Decadent Pecan Dump Cake: A Southern Classic Made Easy

This Pecan Dump Cake brings together the rich flavors of a traditional pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake. It features a gooey, caramel-like pecan filling topped with a buttery cake layer and more pecans, creating an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Easy: True to its “dump cake” name, you simply layer ingredients in a baking dish—no mixing required!
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of buttery pecans, caramel-like filling, and cake creates a dessert everyone will rave about.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake actually tastes better after it’s had time to set, making it perfect for entertaining.
• Versatile: Serve it warm with ice cream for a decadent dessert or at room temperature as a sweet treat with coffee.
• Perfect Balance: The nutty pecans, sweet cake, and caramel notes create a symphony of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar provides a deep molasses flavor that creates a caramel-like base for the cake.

Corn Syrup: Dark corn syrup adds sweetness and helps create that classic sticky, gooey texture reminiscent of pecan pie.

Butter: Salted butter adds richness and enhances all the flavors in this indulgent dessert.

Eggs: These bind everything together and help create the custard-like filling beneath the cake layer.

Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.

Pecans: The star of the show! Pecan halves provide that classic nutty flavor and wonderful texture.

White Cake Mix: This convenient shortcut creates the perfect cakey top layer without any fuss.

Hot Water: This activates the cake mix and helps create the perfect consistency.

Caramel Topping: An optional but delicious finishing touch that takes this dessert over the top.

Variations

• Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add chocolate chips to the bottom layer or use a chocolate cake mix instead of white.
• Bourbon Pecan: Add 2-3 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling mixture for a sophisticated adult version.
• Spiced Pecan: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Coconut Pecan: Mix 1 cup of shredded coconut into the filling or sprinkle on top before baking.
• Maple Pecan: Replace half the corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven and thoroughly greasing your baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Create the Filling: Mix the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, eggs, and vanilla until well combined, then stir in the pecans.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Spread the pecan filling in your prepared dish, then sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over top.
4. Add the Toppings: Drizzle with butter, sprinkle with additional brown sugar, and carefully pour hot water over everything.
5. Final Touch: Add the remaining pecans on top for a beautiful presentation and extra nutty goodness.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake until golden brown, knowing that the center will remain slightly jiggly but will set as it cools.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Eggs: These incorporate much better with the other ingredients than cold eggs straight from the refrigerator.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: Use good quality pecans and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the pecans to the filling, gently stir just until combined to maintain their texture.
• Careful with Water: When adding the hot water, pour slowly and carefully to avoid splashing or creating holes in your layers.
• Check Early: Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary significantly.
• Trust the Process: Don’t worry if the center seems too jiggly when you take it out—it will continue to set as it cools.

How to Serve

• Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Pair with freshly whipped cream for a lighter accompaniment.
• For an elegant presentation, dust lightly with powdered sugar and garnish with a mint leaf.
• Serve alongside coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Make Ahead

This Pecan Dump Cake is perfect for making ahead of time!

• Prepare the cake up to 2 days in advance and store covered at room temperature.
• The flavors actually develop and improve as it sits, making it taste even better the next day.
• If you prefer it warm, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving.
• The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Q: Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
A: Yes, you can use light brown sugar, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich. You might consider adding a tablespoon of molasses to enhance the flavor if using light brown sugar.

Q: Why is my cake still jiggly in the center after baking?
A: This is completely normal! The cake has a pecan pie-like filling that remains somewhat soft even after baking. It will continue to set as it cools, but will never become completely firm like a traditional cake.

Q: Can I make this recipe without corn syrup?
A: You can substitute honey or maple syrup for the corn syrup, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Another option is to make a simple sugar syrup as a replacement.

Q: How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A: The top should be golden brown, and the edges should be set. The center will still have some movement when gently shaken, similar to how a pecan pie looks when done. It will continue to set as it cools.

Conclusion

This Pecan Dump Cake beautifully bridges the gap between cake and pie, offering the best of both worlds with minimal effort. The contrast between the gooey, pecan-filled bottom and the buttery cake top creates an irresistible dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and nutty, this foolproof recipe delivers impressive results with simple ingredients and easy preparation. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this Pecan Dump Cake is guaranteed to impress and satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth!

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