Gooey Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake – A Southern Classic Dessert Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of the luscious pecan pie flavors melting into a simple, utterly crave-worthy cake, this Gooey Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake – A Southern Classic Dessert is about to steal your heart (and a spot in your recipe box forever). Rich, buttery cake layers blend with a sticky-sweet pecan filling, each bite bringing you the nostalgia of a homemade pecan pie, but with barely any fuss. Whether you’re brand new to dump cakes or a seasoned baker, this treat is a celebration of comfort and Southern-style indulgence—all made in one pan!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully simple, but every one of them plays a leading role in creating the signature taste and texture of this dessert. Each component adds something essential: sweetness, crunch, flavor depth, or that perfect golden finish.

• Yellow cake mix: This forms the sweet, fluffy top layer – the foundation for our gooey masterpiece.
• Light corn syrup: The secret to that classic pecan pie gooey-ness, giving stickiness and shine.
• Light brown sugar: Infuses warm caramel notes for a rich, comforting sweetness.
• Large eggs: These hold the filling together and provide structure for a custardy bite.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash amplifies all the classic dessert flavors.
• Chopped pecans: The star of the show, bringing that irresistible toasty crunch throughout.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Ensures the cake mix bakes up tender with golden pockets of rich flavor.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and lets all the flavors shine.

How to Make Gooey Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake – A Southern Classic Dessert

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures that your cake releases easily and doesn’t stick, letting all those lovely gooey edges form beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Pecan Pie Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, packed light brown sugar, large eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy—this is where all the deep, sweet flavors begin to come together. Then fold in those generous 1 ½ cups of chopped pecans, so every bite gets a bit of crunchy goodness.

Step 3: Layer the Filling

Pour the pecan mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. It might look thin right now, but trust the process—this filling is what gives your Gooey Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake – A Southern Classic Dessert its irresistible middle.

Step 4: Sprinkle On the Cake Mix

Next, grab your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the wet pecan filling. Do not stir! This classic dump cake method lets layers form naturally as it bakes, with cake on top and gooey magic underneath.

Step 5: Drizzle with Melted Butter

Take your melted butter and carefully drizzle it all over the top of the cake mix, making sure to moisten as much of the surface as possible. The butter will help transform the cake mix into a super golden, crave-worthy topping.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. When it’s ready, the top will be golden brown, and you should see the filling bubbling up at the edges—a tell-tale sign of ready-to-serve deliciousness. Let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes to set and thicken that famously gooey layer.

How to Serve Gooey Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake – A Southern Classic Dessert

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce takes this dessert to the next level. If you’re a true pecan lover, sprinkle on a few extra toasted pecans for beautiful crunch and a picture-perfect finish.

Side Dishes

This rich, sweet dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of bold coffee or a glass of cold milk. If you’re serving at a holiday table, add a bowl of fresh berries or a tangy fruit salad to balance out the sweetness and create a bright, festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking and serving the Gooey Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake – A Southern Classic Dessert in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve treat. Or cut the cake into neat squares for a portable potluck option. For gatherings, layer bite-sized cubes into mini dessert cups with whipped cream for a fun trifle twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your dump cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator—it will keep its lovely texture for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers a true treat.

Freezing

To freeze, cut your Gooey Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake – A Southern Classic Dessert into portions and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the freshest results.

Reheating

For that just-baked magic, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds or warm larger portions in a 300°F oven until heated through. Add your favorite garnish and enjoy that classic gooey warmth all over again!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Absolutely! While the classic yellow cake mix provides a buttery flavor, you can swap in butter pecan, white, or even spice cake mix for a new flavor twist. Each variety gives the dessert its own unique spin.

Are there alternatives to corn syrup?

For a slightly different flavor and texture, you can substitute pure maple syrup or golden syrup for the corn syrup. The filling may be a bit less thick, but still gorgeously gooey and rich.

Do I need to toast the pecans first?

Toasting your pecans brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor, though it isn’t required. If you have a moment, a quick toast in a dry skillet or oven will give the dessert an extra layer of irresistible, toasty complexity.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the regular cake mix for your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy this Southern classic dessert!

How do I know when the dump cake is finished baking?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. The center will still be a little soft (that’s the gooey magic) but shouldn’t be runny. Giving it time to cool after baking helps it set up perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s the holidays, a potluck, or an everyday craving, this Gooey Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake – A Southern Classic Dessert never fails to bring smiles and satisfy cravings. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the recipe—the ease, nostalgia, and irresistible flavor are sure to make this treat a new favorite in your kitchen, too.

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