The Tastiest Pecan Dump Cake Recipe for Effortless Sweet Joy

Sweet memories flood back whenever I make this delightful pecan dump cake recipe that feels like a warm hug from grandmother’s kitchen.

Layers of simple ingredients create magic in just minutes.

Casual bakers and seasoned pros alike will adore how effortlessly this dessert comes together.

Crunchy pecans nestled between soft cake and gooey caramel make every bite irresistible.

Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor with this foolproof treat.

Comfort awaits you in each delectable spoonful, promising pure dessert bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Pecan Dump Cake Recipe Bursting with Sweetness

• Craft a Sweet Pecan Sensation: Dive into a dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious treat bursting with rich, nutty flavors and caramel-like goodness.
• Simplify Baking Magic: Create a stunning dessert with minimal effort, combining basic pantry staples into a show-stopping cake that looks and tastes professionally prepared.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Impress friends and family with a crowd-pleasing dessert that's ideal for potlucks, holiday celebrations, and weekend get-togethers, guaranteed to spark conversation and delight taste buds.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding optional caramel topping or experimenting with different nut varieties to make this dump cake uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Perfect Pecan Dump Cake Baking

• Dark Brown Sugar: Provides deep, rich sweetness and helps create a caramel-like texture.
• Pecans: Adds nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the dessert.
• Dark Corn Syrup: Creates a gooey, sweet base that helps bind the ingredients together.
• Cake Mix: Serves as the quick and easy cake topping that transforms into a crumbly, golden crust.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a moist, tender dessert with a golden color.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cake.
• Hot Water: Helps create a unique, soft texture and ensures even baking of the cake mix.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking to the baking dish.
• Caramel Topping (Optional): Adds extra sweetness and indulgence to the dessert when serving.

How to Bake Classic Pecan Dump Cake Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 or 13×9 inch baking dish and coat it generously with nonstick cooking spray, making sure every corner gets covered.

Step 2: Create the Gooey Pecan Base

• Dark brown sugar
• Dark corn syrup
• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Vanilla

Blend everything until it’s smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Fold in Crunchy Pecans

Stir in the pecan halves until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Pour this nutty concoction into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Layer the Cake Magic

Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pecan filling like a snowy blanket.

Drizzle the remaining melted butter across the top. Dust the entire surface with an additional layer of dark brown sugar.

Step 5: Add the Secret Moisture

Carefully pour hot water over the dry cake mix and butter. Don’t mix or stir!

Gently tilt the pan to help the water spread evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Final Pecan Sprinkle and Bake

Scatter the remaining pecan halves on top of the cake.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it around the 30-minute mark.

The cake will look slightly wobbly in the center but will firm up as it cools.

Step 7: Cool and Indulge

Let the cake cool completely before diving in.

For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle some caramel sauce on top. This heavenly dessert serves about 12 people and is guaranteed to make mouths water!

Tips for a Flawless Pecan Dump Cake Texture

• Ensure even spreading of the pecan mixture to create a uniform base that cooks consistently and avoids wet spots.
• Gently tilt the pan when adding hot water to help it spread evenly without disturbing the cake mix layer.
• Check the cake at 30 minutes to prevent overcooking, looking for a golden-brown top and slightly jiggly center.
• Let the cake cool completely to allow the layers to set and develop a perfect texture before serving.
• Drizzle caramel sauce on top for an extra layer of richness and sweetness that complements the pecans.

Creative Ideas to Vary Pecan Dump Cake Recipes

• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Replace cake mix with chocolate cake mix and add 1/2 cup chocolate chips for an intense cocoa experience.
• Caramel Pecan Paradise: Mix caramel sauce into the pecan filling and top with extra caramel drizzle after baking for rich, gooey goodness.
• Maple Pecan Sensation: Substitute dark corn syrup with pure maple syrup and sprinkle cinnamon over the top before baking for warm, cozy flavors.
• Bourbon Pecan Indulgence: Add 2 tablespoons bourbon to the pecan mixture and use bourbon-infused vanilla extract for a sophisticated adult version.

Pairing Suggestions for Pecan Dump Cake Treats

• Drizzle Vanilla Ice Cream Alongside: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over the warm, gooey pecan dump cake, creating a heavenly contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Sip Bourbon Whiskey Neat: A smooth, rich bourbon complements the caramel-like sweetness of the cake, enhancing the deep nutty pecan flavors with its warm, oaky undertones.
• Brew Caramel Macchiato Companion: A hot caramel macchiato echoes the cake's rich brown sugar notes, with espresso cutting through the dessert's sweetness and adding depth to each bite.

Proper Care for Pecan Dump Cake Freshness

Store covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the cake in the original baking dish or transfer to a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.

Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and preserve texture.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm at 325F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Check internal temperature to ensure even heating.

Reheat individual slices for 20-30 seconds on medium power. Let stand for 15 seconds to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.

FAQs

• Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?

Yes, light brown sugar works fine. The cake will have a slightly milder caramel flavor, but it won’t significantly change the overall taste.

• Is dark corn syrup necessary for this recipe?

Dark corn syrup helps create a rich, caramel-like texture. If unavailable, you can substitute with light corn syrup or maple syrup, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

• What if I don't have a 9×13 baking dish?

You can use a similar-sized baking dish or pan. Just ensure it has comparable dimensions to distribute the ingredients evenly and maintain the recipe’s intended texture.

Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible Southern Pecan Dump Cake brings rustic charm to dessert tables with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Sweet pecans and buttery cake layers create a quick comfort classic that delights friends and family in mere minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups dark brown sugar
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 cup dark corn syrup
• 1 1/4 cups salted butter
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 15.25 ounces white cake mix
• 1 cup hot water

Pecan Ingredients:

• 3 cups pecan halves
• 1 cup pecan halves

Optional Topping:

• Caramel topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with nonstick spray.
2. Create the pecan filling by whisking dark brown sugar, dark corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl until smooth and fully incorporated.
3. Fold three cups of pecan halves into the liquid mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the filling.
4. Carefully distribute the pecan mixture across the prepared baking dish, creating an even base layer.
5. Uniformly scatter the dry cake mix over the pecan filling, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom layer.
6. Drizzle remaining melted butter across the cake mix, followed by a generous sprinkle of additional dark brown sugar.
7. Gently pour hot water over the entire surface, allowing it to seep through without stirring or mixing the layers.
8. Strategically place the remaining pecan halves across the top of the cake, creating a decorative and crunchy surface.
9. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring the color and checking for a golden-brown crust.
10. Remove from oven and let the cake cool completely, allowing the center to set and stabilize.
11. Optional: Enhance serving with a drizzle of caramel topping for extra indulgence. Cut into approximately twelve generous portions.

Notes

• Use dark brown sugar for deeper, richer flavor that complements the pecans’ natural sweetness.
• Ensure hot water is distributed evenly without mixing to create a unique, layered texture with a gooey bottom.
• Slightly underbake the cake to maintain a moist, soft center that firms up during cooling.
• Consider toasting pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty, robust flavor profile and add extra depth to the dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 423 kcal
• Sugar: 44 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg