhood block parties, and even picky eaters have gone back for seconds. It’s that warm, nostalgic flavor that wins hearts fast.
Ingredients for This Recipe
Crafting the perfect pecan pie dump cake recipe starts with simple, accessible ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each one matters.
Pecans
Always go for fresh, high-quality pecans—their natural oils give this dessert a buttery richness that’s hard to beat. I love toasting them lightly before baking to unlock a deeper, more complex nutty flavor. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
This pantry staple provides the creamy, luscious base that mimics a traditional pecan pie filling. Stick with full-fat varieties for the silkiest texture and richest flavor. It’s what gives the bottom layer its signature custard-like consistency.
Corn Syrup
Whether you reach for light or dark corn syrup, both offer the shiny sweetness you expect in a pecan pie-style dessert. Light gives a gentler, vanilla-forward taste, while dark adds molasses-like depth. Either way, it’s essential for that gooey goodness.
Melted Unsalted Butter
This is your flavor enhancer and texture booster. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt content while allowing the pecans to take center stage. Pouring it evenly over the cake mix ensures rich pockets of flavor and that golden, caramelized crust.
Vanilla Extract
Just a splash of pure vanilla extract ties all the flavors together. It adds warm, aromatic notes that elevate both the cake and the filling. Avoid imitation vanilla—it just doesn’t deliver the same layered depth.
Yellow Cake Mix
This is where convenience meets deliciousness. Yellow cake mix acts as the topping and forms the soft, buttery layer that contrasts perfectly with the pecan filling. If you can find a “butter recipe” version, use it—it brings an even richer texture.
Butter Pats
Don’t skip this detail! Slicing thin pats of butter and spacing them across the top of the dry cake mix helps it bake into a crispy, golden topping. It also ensures even moisture distribution without any dry spots.
Water
It might seem simple, but room temperature water helps dissolve and activate the cake mix without clumping. This step keeps your texture just right—moist but not soggy.
How to Make This Recipe
Follow these simple steps to make the ultimate pecan pie dump cake recipe. Each layer builds incredible texture and flavor, with minimal effort and maximum payoff.
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Consistent heat from the get-go is crucial for even baking. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and promote a perfectly crisp bottom layer.
Prepare the Pecan Layer
Spread chopped pecans evenly across the base of the greased dish. This becomes your nutty, buttery foundation, which rises into the filling as it bakes, giving every bite that signature crunch.
Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This blend should pour easily and coat the back of a spoon—rich, sweet, and aromatic.
Create the Base
Pour the prepared filling evenly over the pecans in the dish. Watch as it naturally fills the gaps between the nuts, forming a silky layer that sets beautifully during baking.
Add the Cake Layer
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the liquid layer. Make sure to cover the entire surface, reaching into every corner for even baking. Resist the urge to stir—it’s a dump cake for a reason!
Arrange the Butter
Slice unsalted butter into thin pats and arrange them all over the top of the cake mix. These buttery patches will melt into the dry mix, creating a golden, slightly crispy topping that’s to die for.
Add Water
Carefully pour room-temperature water over the top, aiming to moisten any dry spots in the cake mix. Pour slowly and gently to avoid disrupting the layers. This step keeps your texture soft and prevents any underbaked areas.
Bake to Perfection
Place your baking dish in the center rack of the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. The cake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool Slightly Before Serving
Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes before cutting. This helps the gooey filling firm up slightly while keeping the center warm and rich. Serve it as-is or top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Expert Cooking Tips
Making a flawless pecan pie dump cake recipe is easy, but these pro tips will elevate your results from great to unforgettable. These are the techniques I use every time to get that perfect texture and flavor balance.
Toast the Pecans
Don’t skip this: I always toast my pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant. It brings out their natural oils and adds a rich, nutty depth that shines through the entire cake.
Watch the Edges
If the edges of your cake begin to brown faster than the center, I suggest loosely tenting the dish with aluminum foil halfway through baking. This protects the outer crust while allowing the inside to finish baking without drying out.
The Butter Pat Trick
Want those buttery pockets evenly spread across your cake? Here’s my secret: freeze the butter for 10 minutes before slicing. It firms up just enough to slice into thin, uniform pats that distribute evenly during baking.
Check for Doneness
Your cake is ready when the top is a deep golden brown and the edges are gently bubbling. Don’t worry if the center is slightly jiggly—it will continue to set as it cools, giving you that perfect gooey center.
Perfect Serve Time
As tempting as it is to dig in right away, I always wait 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This short rest period helps everything settle into that sweet spot of warm, melty, yet sliceable goodness.
Proper Storage
Keeping your pecan pie dump cake recipe fresh and delicious for days is easy when you store it right. Whether you’re prepping ahead or saving leftovers, these simple storage methods help maintain texture and flavor.
Room Temperature
This cake shines brightest within the first 24 hours. I like to cover the dish loosely with foil and store it at room temperature—this keeps the buttery top layer crisp while preserving the gooey filling beneath.
Refrigeration
If you need to store it longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. While the cake layer may soften slightly, I’ve found the flavors continue to meld and deepen beautifully. A quick warm-up brings it right back to life.
Freezing Option
Want to save some for later? Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This method prevents freezer burn and keeps those luscious layers intact. Just be sure to label and date!
Reheating Method
To enjoy it warm again, microwave a refrigerated slice for 20 seconds, or pop it in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This revives the buttery crust and softens the rich filling without overbaking it.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best parts about this pecan pie dump cake recipe is how easily it adapts to your cravings or dietary needs. Whether you’re adding a fun twist or making it allergy-friendly, these variations keep things exciting.
Nutty Alternatives
Sometimes I like to swap out half of the pecans with walnuts, hazelnuts, or even almonds. The mix of textures adds unexpected depth, and each nut brings its own unique flavor. It’s a simple switch that creates a new experience without losing the dessert’s classic appeal.
Gluten-Free Version
When baking for friends with gluten sensitivities, I substitute with a gluten-free yellow cake mix—especially blends made with rice flour. The result? Still tender, rich, and delicious, with no one guessing it’s gluten-free.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream
For a truly decadent upgrade, I sprinkle ¾ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the pecan layer before adding the cake mix. As the cake bakes, the chips melt into the filling and create irresistible fudgy pockets of goodness.
Boozy Adult Version
When I’m hosting adults-only dinners, I add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling mixture. It brings a subtle warmth and richness that enhances the caramel notes of the pecans—like a Southern classic with a bold kick.
Spice It Up
Especially in the fall, I love stirring 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the cake mix before layering. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove aromas perfectly complement the pecan and butter, making it feel extra seasonal and festive.
What Goes with This Recipe
Pairing the right accompaniments with this pecan pie dump cake recipe takes it from delicious to unforgettable. Whether you’re serving guests or enjoying a cozy night in, these additions bring contrast, balance, and indulgence.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
The cold creaminess of a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over a warm slice of pecan dump cake? Absolute magic. The sweet and buttery cake meets chilled silk, creating the ultimate contrast in both temperature and texture.
Fresh Whipped Cream
When I want something a bit lighter, I whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until it forms soft peaks. It adds a cool, airy element that cuts beautifully through the cake’s richness.
Caramel Drizzle
A simple drizzle of salted caramel sauce instantly levels up this dessert. Whether store-bought or homemade, that silky golden topping adds a glossy finish and deep, toffee-like flavor that echoes the pecan filling.
Strong Coffee
I love pairing this sweet, gooey dessert with a cup of bold, dark roast coffee. The slight bitterness balances the sugary layers, creating a dessert moment that feels both rich and refined.
Fresh Berries
A handful of fresh raspberries or blackberries on the side brings a burst of tartness and vibrant color. The juicy acidity refreshes the palate and pairs surprisingly well with the toasted pecans and buttery base.
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FAQS
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! I often make this pecan pie dump cake recipe the night before serving. Letting it sit overnight actually enhances the flavor, and the filling sets up nicely for cleaner slices the next day.
Why is my cake mix still dry in spots?
This usually happens when the butter pats aren’t evenly spaced or the water isn’t distributed well over the dry mix. Next time, gently press the cake mix into the filling before baking, or make sure to pour the water slowly and evenly across the top.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes! I’ve had success using unsweetened condensed milk in place of the sweetened version. The texture becomes slightly less creamy, but the flavor stays balanced—especially if you prefer a less sugary dessert.
How do I know when it’s perfectly done?
Watch for golden brown edges, gentle bubbling around the sides, and a slightly jiggly center that firms up as it cools. A toothpick inserted into the cake layer should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely. I recommend using two 9×13-inch pans rather than a single oversized pan. This keeps the texture just right—ensuring the top stays crisp while the filling gets that gooey, luscious consistency everyone loves.
Conclusion
If you’re craving a dessert that’s simple, nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing, this pecan pie dump cake recipe is exactly what you need. This easy pecan pie dump cake recipe blends buttery layers, rich pecan filling, and that irresistible golden cake top in one comforting bite. Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat or a festive holiday dessert, this recipe delivers every time. Plus, this pecan pie dump cake recipe is flexible, make-ahead friendly, and foolproof—even for beginners.
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