When I think about comfort food that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, pecan pie is one of the first things that comes to mind. But what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy all those flavors with a fraction of the effort? That’s where my Pecan Pie Dump Cake comes into play. Imagine this: a lazy afternoon, the kitchen filled with the aroma of toasted pecans and caramelized sugar, and in just over an hour, a dessert that looks like you’ve spent all day baking. This recipe is a family favorite, and I’m delighted to share it with you today.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Dessert
- The Recipe
- Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- What to Serve With This Dessert
- Storage & Leftover Tips
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
- Simplicity at its Best: This Pecan Pie Dump Cake requires just a few steps and minimal ingredients. No need for rolling pie crusts or complicated techniques—just mix, layer, and bake. Unlike traditional pecan pie, which can be finicky with crusts and fillings, this dump cake offers a forgiving approach to dessert making. Even novice bakers can achieve impressive results without any stress.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Because it serves 10-12, this is the ideal dessert for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t ask much of you in return. Its large serving size means you can cater to a group without doubling the recipe, making it an economical choice for parties.
- Rich and Decadent Flavor: Combining the buttery richness of pecans with the sweet allure of a cake mix, this dessert has the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The contrast between the crunchy pecans and the soft, gooey filling is a sensation to savor, while the cake mix topping adds an unexpected element of surprise.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: This dish is even better when made ahead of time. Letting it sit allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it perfect for prepping the night before. This quality means less stress on the day of your event, allowing you to focus on other preparations.
- Versatile Pairing: It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, making it a versatile treat for any occasion. You can even experiment with different ice cream flavors, such as butter pecan or caramel, to complement the cake’s rich taste.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup melted butter (1 stick)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 box yellow cake mix (dry)
- ¾ cup cold butter, thinly sliced (for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing the oven in advance ensures even baking, which is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your dump cake.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, light corn syrup, beaten eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined. The mixing ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and that the pecan filling has a uniform texture.
- Spread the pecan mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. This step is important to ensure that the cake cooks evenly, with the filling supporting the cake topping.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pecan mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered. The cake mix absorbs moisture from the filling below, creating a unique texture that mimics a traditional cake with minimal effort.
- Distribute the thinly sliced cold butter pieces evenly on top of the cake mix. The butter helps to create a golden, crispy topping, adding a delightful crunch to each serving.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool before serving. Cooling ensures the filling sets properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 75 minutes
Calories: 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 10-12 servings
Tips: Use cold butter slices for a crispier topping texture. Let the dessert cool completely before cutting to allow the filling to set properly. If you find the cake is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To whip up this delightful Pecan Pie Dump Cake, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:
- 9×13 inch baking dish: Provides the perfect size for this recipe, ensuring even baking. A glass or ceramic dish works well for even heat distribution.
- Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining the pecan filling ingredients efficiently. A bowl with a non-slip base can be helpful to keep things steady while mixing.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise measurement of ingredients. Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors and textures.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: To mix the pecan filling thoroughly. A sturdy spatula is recommended for folding the ingredients together without spillage.
- Oven mitts: Safety first when handling hot baking dishes. Choose mitts that provide a good grip to prevent accidents.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Chopped Pecans: These nuts add crunch and a rich, buttery flavor that’s essential to the dish. Pecans are also a great source of healthy fats and antioxidants. They bring a subtle sweetness and an earthy quality that elevates the dessert.
- Brown Sugar: Provides a deep molasses-like sweetness that complements the pecans perfectly. Its moisture content helps keep the filling rich and gooey.
- Light Corn Syrup: Ensures the filling is gooey and holds together, mimicking the texture of a traditional pecan pie. It prevents crystallization, keeping the filling smooth and luscious.
- Eggs: Act as a binding agent, giving structure to the filling. The proteins in eggs set during baking, helping the filling to firm up as it cools.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crisp, buttery topping. Its fat content is crucial for both flavor and texture in the finished cake.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, adding warmth and depth. A quality vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference in the overall taste.
- Yellow Cake Mix: The secret to the “dump” cake, it forms a cake-like topping with minimal effort. It provides a sweet, tender contrast to the rich pecan filling.
- Cold Butter (for topping): Melts into the cake mix, creating a crunchy, golden topping. Cold butter ensures the topping bakes up crisp and delicious.
What to Serve With This Dessert
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a star on its own, but pairing it with a few complementary sides can elevate your dessert experience:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey cake. The vanilla flavor is a classic pairing that enhances the overall experience.
- Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping option that adds a touch of creaminess. You can make your own by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla for a homemade touch.
- Fresh Berries: For a pop of color and a fresh, slightly tart counterpoint to the sweet cake. Berries like raspberries or strawberries work particularly well.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or a soothing tea pairs well, especially after a hearty meal. The bitterness of coffee or the earthiness of tea provides a nice balance to the sweetness of the dessert.
If you’re looking for more delightful dessert ideas, check out our Apple Crisp Recipe and Banana Bread Recipe for more family-friendly options.
Storage & Leftover Tips
This dessert is so delicious, you might not have leftovers, but if you do, here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerator Storage: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. This helps maintain the cake’s texture and prevents it from drying out.
- Freezing: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Freezing in portions makes it easy to enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes.
- Reheating: For the best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven rather than the microwave. This will help maintain the crispiness of the topping. If you’re short on time, a quick reheat in the microwave will work, but the oven is preferred for best results.
In conclusion, this Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a delightful twist on an old classic that brings the warmth of pecan pie into an easy-to-make cake form. It’s perfect for any occasion and sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and prepare to impress your family and friends with this irresistible dessert. Happy baking!
Pecan Pie Dump Cake
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a quick and easy dessert that combines the flavors of a pecan pie with the simplicity of a dump cake. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, light corn syrup, beaten eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
- Spread the pecan mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pecan mixture, covering it completely.
- Distribute the thinly sliced cold butter pieces evenly on top of the cake mix.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 4gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.5mg
Notes
For best results, use cold butter slices for a crispier topping texture. Let the dessert cool completely before cutting to allow the filling to set properly. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!