Sticky, buttery, and loaded with toasted pecans, this Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake is everything you love about the classic pie—minus the fuss. With a gooey brown sugar base and golden cake topping, each bite delivers warm caramel flavor, crunchy nuts, and irresistible richness. It’s a celebration of textures with almost no prep.

Perfect for holidays or lazy weekends, this dessert takes just minutes to layer together before the oven does its magic. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just need something sweet and comforting, this dump cake is a no-fail favorite that tastes like it took all day to make.
What Kind of Cake Mix Should I Use?
Yellow cake mix is the go-to for its buttery, classic flavor that complements the pecan filling beautifully. However, vanilla or butter pecan cake mix can add a twist for more depth. Just avoid overly sweet or spiced varieties, as they might overpower the rich brown sugar notes.
Ingredients for the Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake
- Chopped Pecans: They bring the crunch and that signature nutty bite.
- Brown Sugar: Creates the gooey caramel-like base.
- Corn Syrup: Mimics the texture and taste of traditional pecan pie.
- Eggs: Help set the filling and bind everything together.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the warmth and aroma.
- Yellow Cake Mix: Offers that golden, fluffy topping with minimal effort.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted and drizzled for rich flavor and even baking.
How To Make the Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, corn syrup, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans and pour the mixture into the prepared dish.
Step 2: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the pecan layer. No mixing is needed here—just a level distribution across the top.
Step 3: Pour the Butter
Drizzle melted butter slowly over the entire surface, trying to moisten as much of the dry cake mix as possible.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving so the filling can set.

How to Serve and Store Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake
This cake is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For storage, cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds to restore the gooey goodness.
What to Serve With Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake?
Vanilla Ice Cream
The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm, nutty richness.
Whipped Cream
Light and airy, it balances the dense texture of the dump cake.
Spiced Chai Latte
The warm spices highlight the caramel notes in the dessert.
Fresh Berries
Add a tart brightness to cut through the sweetness.
Maple Glazed Bacon
Salty-sweet heaven that pairs surprisingly well with the pecan and brown sugar profile.
Buttered Rum
For a cozy, adult pairing that echoes the dessert’s warmth.
Apple Slices
Thinly sliced and lightly spiced apples bring crunch and freshness.
Want More Dessert Ideas with Southern Charm?
If you loved this Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake, check out these cozy creations:
- Nutella French Toast Casserole for a rich, hazelnut breakfast twist.
- Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake when you crave fruity meets decadent.
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites that taste like brunch heaven.
- Chocolate Raspberry Drip Cake for a show-stopping finish.
- Cream Cheese Flan when silky smooth is your vibe.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with butter pecan cake mix? Add a splash of bourbon to the filling? I’m always curious how these cozy bakes find a home in your kitchen.
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Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Craving that gooey, nutty comfort of pecan pie without all the hassle? This Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake brings together the rich, buttery crunch of toasted pecans and the caramel-like sweetness of brown sugar in a simple, no-fuss dessert. With just a few pantry staples and no mixing bowls needed, this is one of the easiest dessert ideas you can whip up for holidays, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or sneak a bite cold from the fridge, it hits all the sweet spots of classic Southern desserts. Great for easy recipes, dessert ideas, and crowd-pleasing treats that require minimal effort!
Ingredients
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
3. Fold in chopped pecans and pour mixture into the baking dish.
4. Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the pecan filling. Do not stir.
5. Slowly drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much as possible.
6. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling.
7. Let cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set.
8. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
For deeper flavor, substitute butter pecan or vanilla cake mix.
Add a splash of bourbon to the filling for a festive twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: pecan pie dump cake, easy dessert, holiday dessert
