Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Pecan Pie Dump Cake! This delightful dessert has become an absolute family favorite, and for good reason. It’s like my two loves—pecan pie and cake—had a wonderful baby, and the result is pure magic! The best part? It comes together in a flash, which is perfect for when I’m scrambling to whip up something sweet and satisfying.
Imagine this: a warm, gooey layer of pecan goodness, topped with a buttery cake mix and crunchy pecans. Trust me, when it comes out of the oven, the aroma is heavenly! I just can’t resist a slice, especially when it’s still warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. It’s the kind of dessert that brings everyone together and sparks joy—perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. So, let’s dive into making this easy, delicious treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 1 package yellow cake mix: This is the magic base that makes everything come together effortlessly. Just grab a standard-sized box from your favorite brand!
- 1 cup chopped pecans: These little gems add the perfect crunch and that signature nutty flavor we all adore. Feel free to chop them coarsely or finely, depending on your preference!
- 1 cup butter, melted: This is what gives the cake its rich, buttery taste. Make sure it’s melted but not too hot, or it could cook the eggs later on!
- 1 cup corn syrup: This is the sweet, sticky star of the show that mimics the filling of a classic pecan pie. It helps everything stick together beautifully.
- 1 cup sugar: A little extra sweetness never hurt anyone! This balances out the richness of the butter and the pecans.
- 4 large eggs: These provide structure and moisture, making your cake wonderfully soft and fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor to another level! It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
How to Prepare Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is an important step! Preheating makes sure your cake bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden color we all crave.
Mix the Filling
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and let’s get to the fun part! Combine the corn syrup, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. I like to whisk it all together until it’s well blended and smooth. You want those eggs mixed in nicely—no one wants a chunky filling! Just picture that sweet, gooey goodness coming together!
Prepare the Baking Dish
Next up, grab your trusty 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to grease it well with butter or cooking spray. This will help your cake release easily once it’s baked and save you from any sticky situations! Just a quick coat will do the trick.
Layer the Ingredients
Alright, it’s time to layer! Pour that luscious filling mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the top. Don’t stir it, just let it sit there like a cozy blanket. Now, drizzle the melted butter all over the cake mix. Oh boy, this is where the magic happens! Finally, top it all off with those chopped pecans, spreading them around for that delightful crunch.
Bake the Cake
Pop your masterpiece into the preheated oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it—look for that beautiful golden brown color on top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. When it’s done, let it cool for a bit before you dive in. You’ll be rewarded with a warm, gooey slice of pecan pie heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this up in no time! Perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of pecans and buttery cake mix creates a sweet, nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Effortless Serving: Just scoop, serve, and enjoy! It’s a no-fuss dessert that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Versatile Treat: Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or chilled, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
- Family Favorite: This recipe has won hearts in my family, and I bet it will in yours too! Everyone loves a good pecan pie twist.
Tips for Success
Alright, my fellow bakers, let’s make sure your Pecan Pie Dump Cake turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to keep in mind:
- Mixing Matters: When you’re whisking together the filling, be sure to mix it thoroughly but don’t overdo it! You want everything combined, but overmixing can lead to a denser texture. Just mix until smooth, and you’re good to go!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a little early. Look for that gorgeous golden brown crust on top, and remember, the toothpick test is your friend! A few moist crumbs are okay, but you don’t want it gooey in the center.
- Serving Warm: This cake is best served warm! If you can, let it cool for about 10 minutes after baking, then scoop it up and serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, it’s the ultimate indulgence!
- Leftover Love: If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat individual slices in the microwave for a warm treat later on. It’s like having dessert on demand!
- Customize It: Feel free to experiment! You can swap out pecans for walnuts if you’re looking for a different nutty flavor. Or try adding some chocolate chips for a sweet twist. The possibilities are endless!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking a Pecan Pie Dump Cake that’ll impress everyone. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk nutrition! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving of my delicious Pecan Pie Dump Cake. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
This cake is definitely a sweet treat, so enjoy it in moderation! It’s all about balance, right? Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! If you’re not a big fan of pecans, you can easily swap them out for walnuts. They’ll still give you that lovely nutty crunch! You could also play around with the cake mix flavor—try a chocolate cake mix for a fun twist! Just remember, the core ingredients should stay the same to keep that delicious gooey filling intact.
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt because it’s that good!), just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy another slice, just pop it in the microwave for a quick 20-30 seconds to warm it up. It’s like having a mini dessert party all over again!
What can I serve with this cake?
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is fantastic on its own, but if you want to elevate it, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. You can also pair it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an extra touch of decadence. It’s like adding a cherry on top of a sundae—just makes it even better!
How long does it take to prepare?
From start to finish, this delightful dessert takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes. That includes roughly 15 minutes for prep and 50 minutes of baking time. It’s a great option when you need something quick but oh-so-satisfying!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can! This cake is perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake it a day or two in advance, then just cover it and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat individual slices in the microwave. It tastes just as delicious, and you’ll save yourself some time when guests arrive!
For more delicious dessert recipes, check out this pecan cream pie recipe or this easy peach cobbler recipe.
Print
Pecan Pie Dump Cake: 5 Simple Steps to Sweet Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious pecan pie dump cake that combines the flavors of pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake.
Ingredients
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together corn syrup, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the mixture.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix.
- Top with chopped pecans.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can substitute walnuts for pecans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Pecan Pie Dump Cake, dessert, easy cake, pecan pie