I’m about to share my absolute favorite dessert mashup that’s going to change your holiday table forever. This Gooey Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake combines everything you love about pecan pie with the convenience of a dump cake. It’s buttery, nutty, and caramel-sweet with that perfect contrast between the cake layer and gooey pecan filling. The best part? It’s ridiculously simple to make. Want to know the secret to getting that perfect texture every single time?
Why You’ll Love this Gooey Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Simplicity meets decadence in this Southern pecan pie dump cake that’ll make your taste buds dance.
I’m obsessed with how this recipe transforms traditional pecan pie into something even more indulgent with minimal effort. The gooey, caramelized pecan filling bubbles up through that buttery yellow cake layer, creating texture that’s both crisp and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
What could be better than combining two desserts in one?
You’ll love how the refrigerated pie crust provides the perfect foundation while the cake mix creates a golden topping that’s absolutely irresistible. It’s the ultimate shortcut dessert that still feels special enough for Sunday dinner.
What Ingredients are in Gooey Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake?
This heavenly Southern dessert combines the best of pecan pie with the convenience of a dump cake, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry.
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup butter, sliced
For the ultimate experience, you might want to have some vanilla ice cream on hand for serving, as the warm, gooey cake pairs beautifully with that cool, creamy contrast—trust me, it takes this dessert from delicious to absolutely divine.
How to Make this Gooey Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the refrigerated pie crust into a 9×13 baking dish, gently pressing it to cover the bottom.
Don’t worry about bringing it up the sides—we’re going for rustic charm here.
Step 2: Add the Pecan Layer
Sprinkle 2 cups of chopped pecans evenly over the pie crust, creating a substantial nutty foundation.
This generous layer of pecans will toast beautifully during baking, developing those deep, rich flavors we all desire.
Step 3: Mix Your Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 1 cup corn syrup, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth and well combined.
This sweet mixture will transform into that gooey, signature pecan pie filling we appreciate and love.
Step 4: Pour Over the Pecans
Carefully pour your egg and syrup mixture over the pecan layer, allowing it to seep down and coat all those nutty pieces.
This is where the magic starts to happen, as the mixture will eventually caramelize and create that sticky-sweet pecan pie texture.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly distribute the dry yellow cake mix over the entire dish, covering all the liquid beneath.
The dry cake mix is what gives this dessert its “dump cake” title—no mixing required, just dump it on top!
Step 6: Top with Butter
Arrange 1/2 cup of thinly sliced butter pieces across the top of the cake mix, spacing them evenly to guarantee good coverage.
The butter will melt during baking and combine with the cake mix to form a delicious golden crust.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your creation for 45-50 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the edges are bubbling slightly.
You might notice some parts still looking slightly wet—that’s just the gooey goodness waiting to be enjoyed.
Step 8: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Allow the dump cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving, giving those layers a chance to settle.
For the ultimate indulgence, serve it while still warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into all those nooks and crannies.
For consistently perfect results every time you bake, consider investing in a premium brownie set with professional-grade tools that work wonderfully for dump cakes too.
What to Serve with Gooey Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake
This decadent dessert deserves perfect companions to round out your serving experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic choice, melting beautifully into the warm cake’s gooey layers.
For something a little different, try fresh whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Coffee balances the sweetness wonderfully—a robust dark roast cuts through the richness, while a creamy latte complements the buttery flavor.
For a truly Southern touch, serve alongside sweet tea in summer or hot apple cider when there’s a chill in the air.
And if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the whole affair. Trust me, no one will complain about the extra sweetness!
Gooey Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake Substitutions and Variations
- Flavor Boosters: Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons bourbon, or 1 teaspoon orange zest to the filling.
- Easy Garnishes: Dust with powdered sugar before serving, or sprinkle sea salt on top for that sweet-salty balance that makes everyone go back for seconds.
Leftovers and Storage for this Gooey Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake
This decadent dump cake stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Simply cover your dish with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers once completely cooled.
For longer storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months.
When that pecan pie craving hits, you’ll be prepared!
To reheat refrigerated portions, warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
For frozen slices, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The flavors actually deepen overnight, making day-two servings sometimes even more delicious than fresh from the oven.
Just keep the cake covered to prevent it from drying out—nobody wants a sad, crumbly pecan pie cake!
Final Thoughts
This Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake truly represents the best of comfort baking—simple preparation with spectacular results.
The marriage of buttery pie crust, crunchy pecans, and that gooey, sweet filling creates something far greater than the sum of its humble parts. It’s the perfect dessert for holiday gatherings when you need something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
The beauty lies in its versatility—elegant enough for Thanksgiving dinner yet casual enough for Sunday suppers.
When fall arrives and pecan season is in full swing, this recipe becomes that reliable friend who never disappoints, bringing warmth and sweetness to any table it graces.
