Pecan Pie Dump Cake 

Craving the rich flavors of pecan pie but seeking a simpler approach? This Pecan Pie Dump Cake combines the gooey, caramel-like sweetness of traditional pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake. With minimal preparation and a delightful blend of textures, it's perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any time you desire a comforting dessert.

Ingredients

Pecan Pie Base:

• 1½ cups brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup corn syrup

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 4 large eggs, beaten

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, divided

• 2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped, divided

Cake Layer:

• 1 (15.25 oz) package yellow cake mix

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional for a richer variation:

• 2¾ cups dark brown sugar (divided into 2 cups and ¾ cup)

• 1 cup dark corn syrup

• 1¼ cups salted butter (divided into ½ cup and ¾ cup)

• 3 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 4 cups pecan halves (divided into 3 cups and 1 cup)

• 1 box white cake mix (15.25 ounces)

• 1 cup hot water

• Optional caramel topping

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Prepare Pecan Pie Base: In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, salt, corn syrup, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and ½ cup melted butter until well combined. Stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

3. Prepare Cake Layer: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and cinnamon. Sprinkle this dry cake mixture evenly over the pecan mixture in the baking dish. Drizzle the remaining ½ cup melted butter over the top of the cake layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of pecans on top.

4. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The cake may still have a slight jiggle in the middle when done; this is normal and will firm up as it cools.

5. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving warm, or let it cool completely for easier slicing.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 411 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 58 g

• Protein: 3 g

• Fat: 20 g

• Saturated Fat: 8 g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g

• Trans Fat: 0.5 g

• Cholesterol: 63 mg

• Sodium: 306 mg

• Potassium: 101 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 45 g

• Vitamin A: 374 IU

• Vitamin C: 0.1 mg

• Calcium: 95 mg

• Iron: 1 mg