There’s something magical about the aroma of pecans and butter baking in the oven. It reminds me of holidays spent gathered around the table with family, laughter filling the air, and the unmistakable warmth of a freshly baked dessert cooling on the counter. This Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake captures all of that in one fuss-free, incredibly delicious dish.
If you’re craving the rich, gooey flavors of traditional pecan pie but don’t have the time (or patience) to make a pie crust from scratch, this dump cake is your answer. It’s simple enough for weeknight baking but decadent enough to earn a spot on your holiday dessert table. With layers of chopped pecans, sweetened condensed milk, buttery cake mix, and golden edges that caramelize beautifully, this dessert is pure comfort.
It’s also incredibly beginner-friendly—no mixers, no fancy equipment, and just one pan. The beauty of a dump cake is in the name: you quite literally dump the ingredients into a pan and bake. Yet the result tastes like something that took far more time and effort.
Why You’ll Love Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake
- No pie crust needed – perfect for beginners or when you’re short on time.
- Classic Southern flavor with minimal effort.
- Feeds a crowd – ideal for potlucks, holidays, or Sunday dinners.
- Only 7 ingredients – most of which you probably already have.
- Rich, buttery, and gooey with a golden cake topping.
- Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved.
- Minimal cleanup – one pan does it all.
- Totally customizable – great with added chocolate chips or a bourbon twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup pecans, chopped (toast for extra flavor)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark – your choice)
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15 oz)
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold butter, sliced into thin pats
- 1 cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick baking spray.
- Add chopped pecans
- Spread the chopped pecans evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Optional: Lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Mix the gooey filling layer
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and water.
- Mix until fully combined and pour evenly over the chopped pecans.
- The mixture will soak into the nuts and form the base of your gooey, pie-like layer.
- Add the dry cake mix
- Open the box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the liquid mixture.
- Do not stir—this layering is what creates the distinct textures of the dump cake.
- Top with cold butter slices
- Evenly distribute the cold butter slices over the entire surface of the dry cake mix.
- This ensures that the top becomes golden, crispy, and rich as it bakes.
- Bake the cake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
- The center may still jiggle slightly when done—this is normal and it will set as it cools.
- Cool before serving
- Allow the dump cake to cool at room temperature for at least 30–45 minutes.
- This gives the filling time to firm up and makes slicing much easier.
- Serve and enjoy
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- You can also serve it chilled—the flavor intensifies as it rests overnight.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve warm for the ultimate comfort dessert.
- Great with coffee or bourbon-spiked whipped cream.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individual slices by wrapping tightly in foil and placing in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through or microwave individual servings for 20–30 seconds.
Helpful Notes
- Dark corn syrup adds a molasses-like depth—use it if you prefer traditional pecan pie flavor.
- For crunchier topping: bake for an extra 5–10 minutes.
- Add bourbon: 1 tablespoon of bourbon in the filling adds a subtle kick.
- Make it nut-free: Substitute crushed graham crackers or oats if you have a nut allergy.
- Try spice cake mix for a cozy autumn version.
- Add-ins: sprinkle with chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or shredded coconut before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Spice cake, butter pecan, or white cake mix all pair wonderfully with the pecan filling. Each variation brings a slightly different flavor twist. - Can I reduce the sweetness?
This dessert is rich, but you can cut back slightly on the corn syrup or use a less sweet condensed milk alternative. Keep in mind, though, that altering sugar levels may change the texture. - Do I have to use both types of butter?
Yes—melted butter helps bind the filling layer, while the cold butter slices on top help the cake mix form a golden, crispy crust. - Can I substitute maple syrup for corn syrup?
Yes, but expect a slightly different texture and flavor. Maple syrup adds a unique depth but may not thicken the same way as corn syrup. - Can this be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and double-check your other ingredients for gluten content. - How do I know when it’s done baking?
Look for a golden, bubbling top with firm edges. The center should be mostly set but a little jiggly. It will continue to set as it cools. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and it tastes even better the next day! Make it the night before and refrigerate. Just reheat gently before serving or enjoy it cold.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake is everything you want in a dessert – comforting, indulgent, and ridiculously easy to make. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together and leaves them asking for seconds (and thirds!).
Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner, attending a holiday potluck, or just treating yourself on a lazy weekend, this dump cake delivers all the cozy vibes of pecan pie with a modern, no-fuss twist. It’s an ideal dessert for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for something simple yet impressive.
The caramelized edges, gooey center, and buttery cake topping create a trio of textures and flavors that are downright addictive. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—feel free to experiment with toppings, spices, or even drizzle a bourbon glaze on top for extra flair.
Leave a Reply