Name: Easy Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2 cups dark brown sugar; 3 large eggs, lightly beaten; 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can); ½ cup roasted pecan halves; ½ cup roasted chopped pecans; ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened; 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 15 ounces yellow cake mix (1 box); 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon maple syrup; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened; Remaining ½ cup roasted pecan halves; Purchased caramel sauce for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 2 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that’s rich, comforting, and downright irresistible, the Easy Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This marvelously simple recipe combines the beloved flavors of classic pecan pie with the ease and delightful crumbly texture of a dump cake, meaning you can whip it up with minimal effort but maximum impact. With layers of buttery pecans, sweet condensed milk, and a golden crumb topping, this dessert will quickly become a staple at your gatherings, evoking warm memories of Southern hospitality with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with several ingredients yet to be mixed. The bottom layer shows a smooth yellow liquid spread unevenly around the bowl. On the left side, there is a rectangular block of white cream cheese sprinkled with brown cinnamon powder. Next to it, a thick pool of light cream stands out beside a pile of chopped pecans with rich brown and tan shades gathered on the right side of the bowl. The textures vary from smooth cream cheese and liquid to the rough, uneven bits of nuts, creating a clear separation among the layers photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze for this Easy Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor — from the deep caramel notes of brown sugar to the fragrant spices that elevate this humble cake to something magical.

Dark Brown Sugar: Adds rich molasses sweetness that forms the dessert’s caramel base.
Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure for a custardy filling.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Delivers creamy sweetness and helps create the signature pecan pie filling texture.
Roasted Pecan Halves: Offer a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor on top and inside the cake.
Roasted Chopped Pecans: Distribute even nutty goodness throughout the filling.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and moisture, essential for both filling and topping.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its warm and smooth aroma.
Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the perfect crumbly, cake-like topping that contrasts beautifully with the gooey pecan filling.
Cinnamon: Brings a warm spice note to balance the sweet ingredients.
Maple Syrup: Adds a subtle depth and sweetness that complements the nuts and spices.
Nutmeg: A pinch gives a cozy warmth that’s perfectly Southern.
Caramel Sauce (Purchased): The ultimate finishing touch that makes each bite sing with indulgence.

How to Make Easy Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously spraying a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick baking spray. This ensures your dump cake won’t stick and it sets the stage for even baking. A properly prepped pan is always the first step towards baking success!

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your dark brown sugar, lightly beaten eggs, and the sweetened condensed milk. Add in half a cup of both pecan halves and chopped pecans, along with half a cup of the softened butter and the vanilla extract. Beat everything with an electric hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. This filling will be rich, sweet, and nut-studded — it’s the heart of the pecan pie flavor in this dump cake.

Step 3: Mix the Topping

Grab a separate large bowl for the topping. Add the yellow cake mix, cinnamon, maple syrup, nutmeg, and the remaining half cup of softened butter. Use a fork or your clean hands to quickly work the butter into the dry mixture until you see small, coarse crumbles forming. This crumbly texture is crucial because it will bake into a golden, crispy cake layer that perfectly contrasts the gooey filling below.

Step 4: Add the Filling to the Dish

Pour your luscious wet filling into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, smoothing it out evenly. Then sprinkle the crumbly dry cake topping over it, making sure the entire surface is covered. Don’t worry if some of the filling peeks through here and there — that’s part of the homemade charm.

Step 5: Bake

Scatter the remaining pecan halves evenly on top of the cake mixture to add that classic nutty finish. Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until the center is set and no longer jiggles when lightly shaken. The aroma wafting from your oven at this point will be pure Southern heaven.

Step 6: Cool Slightly Before Garnishing and Serving

Once baked, let the dump cake cool just enough so it’s warm to the touch but not hot. Drizzle generously with store-bought caramel sauce for a glossy, sweet finish. Serve it warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you like, transforming this simple dessert into an unforgettable treat.

How to Serve Easy Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish holds a dessert with two visible layers; the bottom layer looks soft and pale yellow with a crumbly texture, topped with a golden caramel sauce layer that glistens and spreads evenly across the surface. The caramel covers scattered pecan halves, adding a darker brown color and a crunchy texture contrast on top. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, accompanied by a wooden spatula and a white napkin with black stripes nearby. On the side, there is a small white bowl filled with pecans and a small glass bowl with caramel sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the caramel sauce is the star garnish here, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few extra toasted pecans on top can add a lovely visual and textural contrast. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of buttery bourbon-infused cream also make perfect companions to this luscious cake.

Side Dishes

This pecan pie dump cake shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp cup of black coffee or a glass of sweet tea really brings out those Southern flavors. For a brunch or holiday spread, fresh fruit or a light green salad helps balance the dessert’s richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins or mason jars topped with a drizzle of caramel and a sprig of mint. Another charming idea is to cut the cake into squares and layer pieces with ice cream and nuts in a parfait glass for a layered dessert experience that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually tend to meld and deepen after a day, so you might find it even more delicious the next day, just make sure to bring it back to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze this dump cake either as a whole or in portions. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it in the oven gently to restore its fresh-baked charm.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in the oven at 325°F wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to overheat as it can dry out the crumb topping; warmth is all you need to bring back that melty, gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans give that classic Southern flavor, you can substitute walnuts or even almonds if you prefer. Just make sure to use roasted nuts to maintain that rich, toasty taste.

Is the yellow cake mix essential?

The yellow cake mix is key for that convenient and crumbly topping that’s so characteristic of dump cakes. If you want to go homemade, you can try a simple butter crumb topping, but the cake mix makes it effortless and reliably delicious.

Can I make this dairy-free?

With some adjustments, yes! Use dairy-free butter and a suitable condensed milk substitute like sweetened coconut milk condensed milk alternative. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty.

What can I serve this with besides ice cream?

Whipped cream is a classic option, or you can try a scoop of yogurt for a tangy contrast. Fresh fruit like sliced pears or berries on the side also complements the intense sweetness beautifully.

How long does this dessert take to bake?

Plan on about 45 minutes at 350°F to bake the Easy Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe until the center is fully set and the top is golden and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe is truly a gift for anyone who loves pies, cakes, and all things sweet and nutty. Its simplicity, combined with the comforting flavors of Southern baking, means you can create a classic dessert that impresses every time, whether it’s for a family dinner or a casual gathering. Go ahead and give it a try — I promise it will become a cherished favorite just like it is in my kitchen!