Imagine the gooey sweetness of a pecan pie combined with the buttery simplicity of a dump cake. That’s what you get with Pecan Pie Dump Cake—a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is indulgent to eat. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, attending a potluck, or just satisfying your sweet tooth at home, this recipe delivers all the cozy flavors you love with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love Pecan Pie Dump Cake
This dessert takes the stress out of baking while giving you the same rich and decadent flavors of a traditional pecan pie. With layers of gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and a buttery cake topping, it’s a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—when, in reality, you only needed a few simple steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pecan Layer
Ingredient | Quantity |
Eggs (lightly beaten) | 2 |
Packed brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
Caramel topping | 1 cup |
Salted caramel topping | 1/2 cup |
Melted butter | 1/4 cup |
Pecan halves | 3 cups |
For the Topping
Ingredient | Quantity |
Butter pecan cake mix | 1 box |
Melted butter | 1 cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to ensure easy serving later.
2. Make the Pecan Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, packed brown sugar, caramel topping, salted caramel topping, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth.
- Fold in the pecan halves, making sure they’re evenly coated.
- Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out so the pecans are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Topping
- In another bowl, mix the butter pecan cake mix with the melted butter until it forms a crumbly mixture.
- Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the pecan layer.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your Pecan Pie Dump Cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Layers of Flavor
The gooey caramel and nutty pecans create a rich base, while the buttery cake topping adds a light, crumbly texture.
2. Foolproof Simplicity
With no complicated techniques or equipment needed, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers or busy cooks.
3. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal
This dessert combines two classic favorites—pecan pie and cake—making it an instant hit at any gathering.
Serving Suggestions
While Pecan Pie Dump Cake is delicious on its own, you can elevate it with these serving ideas:
- A Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the warm cake.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: Add a touch of elegance with melted chocolate drizzled on top.
- Sprinkle with Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel flavor.
- Pair with Coffee: Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee for a comforting after-dinner treat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 420 |
Total Fat | 25g |
Saturated Fat | 10g |
Cholesterol | 70mg |
Sodium | 320mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 45g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugars | 30g |
Protein | 4g |
Tips for the Perfect Pecan Pie Dump Cake

- Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh, high-quality pecans enhance the nutty flavor of the dessert.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the topping from becoming too dry.
- Line Your Dish: For easier cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper.
- Let It Rest: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let the layers set properly.
- Customize the Topping: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for a warm, spiced flavor.
FAQs About Pecan Pie Dump Cake
1. Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, yellow cake mix or spice cake mix are great alternatives to butter pecan cake mix.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze Pecan Pie Dump Cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. What can I use instead of caramel topping?
You can substitute dulce de leche or butterscotch sauce for a similar flavor.
5. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free cake mix in place of the regular cake mix.
6. How do I prevent the topping from becoming soggy?
Ensure the cake mix and butter are evenly combined to form crumbs before sprinkling over the pecan layer.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the answer. With its gooey, nutty filling and buttery cake topping, it’s a treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a dessert that’s nothing short of magical. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Pecan Pie Dump Cake: The Ultimate Dessert Shortcut
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
If you’re craving the gooey sweetness of pecan pie but want a quicker, easier way to make it, look no further than Pecan Pie Dump Cake. This dessert combines the rich, nutty flavors of a classic pecan pie with the simplicity of a dump cake. With a buttery, crumbly cake topping and a caramel-pecan base, it’s a crowd-pleasing treat that’s easy to make and hard to resist.
Ingredients
For the Pecan Layer:
- 2 Eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1/2 cup Packed brown sugar
- 1 cup Caramel topping
- 1/2 cup Salted caramel topping
- 1/4 cup Melted butter
- 3 cups Pecan halves
For the Topping:
- 1 box Butter pecan cake mix
- 1 cup Melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to ensure easy serving later. - Make the Pecan Layer
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, packed brown sugar, caramel topping, salted caramel topping, and melted butter until smooth. Fold in the pecan halves, making sure they are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out so the pecans are evenly distributed. - Prepare the Topping
In another bowl, mix the butter pecan cake mix with the melted butter until it forms a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the pecan layer. - Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Pecan Pie Dump Cake warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Layers of Flavor: The gooey caramel and nutty pecans create a rich, satisfying base, while the buttery cake topping adds a light, crumbly texture.
- Foolproof Simplicity: No complicated techniques or equipment—just mix, layer, and bake.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With the flavors of pecan pie and cake, this dessert is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American