Description

A gooey, buttery, and nutty treat that blends the caramel flavor of pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake. Minimal prep, big payoff, and perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever a Southern-inspired dessert craving hits.

This version bakes up with glossy, toasted pecans on top and a soft, golden cake layer underneath—serve warm with ice cream for maximum swoon.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box yellow cake mix
3 large eggs
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups pecan halves
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl whisk eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Fold in pecan halves until evenly coated.
Pour pecan mixture into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top; do not stir. Gently press the cake mix into the filling so it just touches the liquid.
Bake 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly. The center will be set but still gooey.
Cool 15–20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

For extra depth, toast pecans at 350°F for 5–7 minutes before using.
If browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
To halve the recipe, bake in an 8×8-inch pan for 35–40 minutes.
Make-ahead friendly: flavors deepen by day 2; reheat individual pieces briefly to refresh.
Storage: room temp 2 days, fridge 5 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
Variations: add chocolate chips, swap in maple/bourbon, stir in pumpkin + spice, layer thin apple slices, or use gluten-free cake mix.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 420
Sugar: 37
Sodium: 250
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 6
Unsaturated Fat: 15
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 52
Fiber: 2
Protein: 4
Cholesterol: 65

Keywords: pecan pie dump cake, pecan dump cake, dump cake, easy dessert, thanksgiving dessert, southern dessert, pecan pie bars