Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for an effortless dessert that tastes like it took hours to prepare, this Pecan Dump Cake is for you! With layers of gooey caramel, warm spices, and a crispy pecan topping, it’s the perfect comfort food for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or just a cozy night in. Best of all, it’s called a “dump” cake because all you do is literally dump the ingredients into a baking dish, and the oven takes care of the rest!

this Recipes

I first made this cake for a family potluck, and it’s been requested at nearly every get-together since. It’s a no-fuss recipe that always turns out delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Dump Cake

This Pecan Dump Cake is an absolute game-changer for busy bakers and dessert lovers alike.

• Ridiculously Easy: With no mixing required, you simply layer the ingredients in the pan, making it one of the easiest desserts out there.
• Incredible Flavor: The combination of warm caramel, pecans, and cake mix creates a gooey, nutty dessert that’s rich and full of fall flavors.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday dinners to casual gatherings, this cake is versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• Minimal Cleanup: With only one baking dish and no extra mixing bowls, you’ll have fewer dishes to wash, so cleanup is a breeze.

Once you try this Pecan Dump Cake, you’ll see why it’s an instant hit!

Ingredients Notes

The simplicity of this recipe shines through with a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients that come together for maximum flavor.

• Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base of the cake and gives it a light, fluffy texture. You could also use spice cake mix for an extra layer of warm, autumnal spices.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans add a delicious crunch and a slightly buttery, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with caramel. Toasting the pecans beforehand can bring out even more flavor.
• Butter: Sliced unsalted butter melts over the top layer, helping to form a golden-brown crust and soak into the cake mix for a rich, buttery finish.
• Caramel Sauce: A layer of caramel sauce adds gooey sweetness and keeps the cake wonderfully moist. Choose a thick, high-quality caramel sauce for the best results.
• Brown Sugar and Cinnamon (Optional): A sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon between layers adds warmth and enhances the fall flavors, though this step is optional.

With no need for mixers or special tools, you’ll just need a 9x13-inch baking dish to create this delicious cake.

How to Make Pecan Dump Cake

Making this Pecan Dump Cake is as easy as layering the ingredients in your baking dish. Here’s how to put it all together:

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Add the Caramel and Pecans: Start by spreading a generous layer of caramel sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. This will create a gooey base for the cake. Sprinkle half of the chopped pecans over the caramel for added texture.
3. Layer the Cake Mix: Evenly pour the yellow cake mix directly over the caramel and pecan layer. Don’t stir—just let it sit in an even layer across the dish.
4. Add the Butter: Place thin slices of butter over the top of the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible. This will melt into the cake mix, creating a golden, crunchy topping.
5. Top with Pecans and Brown Sugar (Optional): Sprinkle the remaining pecans over the butter and, if desired, add a dusting of brown sugar and cinnamon for extra sweetness and spice.

Bake the cake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving, as the caramel will be hot.

Storage Options

This cake keeps well, making it a great make-ahead dessert option.

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake will firm up as it chills, but you can easily reheat slices in the microwave for a gooey treat.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Room Temperature (Short Term): If serving within a day, you can cover the cake and leave it at room temperature. Just be sure to store it in a cool area.

When ready to enjoy, reheat the cake in the microwave or oven to restore its gooey texture and enhance the flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

This Pecan Dump Cake is wonderfully versatile, and there are several ways to make it your own.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips over the caramel layer for a chocolate-caramel combination that’s irresistible.
• Use Spice Cake Mix: Swap the yellow cake mix for spice cake mix for a warm, cozy flavor that enhances the pecans and caramel.
• Try a Different Nut: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try substituting walnuts or almonds for a slightly different crunch and flavor.
• Salted Caramel Twist: Use a salted caramel sauce to add a hint of salt, which balances the sweetness beautifully and adds a gourmet touch.
• Top with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a creamy contrast to the warm, gooey cake.

This dessert is perfect for experimenting with flavors, so feel free to get creative!

Conclousion

Once you try this Pecan Dump Cake, it’s bound to become a staple in your dessert rotation. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of cake that disappears quickly at gatherings. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy a slice with coffee the next morning, every bite is pure comfort. Enjoy!

Print