Sweet Potato Pecan Pie Dump Cake: A Dessert Mash-Up You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of easy, delicious, and show-stopping desserts, then this Sweet Potato Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the recipe for you. It combines the best of two classic pies—sweet potato and pecan—into one effortlessly sweet, gooey, and decadent cake. The best part? It’s a “dump cake,” meaning there’s minimal prep, and it comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

With a spiced sweet potato base, a crunchy pecan topping, and a buttery cake layer that forms as it bakes, this dessert is a fusion of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s as easy as dumping everything into a baking dish and letting the oven do the work!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Pecan Pie Dump Cake

1. Minimal effort, maximum flavor – This dessert is as easy as it gets! With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a warm, comforting pie-inspired dessert in no time.

2. Two iconic pies in one – Enjoy the creamy, spiced sweetness of sweet potato pie alongside the crunchy, caramelized pecan pie topping. It’s the best of both worlds.

3. Perfect for fall and beyond – The combination of warm spices, sweet potatoes, and pecans is pure comfort, making this the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, holiday dinners, or any time you want a cozy treat.

4. Versatile – Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for the ultimate indulgence.

Ingredients:

For the Sweet Potato Layer:

• 1 can (15 oz) sweet potato puree (or 1 1/2 cups homemade mashed sweet potatoes)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or heavy cream works best)

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• Pinch of salt

For the Pecan Pie Topping:

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/2 cup melted butter

• 1/4 cup corn syrup (light or dark)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

For the Cake Layer:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (or vanilla cake mix)

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional for extra crunch)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato Base

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Mix the Sweet Potato Layer: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato puree, granulated sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.

3. Spread the Sweet Potato Mixture: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Step 2: Add the Pecan Pie Topping

1. Prepare the Pecan Pie Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to combine into a thick, sticky mixture.

2. Spread the Pecan Pie Layer: Evenly spoon the pecan pie mixture over the sweet potato layer, spreading it gently to cover the surface. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover perfectly—it will spread out and bake beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Cake Layer

1. Top with Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the pecan layer. Don’t mix it in—just leave it as a dry layer on top of the pecan topping.

2. Add Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. Again, do not stir—just let the butter soak into the cake mix as it bakes.

3. Optional Crunch: If you’d like a little extra crunch, sprinkle the top with an additional 1/4 cup of chopped pecans.

Step 4: Bake and Enjoy

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is set. The edges should be bubbly, and a toothpick inserted into the cake layer should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

2. Cool Slightly: Let the dump cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the layers to firm up slightly and make it easier to slice.

Tips for Success:

• Use Fresh or Canned Sweet Potatoes: If you’re using fresh sweet potatoes, bake or boil them until tender, then mash them for the sweet potato puree. Canned sweet potato puree works great for convenience and consistency.

• Customize the Cake Mix: While a yellow cake mix works wonderfully, you can also experiment with spice cake or butter cake mix for a different flavor profile.

• Don’t Stir the Layers: The beauty of a dump cake is in its layers. Let the oven do the work by not stirring the ingredients together.

• Make-Ahead: This dessert is great for make-ahead! You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake it.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pecan Pie Dump Cake

• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve the dump cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgent treat.

• With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with homemade or store-bought caramel sauce for a rich, sweet finish that complements the pecans and sweet potatoes.

• For Breakfast: If you’re feeling adventurous (and really, who wouldn’t be?), this dump cake can even double as a dessert-for-breakfast situation. Pair it with your morning coffee for an extra-special start to the day.

Why This Sweet Potato Pecan Pie Dump Cake Will Be Your New Favorite Dessert

This dump cake is the perfect mix of ease and elegance. It’s simple to make, yet delivers the kind of comforting, layered flavor that makes you feel like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. The sweet potato layer adds a creamy, spiced base, while the pecan topping offers that irresistible crunchy, caramelized texture you love in pecan pie. Topped with a buttery cake layer, this dessert is a dream come true for fans of both sweet potato pie and pecan pie.

Whether you’re celebrating the fall season, hosting a family dinner, or looking for a stress-free dessert for a busy weeknight, this Sweet Potato Pecan Pie Dump Cake will quickly become your go-to recipe.

Enjoy a slice of sweet, spiced perfection with this easy Sweet Potato Pecan Pie Dump Cake!