If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, let me introduce you to my Pecan Pie Dump Cake! Seriously, it’s a dream come true for anyone who loves the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This delightful treat combines the warm, gooey goodness of pecan pie with the light, fluffy texture of cake, all in one simple dish. My favorite part? You just dump everything in a pan, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen! It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, and trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone swooning. I always keep the ingredients on hand because you never know when a sweet craving will strike!
Ingredients for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious Pecan Pie Dump Cake, and you’ll be thrilled at how simple it is! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup pecans, chopped (feel free to toast them for extra flavor!)
- 1 box yellow cake mix (the kind that doesn’t require any additional ingredients)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (this brings richness to the cake)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (for that caramel-like sweetness)
- 1 cup corn syrup (this is key for that gooey filling)
- 4 large eggs (make sure they’re at room temperature for better mixing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because who doesn’t love a hint of vanilla?)
With these ingredients on hand, you’re just a few steps away from dessert bliss! Don’t worry if you’re a little short on pecans; you can adjust the amount based on your preference. Let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Now that you’ve got your ingredients all set, it’s time to get into the fun part—making this heavenly Pecan Pie Dump Cake! I promise it’s super straightforward, and the results are absolutely worth it. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive right in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because we want that oven nice and hot for a perfectly baked cake.
- Next, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and spray it generously with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Spread the chopped pecans evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. They’re going to add that lovely crunch and flavor!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. You want a nice, thick batter to pour over those pecans.
- Pour this delicious mixture over the pecans in the dish, making sure to cover them evenly.
- Now, take the dry yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the top. Do not stir! Just spread it out gently.
- Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the top to turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Once it’s done, let it cool slightly before digging in. This is the hardest part, but trust me, it’ll be worth it!
And there you have it, a simple yet scrumptious Pecan Pie Dump Cake that’s ready to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is not just a treat; it’s a total game-changer for dessert lovers! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making and sharing it:
- Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dessert in no time. It’s perfect for busy days when you still want something sweet!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich pecans, gooey filling, and fluffy cake creates an explosion of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday celebration, or just a cozy night in, this dessert fits right in and impresses every time.
- Minimal Cleanup: Since it’s a dump cake, you won’t find yourself washing a million bowls. Just one dish and a whisk—easy peasy!
So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a slice (or two) of this delightful dessert that everyone will be raving about!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Pecan Pie Dump Cake turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few handy tips that I swear by! First, use high-quality pecans—fresh, crunchy pecans will elevate the flavor and texture of your cake. If you can, toast them lightly before adding for that extra nutty kick!
Also, make sure your butter is fully melted but not too hot when you mix it with the other ingredients; this helps everything blend beautifully. Pay attention to the baking time—every oven is a little different, so start checking around the 50-minute mark. You want that glorious golden top without overbaking.
Lastly, resist the urge to stir after sprinkling the cake mix on top. Doing so allows the magic to happen, creating that luscious filling underneath. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a stunning dessert that everyone will love!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), storing your Pecan Pie Dump Cake is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days, so you can enjoy it later without any fuss!
When you’re ready to indulge again, simply reheat it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will bring back that warm, gooey goodness that makes it so irresistible. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ About Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Got questions about my delicious Pecan Pie Dump Cake? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and helpful answers to guide you through your baking adventure.
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! While pecans are the star of this cake, you can totally swap them out for other nuts if you prefer. Walnuts or almonds would work beautifully in this recipe, giving it a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change a bit, but it will still be delicious!
Is the Pecan Pie Dump Cake gluten-free?
Unfortunately, this recipe isn’t gluten-free as it calls for traditional yellow cake mix, which contains wheat. If you want to make this dessert gluten-free, look for a gluten-free cake mix option. Just ensure you check the labels carefully to keep things safe for your dietary needs!
How can I make it sweeter or less sweet?
If you have a sweet tooth, you can boost the sweetness by adding a bit more brown sugar or corn syrup to the mix. On the flip side, if you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of brown sugar by a quarter cup. Just remember, the sweetness balances the nutty flavor, so adjust carefully!
Nutritional Information for Pecan Pie Dump Cake
When it comes to indulging in my Pecan Pie Dump Cake, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional information per slice:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
These values are estimates, so keep that in mind as you enjoy this delectable dessert! It’s rich and satisfying, making it a perfect treat for special occasions or just a sweet night in.
For more information on the health benefits of pecans, check out this Healthline article.
For a delicious twist on this recipe, you might also enjoy Pecan Cream Pie or Maple Pecan Pie.
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Pecan Pie Dump Cake: 7 Steps to Dessert Delight
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple dessert combining pecan pie and cake mix for an easy treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread the pecans evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- In a bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Pour the mixture over the pecans in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly on top.
- Do not stir. Just spread it evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This dessert is best served warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Pecan Pie Dump Cake