Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

Introduction

Pecan Dump Cake is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines rich pecans and sweet cake mix for a quick and delicious treat. Its gooey, buttery topping and crunchy nuts make it perfect for any occasion. With minimal effort, you can create a homemade dessert that tastes like it took hours.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups dark brown sugar, packed (divided into 1 cup and ½ cup)
• 1 cup dark corn syrup (such as dark Karo syrup)
• 1¼ cups salted butter, melted and cooled (divided into ½ cup and ¾ cup)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 4 cups pecan halves (divided into 3 cups and 1 cup)
• 15.25 ounces white cake mix (Duncan Hines Classic White Cake mix recommended)
• 1 cup hot water
• Caramel topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup dark brown sugar, dark corn syrup, ½ cup melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Step 3: Stir in 3 cups of pecan halves, then spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pecan filling in the baking dish.
5. Step 5: Drizzle the remaining ¾ cup melted butter over the top of the dry cake mix layer.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup dark brown sugar evenly over the butter layer.
7. Step 7: Carefully pour the hot water over the top of the dry cake mix and butter without stirring. Tilt the pan gently to distribute the water evenly.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup pecan halves over the top layer.
9. Step 9: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown. Check at 30 minutes as ovens vary. The center may be slightly jiggly but will firm up as it cools. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and consistency.
• Substitute half the pecans with walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
• Add a drizzle of caramel topping before serving for extra sweetness.
• Make sure to let the cake cool completely to allow the center to set properly.

Storage

Store leftover pecan dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to enjoy warm. This cake can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use light corn syrup instead of dark?

Yes, light corn syrup will work, but it may result in a slightly lighter color and flavor. Dark corn syrup adds a richer depth to the cake.

Do I need to mix the hot water into the cake batter?

No, the hot water is poured over the dry cake mix and butter layer and is not stirred in. This helps create the gooey texture that makes this dessert unique.

Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 112 reviews

This Pecan Dump Cake is a simple, indulgent dessert combining a rich pecan layer with a moist white cake topping. It features a luscious blend of dark brown sugar, dark corn syrup, and melted butter with crunchy pecan halves, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for gatherings and easy to assemble, this cake’s gooey texture and buttery flavors make it a beloved classic.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup dark corn syrup (such as dark Karo syrup)
• ½ cup salted butter, melted and cooled
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ¾ cup melted salted butter, cooled (for drizzling)
• 1 cup hot water

Dry Ingredients

• 15.25 ounces white cake mix (Duncan Hines Classic White Cake mix recommended)
• ¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed (for topping)

Nuts

• 3 cups pecan halves
• 1 cup pecan halves (for topping)

Optional

• Caramel topping

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl (2-3 quarts), whisk together 1 cup dark brown sugar, dark corn syrup, ½ cup melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
3. Add Pecans: Stir in 3 cups of pecan halves into the wet mixture, ensuring that the nuts are evenly coated.
4. Layer Pecan Mixture: Spread the pecan mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the bottom layer of the cake.
5. Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry white cake mix evenly over the pecan mixture, covering it completely.
6. Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the remaining ¾ cup of melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer. This adds moisture and richness to the cake.
7. Add Brown Sugar: Sprinkle ½ cup dark brown sugar evenly over the butter layer to enhance sweetness and create a caramelized topping.
8. Add Hot Water: Carefully pour 1 cup of hot water evenly over the dry cake mix and butter layers. Avoid stirring; you can gently tilt the pan to help distribute the water.
9. Top with Pecans: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of pecan halves evenly over the entire surface of the cake.
10. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown. Begin checking at 30 minutes as oven temperatures vary. The center may still jiggle slightly but will set as it cools.
11. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before serving to let it firm up. Optionally, drizzle caramel topping before serving for extra indulgence. Serves twelve ¾-cup portions.

Notes

• Do not stir after adding the hot water; the cake layers will form naturally during baking.
• Be sure to let the cake cool completely for the best texture and easier slicing.
• Use room temperature eggs to ensure even mixing and better texture.
• You can substitute light corn syrup if dark is unavailable, but dark adds a richer flavor.
• This cake is excellent when served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added decadence.

Keywords: pecan dump cake, easy pecan cake, white cake mix dessert, sticky pecan cake, classic Southern dessert