What is a pecan pie dump cake and how is it different from traditional pecan pie?

A pecan pie dump cake is a simplified version of pecan pie where ingredients like pecans, sweetened condensed milk, and cake mix are layered or "dumped" into a pan without a traditional pie crust. It offers similar rich, nutty flavors with much less prep time and fuss.

Can I prepare pecan pie dump cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

Yes, making a pecan pie dump cake a day ahead allows the flavors to meld. Store leftover cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze portions for up to three months. Reheat gently before serving.

What ingredients do I need for a pecan pie dump cake recipe?

Essential ingredients include 1 cup chopped pecans, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup corn syrup, ½ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 box yellow or butter pecan cake mix. Optional additions include water, brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel topping, or chocolate chips.

Can I use gluten-free or alternative cake mixes for this recipe?

Absolutely. You can substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free version or alternative flavors like vanilla or butter pecan. This keeps the cake accessible for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe: Easy Crowd-Pleasing Dessert for Any Occasion

Name: Easy and Crowd-Pleasing Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe for Any Occasion
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped or halved pecans, toasted; 1 can (15 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark); 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, plus additional thin pats for topping; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 box yellow or butter pecan cake mix (gluten-free optional); 1 cup water (optional); Optional: brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel topping, chocolate chips

Description

🥧 Easy and Crowd-Pleasing Pecan Pie Dump Cake combines rich, buttery, and nutty flavors with the convenience of a simple dump cake.
🍽️ This dessert is perfect for any occasion, offering a luscious treat that’s effortless to prepare and loved by many.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup chopped or halved pecans, toasted
1 can (15 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, plus additional thin pats for topping
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box yellow or butter pecan cake mix (gluten-free optional)
1 cup water (optional)
Optional: brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel topping, chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet or oven for 3-5 minutes, then spread them evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture evenly over the layer of pecans in the baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the liquid layer.
6. Arrange thin pats of additional butter evenly on top of the cake mix to promote a golden, crisp topping.
7. Optionally, gently pour water evenly over the top for added moisture or mix eggs and brown sugar into the pecan mixture for a richer filling.
8. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling, and the center is slightly jiggly but set.
9. Allow the cake to cool and rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
10. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of sea salt.

Notes

🍰 Freeze butter for 10 minutes before slicing into thin pats to ensure even topping coverage.
🛡️ Tent the baking dish with foil if the edges start to brown too quickly during baking.
🌰 Add warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in chocolate chips or extra chopped pecans for more texture and flavor variety.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 400 kcal
Sugar: 35 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg