Looking for a dessert that’s rich, nutty, and oh-so-easy to make? This Pecan Dump Cake is here to save the day! With its buttery pecan topping and moist cake base, it’s the perfect treat for holidays, potlucks, or just because. Plus, it’s called a “dump cake” for a reason—just dump the ingredients together, bake, and enjoy!
Prep Time
- 10 minutes
Cook Time
- 50 minutes
Total Time
- 1 hour
Servings
- 12 servings
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2¾ cups brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1¼ cup butter (melted)
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups pecan halves
For the Topping:
- 1 box white cake mix (dry, not prepared)
- 1 cup pecan halves
For Serving (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in 3 cups of pecan halves, ensuring they’re evenly coated in the mixture.
- Pour this pecan filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix Layer
- Sprinkle the dry white cake mix evenly over the pecan filling. Do not stir—it will create a magical crust as it bakes!
- Top the cake mix layer with the remaining 1 cup of pecan halves, pressing them gently into the mix for a decorative touch.
Step 4: Bake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- If the pecans start to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set slightly.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Pro Tips
- Toasting Pecans: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the recipe. This enhances their nutty flavor.
- Add a Drizzle: For extra richness, drizzle caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
- Storage-Friendly: This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 38g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
Variations
- Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle ½ cup of chocolate chips over the pecan filling before adding the cake mix.
- Spiced Version: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the cake mix for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free white cake mix to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pecan Dump Cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for busy days or when you need a show-stopping dessert without the hassle. The combination of gooey pecan filling, buttery cake topping, and crunchy pecans is downright irresistible. Pair it with ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ready to make this crowd-pleaser? Grab your ingredients and get baking—you won’t be disappointed!
