Name: Irresistible Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1 cup caramel topping; 1/2 cup salted caramel topping; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 cups pecans; 1 box Butter Pecan Cake Mix (or White Cake Mix); 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

This mouthwatering Pecan Pie Dump Cake combines the rich, nutty flavors of a classic pecan pie with the simplicity of a dump cake. The result is a decadent dessert with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and a buttery cake topping that comes together effortlessly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple to make – just mix, dump, and bake! Second, it brings together the beloved flavors of pecan pie with the texture of a moist cake. Third, it’s versatile enough for family dinners yet special enough for holiday gatherings. The contrast between the crunchy pecans, gooey caramel layer, and buttery cake topping creates an irresistible dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Eggs provide structure to the pecan filling layer and help bind all the delicious ingredients together. They create that characteristic custardy texture that’s reminiscent of traditional pecan pie.

Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the pecans perfectly. It dissolves into the mixture, creating part of that gooey, sticky goodness that makes this dessert so crave-worthy.

Caramel topping infuses the entire dessert with rich, buttery sweetness. This ready-made ingredient saves time while delivering maximum flavor impact throughout the cake.

Salted caramel topping brings a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that elevate the entire dessert. The hint of salt cuts through the sweetness and intensifies the caramel notes.

Butter enriches the dessert with incomparable flavor and moisture. In both the pecan mixture and drizzled over the cake layer, it creates a rich mouthfeel and helps achieve that golden brown top.

Pecans are the star of this show, providing wonderful texture and their distinctive nutty flavor. Their natural oils release during baking, further enhancing the richness of this dessert.

Butter Pecan Cake Mix (or White Cake Mix) forms the top layer that bakes into a soft, buttery crust. It’s the “dump” part of this dump cake that makes preparation so simple while still delivering delicious results.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a bowl, mix together the eggs, brown sugar, caramel topping, salted caramel topping, melted butter, and pecans until well combined.
Spread the pecan mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the pecan mixture.
Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Scoop out warm servings and enjoy the sweet, nutty flavors and the gooey caramel goodness!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 12 generous servings, making it perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties. The preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, while baking time is 40 minutes, for a total time of about 55 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, providing a satisfying sweet treat that’s worth every bite.

Variations

Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the pecan mixture for a chocolate pecan pie experience.

Coconut Pecan: Mix 1 cup of shredded coconut with the pecan mixture for a tropical twist.

Maple Pecan: Replace half the caramel topping with pure maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Spiced Pecan: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the pecan mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.

Vanilla Bean: Add the seeds from one vanilla bean pod to the pecan mixture for an aromatic enhancement.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: This Pecan Pie Dump Cake can be stored at room temperature, covered with foil or in an airtight container, for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the refrigerator.

Freezing: This dessert freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cut into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating: For the best taste and texture, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until just warm. Alternatively, place the entire cake (if not frozen) in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to warm through. For frozen portions, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?

Yes, you can absolutely use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar. Light brown sugar contains less molasses, so the flavor will be slightly less intense, but the cake will still be delicious. If you want to deepen the flavor when using light brown sugar, you can add a teaspoon of molasses.

What if I don’t have salted caramel topping?

If you don’t have salted caramel topping, you can use regular caramel topping and add ¼ teaspoon of salt to the pecan mixture. Alternatively, you could use all regular caramel topping and sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top before serving for that sweet-salty contrast.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, walnuts make an excellent substitute for pecans in this recipe. You could also try a mixture of nuts like pecans, walnuts, and almonds for a varied texture and flavor profile. Just keep the total quantity the same as specified in the recipe.

Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can cut the amount of caramel topping by about ¼ cup and reduce the brown sugar to ⅓ cup. You might also consider using unsweetened whipped cream as a topping to balance the sweetness of the cake.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Pecan Pie Dump Cake actually benefits from being made a day in advance as the flavors have time to meld together. Prepare and bake as directed, let it cool completely, cover, and refrigerate. You can serve it cold or warm it slightly before serving.

Why is my cake topping still powdery in some spots?

If you notice powdery spots on your cake after baking, it means the butter wasn’t distributed evenly over the cake mix. To prevent this, make sure to drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible over the entire surface, or gently shake the pan to help it spread.

Can I add fruit to this recipe?

Yes, thinly sliced apples or pears would complement the pecans and caramel beautifully. Add about 2 cups of thinly sliced fruit to the pecan mixture before spreading it in the baking dish. You may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.

How do I know when the dump cake is done baking?

The cake is done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. You might also notice that the cake portion has set and no longer looks wet. If you insert a toothpick into just the cake layer (not all the way to the gooey bottom), it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I use a different size baking dish?

You can adjust the baking dish size, but keep in mind this will affect the thickness of the layers and baking time. A larger dish will create thinner layers and require less baking time, while a smaller, deeper dish will need more time in the oven and result in a thicker dessert.

What can I serve with Pecan Pie Dump Cake?

This rich dessert pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of additional caramel sauce. For a special touch, try serving it with spiked whipped cream or a scoop of butter pecan ice cream to enhance the flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Irresistible Pecan Pie Dump Cake offers the perfect balance of convenience and indulgence. With its luscious layers of gooey pecan filling and buttery cake topping, it captures all the beloved flavors of traditional pecan pie with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert for a weeknight family dinner or a crowd-pleasing treat for holiday gatherings, this dump cake delivers exceptional results. The combination of crunchy pecans, rich caramel, and soft cake creates a textural symphony that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Give this recipe a try when you’re craving something sweet, nutty, and utterly comforting – it’s bound to become a regular in your dessert rotation.