My mom made this dessert, and it was a total crowd-pleaser. I had to grab the recipe!

If you love the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie but want an easy, fuss-free dessert, this Pecan Pie Dump Cake is your new go-to. Combining the gooey sweetness of a traditional pecan pie with the simplicity of a dump cake, it’s perfect for busy bakers who still crave that homemade, nostalgic touch. The aroma of toasted pecans and caramelized sugar filling your kitchen is pure comfort, making this dessert ideal for cozy family nights or holiday gatherings.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

Ingredient Quantity
Yellow cake mix 1 box
Eggs 3 large
Light corn syrup 1 cup
Brown sugar, packed 1 cup
Butter, melted 1/2 cup
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Pecan halves 2 cups
Salt 1/4 teaspoon

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
  3. Fold in the pecan halves, making sure they’re evenly coated in the mixture.
  4. Pour the pecan mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  5. Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the pecan mixture.
  6. Gently press the cake mix into the pecan layer with the back of a spoon, but do not stir.
  7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the filling is set.
  8. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving; it will have a gooey, crumbly texture just like classic pecan pie.

Variations & Tips:

  • Swap light corn syrup for dark corn syrup for a deeper, richer flavor.
  • Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pecan mixture for a warm, spiced twist.
  • Reduce the brown sugar to 3/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
  • Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top of the cake mix before baking for extra crunch.
  • For a chocolatey version, fold 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the pecan mixture for an indulgent treat.
  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate this classic even further.