Introduction

Get ready for the easiest dessert that tastes like a dream! This incredible pecan dump cake brings all the comforting flavors of a classic pecan pie with almost zero effort. Just layer a few simple ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. It is perfect for busy parents and beginner bakers, offering maximum taste for minimal work. Prepare for a gooey, nutty, and utterly irresistible treat that will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Dump Cake

You will fall in love with this dessert for so many wonderful reasons. It truly stands out as a simple yet impressive treat.

Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires minimal mixing and comes together in mere minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
Rich, Buttery, Gooey Texture: Every single bite offers a delightful contrast of tender cake and a luscious, incredibly gooey pecan pie-like filling.
Warm, Nutty Pecan Flavor: Enjoy the irresistible taste of perfectly toasted pecans infused throughout the entire dessert, bringing comforting warmth.

Beyond their delicious taste, pecans offer various nutritional benefits, including healthy fats and antioxidants. For more information, consult this fact sheet on the nutritional benefits of pecans.

Perfect for Any Occasion: It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you are serving it at a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
Holiday & Potluck Favorite: This generous dessert easily feeds a crowd and consistently disappears fast at any celebration or family event.

This pecan dump cake is truly a dessert superstar that everyone will adore.

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you will need to create this delightful and incredibly easy pecan dump cake. Make sure to gather everything before you start for a smooth and stress-free baking process, ensuring perfect results every time.

Cooking spray
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup dark corn syrup
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 Tbsp. heavy whipping cream
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup (8 oz.) salted butter, melted, divided
3 1/2 cups (about 14 oz.) pecan halves, divided
1 (13.25-oz.) box butter yellow cake mix (such as Betty Crocker)
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
Vanilla ice cream and caramel topping, for serving (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

You have excellent flexibility with many ingredients to customize and create your perfect pecan dump cake experience.

Cake Mix Options: While classic butter yellow cake mix is recommended for its rich flavor, feel free to try a spice cake mix for extra warmth or a white cake mix for a more subtle base.
Corn Syrup Alternatives: Maple syrup or honey can be used in a pinch, but be aware they will slightly alter the classic pecan pie flavor profile and overall gooey texture.
Butter Choices: Salted butter truly enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness, but unsalted butter works perfectly too; just add an extra pinch of salt to the filling mixture.
Types of Pecans: Pecan halves create a beautiful presentation, but if you prefer, chopped pecans integrate more evenly throughout the gooey, sweet filling.
Spice Blend Ideas: For a different twist, a simple combination of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg can be used as a delicious alternative to pumpkin pie spice.
Optional Add-ins: Elevate this dessert by stirring in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even shredded coconut with the pecans for an extra layer of flavor.

Equipment

You will not need much specialized equipment for this incredibly easy pecan dump cake recipe, making it perfect for beginners. Simple, everyday kitchen tools are all you need to create this comforting and impressive dessert with ease.

13- x 9-inch baking dish (a standard casserole dish works perfectly)
Large mixing bowl (for combining the wet ingredients)
Whisk (essential for a smooth filling)
Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate ingredient amounts)
Small microwave-safe bowl (ideal for melting the butter efficiently)

Instructions

Creating your amazing pecan dump cake is straightforward and fun! Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully for a perfectly gooey and utterly delicious dessert that everyone will rave about.

Prepare Baking Dish and Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to a precise 350°F (175°C). Then, generously coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking, ensuring your delicious pecan dump cake releases easily for serving.
Whisk Wet Ingredients for Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 large eggs (at room temperature), 1 cup of dark corn syrup, 3/4 cup of packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of the melted salted butter. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This forms the luscious, sweet base of your pecan pie-like filling.
Fold Pecans into the Filling: Gently, yet thoroughly, stir in 2 cups of the pecan halves into the prepared wet ingredient mixture. Ensure all the pecans are well coated with the liquid. These pecans will create a wonderfully textured and flavorful bottom layer in your decadent dump cake.
Pour Pecan Mixture into Dish: Carefully transfer the entire pecan mixture into the bottom of your prepared 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the base, creating a consistent layer.
Sprinkle Dry Cake Mix Evenly: Open your 13.25-oz box of butter yellow cake mix. Sprinkle the entire contents of the dry cake mix evenly over the pecan mixture in the baking dish. It is important not to stir it in at this stage. This dry layer is what will transform into the cake portion of your dessert.
Drizzle Melted Butter Over Cake Mix: Take the remaining 1/2 cup of melted salted butter. Evenly drizzle this melted butter over the entire dry cake mix layer. Focus on covering as much of the cake mix as possible to ensure proper moisture and prevent any dry, powdery spots after baking.
Add Remaining Pecans on Top: Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of pecan halves generously over the butter-drizzled cake mix. These pecans will toast beautifully during baking, adding a fantastic crunchy texture and rich flavor to the top of your pecan dump cake.
Initial Bake Uncovered: Carefully place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for an initial 20 minutes uncovered. This first phase helps the dry cake mix begin to absorb the butter and the filling’s moisture, starting the magical transformation.
Cover and Continue Baking: After the initial 20 minutes, gently remove the dish from the oven. Carefully cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Return it to the oven and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and you see no remaining dry spots of cake mix. The foil prevents the top from browning too quickly or burning.
Cool Completely Before Serving: Once fully baked, remove the pecan dump cake from the oven. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving warm for a deliciously gooey experience. For a firmer, more set dessert, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Serve with optional vanilla ice cream and a luscious caramel topping for an ultimate treat.

Pro Tips for the Best Pecan Dump Cake

Achieve the absolute best pecan dump cake every time with these valuable insights and expert tips. They make all the difference!

Ensure Butter is Melted Completely: Fully melted butter is key for even distribution over the cake mix, effectively preventing any dry, unbaked patches.
Distribute Cake Mix Thoroughly: Sprinkle the dry cake mix as uniformly as possible over the wet filling layer to ensure consistent baking and a balanced texture throughout.
Foil Tenting is Crucial: Covering the dish loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking is essential to prevent the top layer of pecans from burning while the cake bakes through.
Stress Adequate Cooling for Setting: The cake needs sufficient time to cool and properly set. This allows the rich, gooey filling to firm up to the perfect consistency.
Prevent Dry Spots with Even Drizzle: When drizzling the melted butter, take your time and aim for wide, even coverage over the entire surface of the dry cake mix.
Address Soggy Bottom Concerns: If your cake seems too soggy after the suggested baking time, try baking it for an additional 5-10 minutes uncovered to help it firm up.
Consider Pre-toasting Pecans for Crunch: For an intensified flavor and a more pronounced crunch, briefly toast about 1 cup of the pecans in a dry skillet before adding them to the filling.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

This delicious pecan dump cake is incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings.

Serve Warm: Enjoy it fresh from the oven, slightly cooled, with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting gloriously over the top.
Add Caramel or Whipped Cream: A luscious drizzle of extra caramel sauce or a light dollop of freshly whipped cream elevates the dessert to an even more indulgent experience.
Store Leftovers: Once the cake has cooled completely to room temperature, place any remaining portions in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and moisture.
Refrigerate for Up to 4 Days: Store the covered cake in the refrigerator for optimal freshness. You can enjoy it chilled, or gently reheat individual servings in the microwave.
Freeze for Longer Storage: For extended enjoyment, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Different Cake Mix Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Experiment with chocolate, lemon, or even a yellow cake mix with extra added spices for unique twists.
Explore Alternative Nuts: While pecans are traditional, substituting with walnuts, or a delightful mix of both pecans and walnuts, can offer a wonderful alternative flavor profile.
Introduce Bourbon for Adult Twist: For a sophisticated, adult-friendly version, simply add 2 tablespoons of good quality bourbon to the pecan filling mixture before baking.
Add Fruit Fillings: Create seasonal variations by layering one can of your favorite pie filling (like apple, cherry, or pumpkin) directly under the pecan mixture before adding the cake mix.

Nutrition Information

Please note that these nutrition values are estimates only. They can vary based on specific brands used, any ingredient substitutions made, and the exact portion sizes served. This information is provided as a courtesy and should not be considered medical or dietary advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Per Serving (1/12th of cake)
Calories	490 kcal
Total Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	11g
Cholesterol	90mg
Sodium	290mg
Total Carbohydrates	50g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	39g
Protein	5g

Enjoy your delicious and comforting pecan dump cake responsibly and in moderation!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use any flavor of cake mix for this pecan dump cake? Yes, you can! While butter yellow cake mix is typically recommended for its classic flavor, spice cake, white cake, or even chocolate cake mix can all work wonderfully. Each will give your pecan dump cake a uniquely delicious flavor profile.
How do I prevent dry spots? To avoid dry, unbaked spots, ensure you drizzle the melted butter very evenly over the entire surface of the dry cake mix. If needed, use the back of a spoon to gently and carefully spread it to cover as much area as possible.
Why is my dump cake soggy? A soggy bottom often indicates that the cake needed more baking time to properly set, or perhaps the corn syrup mixture was a bit too thin. Double-check your oven temperature and bake until truly firm and golden.
Can this be made ahead of time? Absolutely! This delightful dessert is actually excellent when made a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and simply gently reheat individual portions before serving, or enjoy it chilled.
Is corn syrup necessary for this recipe? Dark corn syrup is crucial as it provides the signature gooey texture and deep, rich flavor that is characteristic of a traditional pecan pie. While maple syrup or honey can be substituted, they will undeniably alter both the taste and final consistency slightly. The addition of corn syrup in baking helps prevent sugar crystallization, ensuring a smooth, gooey texture in desserts like this. You can learn more about the scientific role of corn syrup in baking from expert bakers.

Conclusion

You have just discovered the ultimate shortcut to a truly spectacular and effortlessly delicious dessert! This pecan dump cake undeniably proves that incredible flavor and comforting indulgence do not require endless effort or complicated steps. With its wonderfully gooey pecan filling and tender cake topping, it is a guaranteed hit for any occasion, from simple family desserts to festive gatherings. We encourage you to try this simple, beginner-friendly recipe soon and enjoy the delightful results. Do not forget to share your amazing creations with Sweet Emily! Happy baking!

Warm pecan dump cake with candied pecans, vanilla ice cream, and caramel on a white plate.

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