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For this easy and tasty Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake, you will need: - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed tightly - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup corn syrup - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup chopped pecans - 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz) - 1 cup water - 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional, for added texture) - Whipped cream for serving (optional, for a creamy finish) You can switch out some ingredients for a different flavor or to meet needs. Here are a few ideas: - Use salted butter instead of unsalted. This can add a nice touch. - Swap light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a richer flavor. - If you don’t have corn syrup, honey or maple syrup can work. - You can use any type of nuts if you want a different crunch. When picking pecans, freshness is key. Here are some tips: - Look for pecans that smell sweet and nutty. This shows they are fresh. - Avoid any nuts that seem soft or shriveled. They may be old. - Choose pecans that are whole and unbroken. They will have better flavor. - If you can, buy them from a store with high turnover. This keeps them fresh longer. First, gather all your ingredients. You need: - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed tightly - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup corn syrup - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup chopped pecans - 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz) - 1 cup water - 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional) - Whipped cream for serving (optional) Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This helps your cake not stick. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps. Now, fold in the chopped pecans and shredded coconut gently. This adds crunch and flavor. Pour the pecan mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Take the dry yellow cake mix and sprinkle it on top. Cover all the pecan mixture well. Slowly pour the water over the cake mix. Do not stir. Let the layers stay separate. Bake your dump cake for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden top and bubbly filling. Once done, let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Then, slice and serve. Enjoy a warm slice with whipped cream for a tasty treat! If you are short on time, use these tips. You can melt the butter in the microwave. This cuts prep time. Also, you can buy pre-chopped pecans. They save you from chopping. Use a cooking spray to grease the dish quickly. This helps avoid sticky messes. For a great texture, follow this advice. Mix the pecans and coconut well in the filling. This adds a nice crunch. Do not stir the water into the cake mix. This keeps the layers distinct. Bake until the top is golden. A golden top means a perfect bake. To make this cake even better, serve it warm. Add a scoop of whipped cream on top. The cream adds smoothness against the rich cake. You can also pair it with vanilla ice cream. A scoop of ice cream melts into the warm cake. Enjoy this treat with friends and family! {{image_4}} If you love chocolate, try adding chocolate chips to the pecan mixture. Use about 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. The rich chocolate blends perfectly with the pecans and gives a new twist. You can also swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix. This change makes the dessert even more decadent. The chocolate flavor adds depth and makes it a real treat. If you need a nut-free version, simply leave out the pecans. You can replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These seeds add crunch without any nuts. You can also add more coconut for texture if you like. Just make sure to check for any cross-contamination if you have severe allergies. Fruits can make your dump cake special. You can add 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries. Blueberries or raspberries work great. Just fold them into the pecan mixture before baking. Another fun idea is to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. A teaspoon of cinnamon can give a warm, cozy flavor. You can also mix in a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult twist! To store leftover dump cake, let it cool first. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. Always take care to store it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Cut the dump cake into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just pull out a piece and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place the slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for 20-30 seconds. Check if it’s warm enough. If you like your dump cake crispy, you can also reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This will give it a nice finish and keep the flavors bright. Yes, you can! You can swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate or spice cake mix. Each choice will change the flavor, but it will still taste great. Just follow the same steps, and enjoy your twist! The cake is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can also use a toothpick. If it comes out clean from the center, your cake is ready. Let it cool a bit before cutting. This helps the layers set well. The classic recipe uses yellow cake mix, which usually contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, choose a gluten-free cake mix. Make sure all other ingredients, like pecans and corn syrup, are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dessert! To make a Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake, we covered the key ingredients and useful substitutions. I shared tips for choosing the best pecans and prepping your baking dish. You learned step-by-step instructions for making and layering the cake. We explored time-saving tips, texture secrets, and tasty serving ideas. I also suggested fun variations and provided storage tips. In the end, this cake is easy to make and delicious to eat. Enjoy sharing it with friends and family!

Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Treat yourself to a slice of indulgence with this Southern Pecan Pie Dump Cake! This easy recipe combines melted butter, rich sugars, and crunchy pecans, all topped with a fluffy yellow cake layer. Perfect for gatherings, it only takes about an hour to make. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful dessert!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup light brown sugar, packed tightly

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup corn syrup

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup chopped pecans

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)

1 cup water

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional, for added texture)

Whipped cream for serving (optional, for a creamy finish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by greasing it with cooking spray or a pat of softened butter to prevent sticking.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.

      Gently fold in the chopped pecans and the sweetened shredded coconut (if you're using it) until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

        Carefully pour the pecan mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form a solid layer.

          Take the dry yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the pecan layer, ensuring that all parts of the mixture are well-covered.

            Slowly pour the water over the cake mix, making sure it reaches every corner of the dish without stirring the layers together.

              Bake the dump cake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the top is a delightful golden brown and the filling is visibly bubbly.

                Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12

                    - Serving Suggestion: For an indulgent treat, serve warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. This will add a creamy contrast to the rich flavors of your Southern classic! Enjoy every bite!