The Easiest Pecan Pie Dump Cake (That Tastes Like You Tried Way Harder)

This easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake recipe combines the rich, gooey flavors of classic pecan pie with the simplicity of a yellow cake mix. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any time you crave a sweet, buttery treat!

Pecan Pie in Cobbler Form? Yes, Please!

There’s something about pecan pie that feels like a warm hug from the South — rich, buttery, and unapologetically sweet.

But let’s be honest: sometimes we don’t have time to fuss with pie crusts and candy thermometers. That’s where this Pecan Pie Dump Cake comes in. It delivers all the gooey, nutty goodness of a classic pecan pie with the ease of a box of yellow cake mix.

No rolling pins. No stress. Just layer, bake, and let the oven work its magic.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

• Foolproof & fuss-free. You really do just “dump” it together.
• Crowd-pleasing. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or when you want something rich and nostalgic.
• Cobbler-Like. This luscious dessert has the look and feel of a warm cobbler. Serve it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch your guests swoon. Even the pickiest pie snob will ask for seconds.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake Ingredients

You will find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here's a quick look at what you will need.

• 1 box yellow (or white) cake mix (reserve ¼ cup separately)
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• ½ cup whole pecans (for decorating the top, optional)
• 1 cup butter (salted or unsalted, your choice)
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup light corn syrup
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt (if you use unsalted butter)

How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake

This comes together so easily. You’re going to wonder what took you so long to make it!

1. Prep the Pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish well with butter or non-stick spray. This is critical so that the dump cake is easy to serve. 

2. Make the Gooey Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Salt (if you’re using unsalted butter)

Mix until well combined and smooth.

3. Assemble the Layers:

Pour the gooey mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of cake mix evenly over the top — this helps absorb excess moisture in baking.

Scatter the chopped pecans over the top.

Sprinkle the remaining cake mix evenly over everything.

4. Finishing Touch:
Drizzle a little extra melted butter (2-3 tablespoons) over the cake mix to help it brown nicely. Arrange the whole pecans decoratively on top if you want it to look closer to the photo.

5. Bake:

Bake for 50-60 minutes, rotating halfway through. You'll know it's ready when:

• The edges are golden.
• The center is puffed and mostly set (a slight jiggle in the middle is fine; it firms as it cools).

6. Cool:
Let it cool at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before slicing. This allows the gooey layer to firm up like pecan pie filling.

Serve and enjoy! (Note: Serve with ice cream or whipped cream, if you like!)

 

What to Expect from this Recipe

Y’all, this is over-the-top delicious! Beyond delicious, even. The crunchy pecans. The sweet gooey base. The cobbler-like texture. It’s sheer perfection. I wish I’d made this at a different point in my life-story because I’m currently on a diet and couldn’t have more than a bite or two. And just thinking about pairing it with a big scoop of butter pecan ice cream is making me delicious right now! You’re going to love this one, I promise! 

Other Pecan Pie Favorites from Out of the Box Baking

If you love pecan pie, you’re going to flip over these sweet treats. 

Puff Pastry Pecan Pie Bites: If you’re a fan of pecan pie but you’re looking for a quick, tasty dessert, this is the recipe for you! In this post I’m going to show you how to make delicious Pecan Pie Bites using a simple sheet of puff pastry. 

The Ultimate Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars: If you love a rich, luscious cheesecake bar, and you’re also a fan of pecan pie, have I got a treat for you! These delicious Pecan Pie Cheesecake bars are simple to make and offer you both worlds at once! 

Easy Pecan Pie Cookies: In this post I'm going to show you how to make a simple pecan pie cookie, perfect for a quick treat! This recipe will be particularly exciting during the holiday season.

Fudgy Pecan Pie: In this post I'm going to share a luscious pecan pie recipe that incorporates an extra ingredient sure to make you swoon. . .chocolate!

Pecan Pie Blondies: If you love pecan pie but enjoy the ease of a blondie, you're going to love this new recipe from Out of the Box Baking!

Pecan Pie Bars: If you love the ease of a cookie bar but the luscious richness of pecan pie you're going to flip over this simple pecan pie bar recipe! It merges both of those worlds into one dreamy bite, loaded with flavor and crunch!

That’s it for this post, friends!

I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe. 

If you make this recipe and love it, don’t forget to leave a review and a comment below. And while you're at it, go ahead and pin some photos to your Pinterest boards!

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About the Author

Janice Thompson is an author, baker, and all-around mischief maker! She has overcome a host of baking catastrophes, including a toppled wedding cake, to learn more about the baking process. Janice has published over 165 books for the Christian market but particularly enjoys writing recipes and baking devotions. To learn more about Janice or to drop her a note, visit her About the Author page.