Name: Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Amazing 1 Dish Dessert
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488813H35M9S
Total time: PT-488813H35M9S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz); 1½ cups pecans, chopped; 1 jar caramel sauce (about 12 oz); ½ cup brown sugar; 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk; ½ cup butter, melted; ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional); 2–5 whole pecans (optional, for decoration); ¼ cup corn syrup or maple syrup (optional, for extra gooey texture)

Pecan pie dump cake has been my go-to dessert for years when I need something incredibly delicious with minimal effort. It tastes just like a rich, gooey pecan pie, but with the magical simplicity of a dump cake! I remember the first time I made an easy pecan pie dump cake for a family gathering; everyone raved about it, asking for the recipe, and I just smiled because it was so simple to whip up. The scent of warm caramel and toasted pecans filling the house truly makes it feel like a special occasion, and it’s the best way to get that beloved dump cake with pecan pie filling without all the fuss. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake

This dessert is an absolute winner for so many reasons:

Incredible Flavor: It delivers all the warm, gooey, nutty goodness of traditional pecan pie.
Super Quick Prep: Seriously, you can have it assembled in under 15 minutes, making it a truly easy pecan pie dump cake.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples and a cake mix, keeping costs down.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore this sweet treat. It’s always a hit at gatherings!
Minimal Effort, Maximum Reward: The “dump and bake” method means less fuss and more enjoyment.
Versatile Dessert: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a weeknight craving for something sweet.
Simply Delicious: It’s the ultimate easy pecan pie dump cake for when you need a crowd-pleaser without the stress.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Gathering your pecan pie dump cake ingredients is the simplest part of this recipe! It truly comes together with just a few pantry staples. The magic happens when you layer these components without even stirring. The chopped pecans provide that essential nutty crunch and classic pecan pie flavor. The caramel sauce and brown sugar create that irresistible gooey texture, while the yellow cake mix bakes up into a tender, golden topping. Melted butter and evaporated milk are crucial for moisture, ensuring a rich and decadent result. This dump cake is designed for ease, making it the perfect sweet treat.

1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz) – the base for our easy dessert
1½ cups pecans, chopped – for that essential nutty crunch
1 jar caramel sauce (about 12 oz) – this creates the gooey filling
½ cup brown sugar – adds sweetness and helps with caramelization
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk – essential for moisture and richness
½ cup butter, melted – for a golden topping
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional) – adds a warm spice note
2–5 whole pecans (optional, for decoration) – for a pretty finish
¼ cup corn syrup or maple syrup (optional, for extra gooey texture) – enhances the gooeyness

How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Let’s dive into the simple process of how to make pecan pie dump cake! It’s a dessert that truly lives up to its name, requiring minimal fuss for maximum flavor. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together, making it perfect for any occasion.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
Step 2: Evenly spread the 1½ cups chopped pecans across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This forms the foundation of our delightful pecan pie filling.
Step 3: Sprinkle the ½ cup brown sugar evenly over the pecans. If you’re aiming for an extra gooey texture, now’s the time to add the optional ¼ cup corn syrup or maple syrup over the brown sugar.
Step 4: Pour the entire 12 oz jar of caramel sauce over the pecan and brown sugar layer. Spread it gently to cover most of the surface. The aroma is already starting to get amazing!
Step 5: Now, for the “dump” part! Evenly sprinkle the 1 box yellow cake mix over the caramel and pecan layer. Resist the urge to stir; just let it sit on top. This is a key to how to make pecan pie dump cake successfully.
Step 6: Drizzle the ½ cup melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. Make sure to cover as much of the cake mix as possible.
Step 7: Gently pour the 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk over the entire dish. This liquid helps the cake mix bake into a wonderfully moist texture.
Step 8: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color on top and bubbling caramel around the edges. This is the final stage in how to make pecan pie dump cake that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 9: Once baked, carefully remove the dump cake from the oven. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the gooey filling to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and enjoy.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Amazing 1 Dish Dessert - Pecan Pie Dump Cake - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Want to elevate your already easy dessert? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make this pecan pie dump cake absolutely sing. These tips ensure a fantastic texture and flavor every single time.

Toast your pecans before adding them to the dish. It really brings out their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch.
If the top starts browning too quickly during baking, don’t worry! Just loosely tent the dish with foil for the last 10-15 minutes.
Don’t skip the resting time after baking. Letting it sit for 15 minutes helps the gooey filling set up just enough so it doesn’t all run out when you serve it.

What’s the secret to perfect Pecan Pie Dump Cake?

The secret to a truly perfect and moist pecan pie dump cake lies in the layering and the liquids. Ensuring the melted butter and evaporated milk are distributed evenly over the dry cake mix is key for consistent baking and moisture. For more baking tips, check out expert advice.

Can I make Pecan Pie Dump Cake ahead of time?

You absolutely can assemble a homemade pecan pie dump cake ahead of time! Assemble everything in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold. For more information on food preparation, you can consult food safety guidelines.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Pecan Pie Dump Cake?

A common pitfall is over-baking, which can dry out the cake mix topping. Keep an eye on the pecan pie dump cake baking time and aim for that golden brown, bubbly stage. Also, resist the urge to stir the layers; the “dump” method is crucial for the texture. Learn more about baking techniques.

Best Ways to Serve Pecan Pie Dump Cake

This dessert is so versatile, it’s fantastic served in so many ways! My absolute favorite is a warm slice of this caramel pecan pie dump cake piled high with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey cake and the cold, smooth ice cream is pure bliss. Another wonderful pairing is a dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce if you’re feeling extra decadent. For a more traditional Southern vibe, a small glass of cold milk alongside a slice is always a hit. It’s a dessert that truly shines on its own but welcomes any sweet accompaniment. For more dessert ideas, visit our latest recipes.

Nutrition Facts for Pecan Pie Dump Cake

A slice of this delightful dessert offers a rich taste experience. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per serving, helping you understand what you’re enjoying with this pecan pie dump cake.

Serving Size: 1 slice (of 10)
Calories: 412
Fat: 23 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 49 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 27 g
Sodium: 480 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more details on nutritional information, you can refer to nutritional databases.

How to Store and Reheat Pecan Pie Dump Cake

This pecan pie dump cake is a fantastic dessert for gatherings, especially during the holidays, and knowing how to store and reheat it properly ensures you can enjoy it for days. After baking, let the cake cool completely in the dish. Once cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store it for longer, like preparing for a holiday event, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, you can place individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through, or gently reheat the entire cake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Pie Dump Cake

What is Pecan Pie Dump Cake?

A pecan pie dump cake is a dessert that combines the classic flavors of pecan pie with the incredible simplicity of a dump cake. It’s made by layering ingredients like pecans, caramel, brown sugar, and a dry cake mix into a baking dish and baking it all together without stirring. It’s a truly magical dessert that mimics the rich, gooey, nutty taste of traditional pecan pie with minimal effort.

Why is Pecan Pie Dump Cake popular?

This dessert is incredibly popular because it’s ridiculously easy to make and tastes amazing! You get all the decadent flavors of a homemade pecan pie – the buttery crust, the sweet caramel, and the crunchy pecans – but with a fraction of the work. It’s perfect for busy bakers, holiday gatherings, or anyone who loves a comforting, sweet treat without the fuss of traditional pie-making. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Can I use different nuts in my Pecan Pie Dump Cake?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can certainly experiment with other nuts. Walnuts are a fantastic substitute and offer a slightly different, but equally delicious, nutty flavor. You could also try a mix of pecans and walnuts, or even almonds for a unique twist. Just make sure they are chopped similarly to how you would chop pecans.

How do I get a really gooey Pecan Pie Dump Cake?

To achieve an extra gooey texture in your pecan pie dump cake, I highly recommend adding the optional ¼ cup of corn syrup or maple syrup along with the caramel sauce and brown sugar. This extra liquid helps create that wonderfully gooey, almost candy-like filling that makes this dessert so irresistible. Don’t overbake it, either, as that can sometimes dry out the gooey center.

Variations of Pecan Pie Dump Cake You Can Try

While this classic version is fantastic, there are so many fun pecan pie dump cake variations you can explore to suit your tastes or dietary needs! These creative twists keep things exciting. If you’re looking for a pecan pie dump cake without cake mix, you can try using crushed shortbread cookies or graham cracker crumbs as a base layer instead of the cake mix for a different sort of crumbly texture.

Caramel Apple Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Add a layer of thinly sliced apples tossed with cinnamon and a bit of sugar over the caramel before topping with the cake mix.
Chocolate Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow, and consider adding a handful of chocolate chips over the caramel layer for an extra decadent treat.
Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Dump Cake: Opt for a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. This makes it accessible for more people.
Slow Cooker Pecan Pie Dump Cake: For a hands-off approach, assemble the dump cake layers in a greased slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until golden and bubbly.