Pecan Pie Dump Cake

When you want a dessert that’s ridiculously easy but delivers big on flavor, this pecan pie dump cake is it. I made this on a chilly fall afternoon when my family was craving something sweet but fuss-free. It’s got all the gooey, caramel goodness of pecan pie, layered with a buttery cake topping that comes together like magic. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your own sweet tooth, this pecan pie dump cake recipe never disappoints.

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Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake

A Family Favorite with Gooey Crunch

There’s something downright magical about how simple this pecan pie dump cake is to throw together. I made it last Thanksgiving when time was short, and let me tell you, it instantly became one of those recipes that everyone begged me to make again. It delivers all the gooey richness of a classic pecan pie while requiring only minimal preparation time.

Perfect for Fall and Honestly Anytime

This isn’t just a fall dessert. It is an anytime treat that is wildly flexible. The layers of brown sugar, buttery cake, and crunchy pecans remind me of cozy gatherings with my family. What I especially love is that this recipe doesn’t demand perfection. No fancy mixers or special skills, just a baking dish and a few pantry staples. Like my No-Bake Pecan Praline Cookies, it is designed for those of us who love desserts but do not always have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Whether it is for a holiday table or a lazy Sunday treat, this easy pecan pie dump cake recipe always delivers warm, gooey, sweet comfort.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

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What You’ll Need for This Amazing Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Ingredients

One of the best things about this pecan pie dump cake recipe is how simple the ingredients are. Most of these ingredients are likely sitting in your kitchen right now. Each one plays an important role in creating that gooey, buttery, crunchy magic.

Ingredient	Quantity
Dark brown sugar (divided)	2¾ cups
Dark corn syrup	1 cup
Salted butter (divided, melted)	1¼ cups
Large eggs (room temperature)	3
Pure vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
Pecan halves (divided)	4 cups
White cake mix	15.25 ounces
Hot water	1 cup
Caramel topping (optional)	As desired

This combination delivers that signature sticky pecan pie flavor, balanced perfectly with a soft cake-like topping that melts in your mouth.

Easy Swaps and Flavor Variations

What makes this pecan pie dump cake recipe so wonderful is its adaptability, ideal for home bakers who need flexibility.

• Cake Mix Swap: White cake mix works perfectly, but sometimes I swap it for butter pecan, yellow, or spice cake mix when I want an extra pop of flavor. It gives a warm, cozy twist just like I love in my Matcha Tea Tiramisu.
• Nut Options: While pecans are the star, you can easily switch in walnuts or chopped almonds for a slightly different crunch.
• Add Chocolate: A sprinkle of chocolate chips between the pecan mixture and the cake mix makes this dessert even more indulgent, similar to the magic that happens in my Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars.
• Topping Ideas: Caramel drizzle or a big scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this from delicious to downright dreamy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pecan Pie Dump Cake

How I Make This Effortless Dessert

Whenever I bake this pecan pie dump cake recipe, I am reminded how simple baking can be without sacrificing flavor. It is one of those desserts where everything comes together beautifully without complicated steps, much like when I prepare my Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecake. Let’s walk through it together.

1. Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray so nothing sticks later.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 cups of dark brown sugar, dark corn syrup, ½ cup of melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until fully blended.
3. Stir in 3 cups of pecan halves. Once combined, spread this sticky, rich filling across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
4. Evenly cover the pecan mixture with the dry cake mix, making sure it forms a smooth layer. Leave it dry on top at this stage.
5. Gently pour the remaining ¾ cup of melted butter all over the surface of the cake mix to help it bake into a golden crust.
6. Sprinkle the final ¾ cup of dark brown sugar across the top for an extra hint of caramel sweetness.
7. Slowly pour one cup of hot water over everything. Do not stir it in. I like to gently tip the baking dish from side to side to let the water settle evenly over the top.
8. Scatter the last cup of pecan halves over the surface as the finishing touch.
9. Place the dish carefully in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it after 30 minutes. The top should turn golden brown while the center stays slightly wobbly, which is exactly what you want for that gooey texture.

My Best Tip for This Recipe

The first time I tried this, I panicked a little when the middle still seemed soft at the end of baking. But trust me, as it cools, that center firms up into the most wonderful gooey filling that tastes like a cross between pecan pie and a buttery cake.

This is truly the easiest way to enjoy all the flavors of a pecan pie without the hassle of making a crust from scratch.

How to Serve, Store, and Customize Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Delicious Ways to Serve

Whenever I make this pecan pie dump cake, my family practically lines up before it even comes out of the oven. One of our favorite ways to enjoy it is slightly warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey layers and the cold, creamy ice cream creates the ultimate dessert moment.

As a special touch, I occasionally garnish it with dollops of whipped cream and a generous caramel sauce drizzle. My daughter Ella loves when I add both. This added richness transforms the cake into a luxurious dessert that elevates any regular night into a memorable occasion.

Another lovely way I like to serve it is with a fresh cup of coffee or herbal tea in the afternoon. It pairs beautifully with peaceful moments, much like savoring a portion of my Vegan Tiramisu with a warm drink.

How to Store and Reheat

This easy pecan pie dump cake recipe is incredibly storage-friendly. Whether you are prepping ahead for guests or saving leftovers, it holds up beautifully.

• Prepare Ahead: Assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• After Baking: Keep it at room temperature for up to three days if covered tightly.
• Refrigerator Storage: Move leftovers into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to one week.
• Freezing: Cut into portions, wrap them well, and place in freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to two months.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for a quick dessert or pop them into a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked texture.

This method works perfectly, much like how I store my Mini Egg Cheesecake for special occasions.

Creative Variations I Love

One of my favorite things about this recipe for pecan pie dump cake is how easy it is to personalize it with fun twists. Here are some that my family has given a big thumbs-up to.

• Add Chocolate: A handful of chocolate chips tucked between the pecan filling and the cake mix adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
• Try a Spice Cake Mix: Swapping white cake mix for a spice cake version brings in lovely cinnamon and nutmeg notes that feel extra cozy during fall.
• Nut Mix-Up: Combine pecans with a handful of chopped walnuts for even more texture and flavor.
• Sweet and Salty Finish: Sprinkle crushed pretzels on top before baking. It adds a playful crunch that balances the sweet layers beautifully.

Last time I tried the pretzel version, even my son Oliver, who is usually all about sprinkles, declared it his new favorite. It reminded me of how a simple twist can make a big impact, just like when I swapped toppings in my Strawberry Cake and Cheesecake.

This dessert is endlessly adaptable, whether you keep it classic or mix in your own creative flavors.

Sweet, Simple, and Always a Hit

This pecan pie dump cake is the kind of dessert that proves baking does not have to be complicated to be absolutely delicious. With its rich caramel flavor, crunchy pecan topping, and buttery cake layer, it is a treat that brings smiles every single time. Whether you are making it for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because you are craving something cozy and sweet, this recipe delivers every time.

It has definitely become one of those desserts my family requests over and over again. Once you try it, I am pretty sure it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe box too.

If you love easy, crowd-pleasing treats like this, make sure to follow me on Pinterest for more recipes like these!

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