Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Layer the Cake Mix
Evenly spread the dry yellow cake mix over the bottom of the greased baking dish. Do not mix or stir the cake mix—just allow it to sit as it is.
Step 3: Add the Pecans
Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the cake mix layer. The nuts will give the cake that delicious pecan pie texture and flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Pour the Wet Mixture
Pour the sweetened condensed milk mixture evenly over the dry cake mix and pecans. Don’t stir the mixture—just pour it directly on top. The wet ingredients will naturally seep through the cake mix and create a gooey, pie-like filling.
Step 6: Add the Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the mixture. This will help the cake bake to a golden brown color and create a nice, crisp topping.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the center is set. The cake should look slightly bubbly and firm in the middle.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the Pecan Pie Dump Cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect as-is, or you can top it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Serving and Storage
Pecan Pie Dump Cake is perfect on its own, but for an extra indulgent experience, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warm cake and ice cream pairing will melt together in the most delicious way!
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
You can also freeze the Pecan Pie Dump Cake for longer storage. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for an hour or heat it in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
Tips
- Customize the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can swap them out for other nuts like walnuts or almonds. You can also use a combination of different nuts for a more complex flavor.
- Top with Marshmallows: For a fun twist, try adding mini marshmallows to the top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a toasted, gooey finish.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Simply use a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version of this dessert that still has all the flavor!
- Add Spices: If you want to enhance the flavor even more, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the wet ingredients for a warm, spiced kick.
- Layer the Ingredients: For a more uniform result, you can mix the pecans into the wet ingredients before pouring it over the cake mix to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dessert.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a deliciously simple dessert that brings the best of a classic pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake. Its gooey, nutty layers and buttery topping make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, a family dinner, or as a sweet treat after dinner, this dessert will be a hit. It’s quick, easy, and irresistibly tasty—perfect for anyone looking for a fuss-free but indulgent dessert. Give it a try, and watch it disappear in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Pecan Pie Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cake ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then bake it the day you plan to serve it. This is a great time-saving option for busy holidays or gatherings.
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different cake mixes! Yellow cake mix is traditional, but you could also use a butter cake mix or spice cake mix for a fun variation in flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 3 months and reheat as needed.
Can I make this recipe without the corn syrup?
The corn syrup adds a lot to the flavor and texture, but you can substitute it with maple syrup or honey for a different taste. Keep in mind that this might slightly change the consistency of the finished dessert.