Pecan Pie Dump Cake – The Easiest Way to Get That Classic Southern Flavor

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the perfect dessert when you want all the rich, gooey flavor of pecan pie without the effort of making a crust from scratch. It combines the buttery sweetness of a traditional pecan pie filling with the soft, cake-like topping of a dump cake, resulting in a dessert that is both comforting and incredibly easy to prepare. Everything comes together in one baking dish, making it ideal for busy holidays, potlucks, or last-minute dessert needs.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its texture. The bottom layer bakes into a sticky, caramel-like pecan filling, while the top becomes golden and slightly crisp with a soft interior. I tested this recipe multiple times and found it to be very forgiving, even if measurements are not exact. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or simply on its own, this dessert delivers classic pecan pie flavor with minimal effort.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pecans
Pecans are the star of this dessert. Chopped or halved pecans both work well, adding crunch and that unmistakable nutty flavor.

Brown sugar
Brown sugar provides deep sweetness and helps create the gooey, caramel-like base of the cake.

Corn syrup
Corn syrup gives the filling its classic pecan pie texture, helping it set while staying soft and rich.

Eggs
Eggs bind the filling and give structure to the pecan layer as it bakes.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla adds warmth and enhances the sweetness of the filling.

Butter
Butter adds richness and moisture, helping the cake topping bake up golden and flavorful.

Yellow cake mix
Yellow cake mix forms the topping and makes this recipe quick and reliable. It bakes into a soft, buttery layer over the pecans.

Salt
A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 180°C and lightly grease a baking dish. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, melted butter, and salt until smooth. Stir in the pecans and pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pecan mixture, making sure to cover the surface completely. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. Do not stir.

Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving, as the filling will thicken as it rests.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 8 to 10 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a baking time of 50 minutes. Total time required is roughly 1 hour.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover Pecan Pie Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.

Variations and Customizations

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is easy to customize. For extra richness, chocolate chips can be sprinkled over the pecan layer before adding the cake mix. A splash of bourbon added to the filling gives the dessert a deeper, more complex flavor.

If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar slightly and use lightly salted butter to balance the flavors. Chopped walnuts can replace some of the pecans for a mixed-nut variation, though pecans remain the classic choice.

This recipe can also be made with butter pecan cake mix for an even stronger nutty flavor. Each variation keeps the recipe simple while allowing you to tailor it to your taste.

FAQs

Is this the same as pecan pie?

It has the same flavors, but with a cake-like topping instead of pie crust.

Do I need to mix the layers?

No, dumping the layers without mixing creates the correct texture.

Can I use dark corn syrup?

Yes, dark corn syrup adds deeper flavor and works well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it can be baked a day in advance and reheated.

How do I know when it is done?

The top should be golden and the center set but slightly gooey.

Can I freeze pecan pie dump cake?

Yes, freeze fully cooled portions and thaw before reheating.

What pan size works best?

A standard rectangular baking dish works well.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Slight reductions are possible, but texture may change.

What should I serve with it?

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream pairs perfectly.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it is sweet, nutty, and very approachable.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers all the comforting flavor of classic pecan pie with a fraction of the effort. With its gooey filling, buttery topping, and one-pan preparation, it is an ideal choice for holidays, gatherings, or anytime you want an easy yet impressive dessert. This recipe proves that sometimes the simplest methods produce the most satisfying results.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!