First off—thank you for being here. You are in for a treat, and I mean that quite literally. This recipe for Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that makes people go, “Wait… what did you just say? Dump cake??” But let me tell you—once they try a spoonful of this gooey, caramelized, pecan-studded magic, the only thing they’ll be saying is, “Can I have the recipe?”
This is your shortcut to pecan pie vibes with none of the fuss. No crust. No rolling. No stress. Just dump, bake, and get ready for something truly indulgent. Perfect for potlucks, holiday tables, or any time you want an easy dessert that feels like a warm hug with a scoop of ice cream on top. 🍂✨
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What Is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is the magical child of a cake and a cobbler. Instead of mixing everything in a bowl, the ingredients are layered directly in the baking dish (yep, literally dumped in), baked, and transformed into a dessert that’s somewhere between gooey pie filling and tender cake. Think of it as a lazy-day masterpiece—and this one is inspired by the rich, nutty flavor of classic pecan pie!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥄 No mixing bowls needed—everything goes straight into the baking dish
- 🥧 Tastes like pecan pie but way easier
- 🍰 Uses boxed cake mix for speed and simplicity
- ✨ Buttery, caramelized, crunchy, and soft—all in one bite
- 🍦 Incredible with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
What Does This Dump Cake Taste Like?
Imagine if pecan pie and buttery yellow cake had a love child. The bottom turns into a rich, gooey, almost custardy layer packed with pecans and sweet syrup. The top is golden, cakey, and crisp thanks to that cold butter. It’s sweet, nutty, buttery, and a little addictive. Like pecan pie—but you can scoop it with a spoon. 🙌
Benefits of Making This Dump Cake
- Effortless prep—no need to dirty more than one pan
- Make-ahead friendly—just reheat before serving
- Customizable—add chocolate chips, coconut, or spices
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Delicious warm or at room temp
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15 oz)
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold butter, sliced thin
- 1 cup water
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Butter knife or pastry cutter
- Oven
- Ice cream scoop (optional—but you’ll want it)
Optional Additions & Swaps
- Add chocolate chips for a turtle-inspired twist
- Top with flaky sea salt for balance
- Use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for deeper flavor
- Try spice cake mix for fall vibes
- Add shredded coconut to the pecan layer
How to Make Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
Step 2: Layer It Up (No Stirring!)
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in the sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract (do not stir!)
- Shake the dry cake mix over the top—try to cover everything evenly.
- Dot the surface with slices of cold butter.
- Carefully pour 1 cup of water over the top—yes, over everything. This helps moisten the cake mix and create a golden crust.
Step 3: Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the top is golden brown, bubbly around the edges, and the center looks mostly set.
Step 4: Cool & Serve
Let the cake sit for 10–15 minutes so the layers can set slightly. Then scoop into bowls and serve warm.
💡 Highly recommend topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for ultimate dessert bliss!
What to Serve With Dump Cake
- A big scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream
- Whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce
- A cozy mug of coffee or hot apple cider
- Chopped toasted pecans for crunch
Tips for Success
- Don’t mix the layers—the magic happens in the oven!
- Use cold butter slices to get a crispy golden topping
- Use light or dark corn syrup depending on your flavor preference (dark is more intense)
- Let it cool a bit before serving so it thickens
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat before serving
Storage Instructions
- Room temp: Store covered for up to 1 day
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for 3–4 days, covered
- Reheating: Microwave individual portions or reheat in a 300°F oven until warm
- Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Spice cake or butter pecan cake mix are fantastic options.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it, let it cool, then store in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
Is corn syrup necessary?
It gives that signature pecan pie flavor and gooeyness, but you can sub with maple syrup or golden syrup in a pinch.
Can I make this nut-free?
You can skip the pecans entirely or replace them with chocolate chips or coconut.
In Conclusion: This Dump Cake Is a Must-Make
Sweet, sticky, buttery, and totally foolproof—this Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that wins hearts with almost zero effort. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this is the recipe that feels fancy but is secretly so simple. Grab a spoon (and some ice cream), and prepare to fall in love with every gooey bite. 🥄💛
🍰 Hungry for more easy dessert magic? Check out:
💬 Tried It?
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🍨 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approx. for 12 servings)
- Calories: 410
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 23g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 38g
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