Pecan Pie Dump Cake

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Here’s a big, rich, comfort-style recipe for 🥧🤎 Pecan Pie Dump Cake, written warm and Southern-cozy — perfect for saving and sharing ✨

🥧🤎 Pecan Pie Dump Cake — Gooey, Buttery & Southern Favorite

Introduction

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is what happens when classic Southern pecan pie meets effortless home baking. It has that unmistakable gooey center, rich with brown sugar and corn syrup, topped with a buttery cake layer and crunchy toasted pecans. No rolling dough, no mixers, no stress — just layers, bake, and enjoy.

It’s the kind of dessert that fills the kitchen with a warm, caramel-nut aroma and draws everyone in before it’s even out of the oven.

Ingredients

Pecan Pie Layer

  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Topping

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

For Baking

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Make the pecan filling
    In a bowl, whisk eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
  3. Pour into dish
    Pour the pecan mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  4. Add pecans
    Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the filling.
  5. Dump the cake mix
    Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the pecans — do not stir.
  6. Add butter
    Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible.
  7. Bake
    Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still gooey.
  8. Cool slightly
    Let rest for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Baking Method (Why This Works)

  • Dump-and-bake layering creates distinct textures
  • Eggs + syrup form the classic pecan pie custard
  • Dry cake mix becomes a buttery topping
  • Pecans toast as the cake bakes

This method delivers pie flavor with cake-style ease.

A Little History

Pecan pie is a Southern staple dating back to the late 1800s, especially popular in Texas and Louisiana. Dump cakes became popular in mid-century America as a way to simplify baking while keeping big flavor. This recipe blends both traditions — rich Southern pie and practical home baking.

Formation & Texture

  • Gooey, caramel-like bottom
  • Soft, buttery cake topping
  • Crunchy toasted pecans
  • Warm, rich sweetness in every bite

It scoops beautifully and holds its shape just enough.

How Lovers of This Dessert Enjoy It 🤎

  • Warm with vanilla ice cream
  • With whipped cream and caramel drizzle
  • Served at holidays and potlucks
  • The next day reheated (even better!)
  • Straight from the pan with a spoon

Tips from Pecan Pie Dump Cake Lovers

  • Use real butter for best flavor
  • Let it cool slightly to set
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth
  • Cover leftovers to keep gooey

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is comfort baking at its finest — rich, gooey, buttery, and unbelievably easy. It delivers everything people love about pecan pie without the fuss, making it a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

One dish. One bake.
Pure Southern comfort 🥧✨

If you want, I can:

  • Make a small-batch version
  • Turn this into a viral Facebook post
  • Adapt it egg-free
  • Add chocolate chips or bourbon flavor

Just tell me 👇

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