Easy Gooey Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of gooey, caramel-like filling and crunchy pecans, all tucked under a golden, buttery cake topping. This Easy Gooey Pecan Dump Cake is my go-to dessert when I’m craving that irresistible blend of sweet, nutty, and decadent. It comes together with just a handful of pantry staples, yet delivers bakery-level flavor—perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy nights in. If you’re looking for a fuss-free showstopper that tastes like it required way more effort than it did, you’ve just found your new favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for this Easy Gooey Pecan Dump Cake are humble classics you might already have at home. Each one plays a starring role, infusing every bite with its unique flavor or texture—there’s truly no skipping here!

• Yellow cake mix: This is the shortcut that delivers a tender, fluffy top crust, creating the iconic “dump cake” texture we can’t resist.
• Chopped pecans: Provide sweet, buttery crunch in every bite, balancing the gooey filling beneath the cake.
• Pecan halves: Layered on top, they toast beautifully in the oven and make every slice look bakery-perfect.
• Light corn syrup: The secret to that glossy, gooey, pecan pie-style filling; it sweetens and thickens everything to perfection.
• Brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like note that melts right into the pecans for that classic Southern decadence.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Creates a golden, chewy crust and helps the cake mix bake up rich and luscious.
• Large eggs: Bind the filling together so every bite is just the right amount of ooey-gooey.
• Salt: A pinch makes all the sweet flavors pop and keeps the dessert from being cloying.
• Vanilla extract: A splash adds warm, bakery-style aroma and so much depth in every forkful.

How to Make Easy Gooey Pecan Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous greasing. This ensures your Easy Gooey Pecan Dump Cake pops free with those gorgeous layers intact, and cleanup is a breeze later on.

Step 2: Mix the Pecan Pie Filling

In a big bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, packed brown sugar, eggs, salt, and vanilla until you’re left with a silky-smooth mixture. This is the heart of that gooey base—it’ll bake up into a luscious, pecan pie-like layer.

Step 3: Add Chopped Pecans

Gently stir in the chopped pecans to your filling. This gives lots of nutty crunch and keeps that wonderful pecan flavor running through every bite of your Easy Gooey Pecan Dump Cake.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake Layers

Pour the filling evenly into your greased baking dish. Then, grab your box of dry yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over top—no mixing! The magic of a dump cake is the layers bake up beautifully all on their own.

Step 5: Add Butter and Pecans

Drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible on top of the cake mix. Then, arrange your pecan halves across the surface for a bit of rustic charm (and extra crunch). It’s what gives this Easy Gooey Pecan Dump Cake its showy, bakery-worthy finish.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Gooey

Bake for about 40–50 minutes, until the topping is a deep golden color and the center is gooey but no longer liquid. Let it cool for a bit before digging in—warm is the sweet spot!

How to Serve Easy Gooey Pecan Dump Cake

Garnishes

To make it irresistible, I love serving slices with a hearty scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cloud of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce takes this Easy Gooey Pecan Dump Cake to the next level without any extra fuss.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving this for a big holiday meal or at a potluck, keep things simple on the side—think fresh fruit salad or a light berry compote. The rich, nutty flavors of the cake shine brightest when they’re allowed to be the star of the dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, cut the Easy Gooey Pecan Dump Cake into small squares and serve in cupcake liners for an easy, grab-and-go treat. Feeling fancy? Try layering warm cake, ice cream, and caramel in mason jars for indulgent dessert parfaits.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to two days, or you can refrigerate for up to five days. That ooey-gooey texture gets even dreamier the next day!

Freezing

If you want to make this Easy Gooey Pecan Dump Cake ahead, simply wrap individual pieces well and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter—perfect for when you need an instant sweet fix.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a square (or two!) in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds until warmed through. For a crowd, reheat the whole baking dish in a 300°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until everything is deliciously warm again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?

Absolutely! While pecans provide that classic, Southern sweetness, walnuts or even sliced almonds can be swapped in if you’re out of pecans or want a twist on the usual flavor.

What’s the best way to keep the cake from becoming soggy?

Be sure to bake until the center of your Easy Gooey Pecan Dump Cake is just set and still a little gooey, but not jiggly or liquid. The dry cake mix and even drizzle of butter help create that perfect balance of moist and crisp.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the yellow cake mix for your favorite gluten-free boxed cake mix. Everything else in the recipe works perfectly as is for a gluten-free treat.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Try using a dairy-free butter substitute in place of the unsalted butter. The results are just as gooey and delicious, and the flavor from the nuts takes center stage.

Can I halve the recipe?

Certainly! Using an 8×8-inch pan and half the listed ingredients will give you a smaller batch of Easy Gooey Pecan Dump Cake—ideal for a cozier gathering or just a weeknight treat.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Gooey Pecan Dump Cake truly earns a spot in every dessert lover’s lineup. With its nutty layers, sticky-sweet filling, and hands-off prep, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know. Give it a try—and let it become one of your favorite easy bakes, too!