Description
An easy Southern-inspired dessert that combines the gooey, caramel flavor of pecan pie with the simplicity of a classic dump cake. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any time you want a quick, crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 cups pecan halves or pieces
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup water or milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Pour melted butter into the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle pecans evenly over the butter.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, water (or milk), vanilla, and cinnamon.
-
Pour the sugar mixture over the pecans.
-
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix on top—do not stir.
-
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling at the edges.
-
Remove from oven and let cool for 15–20 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
-
For a thicker cake, use a 9×9-inch pan and increase baking time slightly.
-
Toast pecans before layering for extra flavor.
-
Try using butter pecan or spice cake mix for a flavor twist.
-
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of cake
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg