Pecan Pie Dump Cake

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Pecan Pie Dump Cake ❤️ – The Easiest, Gooey, and Irresistible Dessert Ever 😋

If you adore the rich, nutty, caramel flavor of classic pecan pie but don’t want to deal with rolling pie dough or complicated steps, then this Pecan Pie Dump Cake will steal your heart. It’s the ultimate easy dessert — gooey, buttery, and perfectly sweet with that signature crunchy pecan topping. This recipe captures all the traditional flavor of pecan pie with the simplicity of a “dump and bake” cake.

With only a few pantry ingredients and five minutes of prep, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is everything you love about homemade baking — without the effort. It’s a one-pan dessert, meaning no bowls to wash and no mixing required. Simply layer the ingredients, bake, and watch the magic happen in your oven.

  • Quick & Easy: Only 10 minutes of prep time.
  • Rich Flavor: Layers of buttery cake, caramel, and toasted pecans.
  • Perfect Texture: Gooey on the bottom, crisp and golden on top.
  • Crowd Favorite: Feeds 9–12 people, making it ideal for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this foolproof recipe will become your new go-to dessert.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Dump Cake

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this irresistible dessert:

  • 1 (12 oz) jar caramel sauce or ice cream topping
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 (15.25 oz) box Butter Pecan, Yellow, or French Vanilla cake mix (do not prepare the batter — use the dry mix)
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional:
    • ½ cup toffee bits (for extra crunch)
    • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving

Pro Tip: Butter Pecan cake mix gives this dessert a deep, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the caramel and pecans. However, French Vanilla or Yellow Cake Mix also work beautifully.

How to Make the Best Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your cake releases easily once baked.

Step 2: First Layer – The “Pie” Filling

Pour the entire jar of caramel sauce into the prepared pan and spread evenly across the bottom.
Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer.
If you’re using toffee bits, sprinkle them now for an extra buttery crunch.

Step 3: Second Layer – The Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pecan-caramel mixture. Do not stir — this is key to achieving the classic “dump cake” texture.
Use the back of a spoon or spatula to gently press down the dry mix so it forms an even surface.

Step 4: Third Layer – The Butter

Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the entire pan, making sure to coat as much of the cake mix as possible.
If you see dry patches of mix, add another tablespoon or two of melted butter to ensure even baking.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the cake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling with caramel. The top should have a crisp, buttery crust.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes before serving. As it cools, the caramel layer will thicken to a luscious, gooey consistency.
Scoop into bowls and serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Expert Tips & Flavor Variations

✨ The “Dump” Method is Key

Don’t stir the layers! The magic of this dessert is how the ingredients bake together naturally. The caramel, pecans, and cake mix combine in the oven to create distinct layers of gooey filling and crispy topping.

🧈 Butter Distribution Matters

Drizzle the butter slowly in thin, even streams across the surface. This ensures every part of the cake gets coated and bakes into a golden crust.

🍁 Enhance the Flavor

For a deeper, pecan pie-style flavor, mix ½ cup of dark corn syrup or maple syrup with the caramel before pouring it into the pan. This gives the filling that signature sticky, rich texture of traditional pecan pie.

🍂 Spice It Up

Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the dry cake mix for a cozy, fall-inspired twist.

🔥 Check for Doneness

Your cake is ready when it’s deep golden brown on top and bubbling around the edges. Unlike traditional cakes, the center will be gooey — that’s exactly how it should be.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Dump Cake

This dessert shines on its own, but you can take it up a notch with a few finishing touches:

  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream — melts into the warm caramel layer perfectly.
  • Whipped cream and cinnamon sugar — adds lightness and warmth.
  • Drizzle of extra caramel or chocolate sauce — for a bakery-style presentation.
  • Toasted pecans on top — for an extra nutty crunch.

Whether served warm or at room temperature, this Pecan Pie Dump Cake is guaranteed to disappear fast!

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 4 days when tightly wrapped.
  • Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds per serving for that gooey, just-baked texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the dump cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Can I use homemade caramel sauce?

Absolutely. Homemade caramel adds an even richer flavor — just make sure it’s thick enough to coat the bottom layer.

What if I don’t have pecans?

You can substitute walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different twist. Each nut offers a unique flavor and texture.

Why This Recipe Always Works

The beauty of Pecan Pie Dump Cake lies in its simplicity. The caramel and butter melt together, seeping into the cake mix to form a moist, gooey filling. Meanwhile, the pecans toast beautifully on top, creating a contrast of textures that’s simply irresistible. Every bite combines buttery crunch with melt-in-your-mouth sweetness — a true comfort dessert that feels homemade and special.

Final Thoughts

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a dessert dream come true — minimal effort, maximum flavor. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you crave something indulgent, this recipe will become a family favorite. With its gooey caramel base, buttery pecan topping, and heavenly aroma, it’s guaranteed to make everyone ask for seconds.

So go ahead — dump, bake, and enjoy every bite of this luscious, nutty, caramel-filled masterpiece. ❤️

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