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Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Sliced pecan dump cake showing gooey filling and crumb topping.

A layered dessert with a gooey pecan pie filling topped with yellow cake mix and caramel sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 g) packed light brown sugar, divided
  • 1 cup (340 g) light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) salted butter, melted and cooled
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
  • 4 cups (400 g) pecan halves, divided
  • 1 (15.25-ounce / 432 g) box yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) salted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Whisk 1 cup (200 g) of the brown sugar, the corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth.
  3. Stir 3 cups (300 g) of the pecan halves into the wet mixture. Pour this filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
  4. Place the dry yellow cake mix in a large bowl. Add the softened butter and mash it into the dry mix using a fork until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  5. Scatter the buttered cake mix evenly over the pecan layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (100 g) of brown sugar on top.
  6. Pour the hot water slowly and evenly over the cake mix. Do not stir the layers together. Tilt the pan slightly if needed to distribute the water.
  7. Scatter the remaining 1 cup (100 g) of pecan halves over the wet cake mix.
  8. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The edges will be set and golden brown, while the center should jiggle slightly. For food safety, ensure the egg filling reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  9. Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top before serving.

Notes

  • For food safety, the internal temperature of the egg-based pecan filling must reach 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
  • For the right texture, use very hot tap water rather than actively boiling water.
  • The center of the cake will continue to firm up as it cools down in the pan.

Keywords: pecan pie dump cake, fall desserts, easy cakes, pecan desserts, thanksgiving baking