Description
Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a Southern-inspired dessert that combines the rich, gooey sweetness of traditional pecan pie with the simplicity of a dump cake. This easy-to-make dessert layers a luscious mixture of eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla under a dry yellow cake mix topping scattered with chopped pecans and drizzled with melted butter. Baked until golden and set, it offers a crisp, buttery crust with a gooey, nutty filling—perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Base Mixture: Pour the wet mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, forming the bottom layer of the dessert.
- Add Cake Mix Layer: Without stirring, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the wet base layer to create a crumbly topping.
- Top with Pecans: Scatter the chopped pecans evenly over the cake mix layer to add crunch and flavor.
- Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the entire surface, covering as much of the dry cake mix as possible to help it bake into a crisp crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the dump cake to cool for at least 30 minutes after baking to let it fully set for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not stir the cake mix topping into the wet mixture; this allows the distinct layers to form.
- Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the final dessert.
- The pecans can be toasted beforehand for extra flavor, but it is not necessary.
- The cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature.
- Storing leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days is recommended; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: pecan pie, dump cake, easy pecan dessert, Southern dessert, fall dessert, holiday recipe, simple cake
