Pecan Pie Dump Cake: A Rich, Gooey Dessert with Minimal Effort

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pecan Pie Dump Cake captures all the indulgent flavors of a classic pecan pie—gooey caramel filling, buttery nuts, and a golden, tender crust—without the meticulous steps traditional pies require. This dessert is designed for convenience: you layer the ingredients, bake, and enjoy a warm, irresistible treat with almost no prep. I once tried adding a splash of maple syrup to the filling, and the subtle sweetness elevated the pecan flavor beautifully. It’s the perfect dessert for holidays, potlucks, or any time you want something impressive but effortless. The combination of tender cake, molten brown sugar filling, and crunchy pecans makes every bite deeply satisfying. Whether you serve it with ice cream, whipped cream, or enjoy it plain and warm from the pan, Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the type of dessert that never lasts long.

Print

Ingredients

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

Pecan halves or chopped pecans
Pecans provide the rich, nutty crunch that defines this dessert. Whether you use halves for presentation or chopped pecans for more even distribution, they add texture and deep flavor.

Brown sugar
Brown sugar melts into a caramel-like base. Its molasses notes complement the pecans and help replicate the classic pecan pie filling.

Butter
Melted butter contributes richness and moisture while encouraging the cake mix to bake into a golden, crisp topping.

Eggs (optional, depending on recipe variation)
Some versions include eggs in the filling to create a more pie-like texture. They help thicken the base and add richness.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla rounds out the sweetness and elevates the dessert’s warm, buttery aroma.

Yellow cake mix
Cake mix forms the soft, slightly crumbly topping as it bakes. Its simplicity is key to the “dump cake” method.

Corn syrup or caramel sauce
Corn syrup gives the filling its signature gooey texture, while caramel sauce can be used for convenience or added richness.

Evaporated milk
This ingredient helps thin the caramel filling, ensuring it bakes evenly and stays smooth beneath the cake layer.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Spread the pecans evenly across the bottom of the dish. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup or caramel sauce, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and eggs if using. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Pour the filling mixture evenly over the pecans. Next, sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top, ensuring full coverage but not stirring it into the filling. Drizzle the remaining melted butter evenly over the cake mix, making sure to moisten as much of the surface as possible. This helps the topping bake into a golden, tender crust.

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges. Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving. The filling will thicken as it rests, creating that classic pecan pie texture beneath the cake.

Essential Equipment

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.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 10–12 people. Preparation requires about 10 minutes, and baking takes 40–50 minutes. Total estimated time: approximately 1 hour.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes. This dessert can also be frozen for up to two months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations and Customizations

Chocolate Pecan Dump Cake
Add a layer of chocolate chips over the pecans for a richer, more decadent twist.

Maple Pecan Dump Cake
Replace part of the corn syrup with maple syrup for a deeper autumn flavor.

Bourbon Pecan Cake
Add one to two tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for warmth and complexity.

Caramel Apple Pecan Version
Add a layer of thinly sliced apples beneath the pecans for extra texture and sweetness.

Salted Caramel Pecan Cake
Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top after baking for a sweet-salty finish.

Gluten-Free Variation
Use a gluten-free cake mix; all other ingredients remain unchanged.

Spiced Pecan Dump Cake
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the filling for a warm, holiday-inspired flavor.

Coconut Pecan Dump Cake
Scatter shredded coconut over the pecans before adding the filling for added texture.

Nut Blend Version
Use a mix of pecans, walnuts, and almonds for extra crunch.

Butter Pecan Cake Mix Upgrade
Swap yellow cake mix for butter pecan cake mix for even more nutty richness.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, butter pecan, vanilla, or spice cake mixes all work well.

Do I need to toast the pecans first?

Not required, but toasting enhances their flavor.

Can I make this without corn syrup?

Yes, caramel sauce or maple syrup can work as substitutes.

Should the butter be melted or sliced?

Melted butter distributes more evenly and helps the topping bake consistently.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats beautifully and can be made a day in advance.

Is this dessert very sweet?

It is rich and sweet, similar to pecan pie; you can reduce sugar slightly if preferred.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes, they melt into the filling for extra richness.

Will the cake mix be dry on top?

No—proper butter coverage ensures a golden, tender crust.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes, bake in an 8×8-inch dish and reduce baking time slightly.

Can I serve it cold?

It can be enjoyed cold, but it’s best warm and gooey.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Dump Cake captures the luxurious flavor of pecan pie with the ease of a single-pan, no-fuss dessert. Its caramel-rich filling, crunchy pecans, and golden cake topping create a deliciously indulgent treat fit for holidays, gatherings, or simple weekend baking. With endlessly adaptable variations and minimal prep time, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for whenever you want something comforting, impressive, and incredibly easy. Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream for a dessert that truly satisfies.

Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share