Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

I absolutely love this Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe because it’s one of those desserts that feels fancy but comes together with so little fuss. When I’m short on time but still want to impress guests or treat my family to something special, this recipe is my go-to. It combines the warm, nutty flavor of pecan pie with the ease of a dump cake—meaning you literally dump in the ingredients and let the oven do the magic.

You’ll find that this Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any time you just crave that comforting, caramel-pecan goodness. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time. You don’t have to be a baking expert to get a golden, gooey, caramel-drizzled dessert that everyone raves about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe happens because these ingredients complement each other so well — rich pecans, caramel toppings, and buttery cake mix come together for that classic pecan pie vibe without all the fuss.

• Large Eggs: Helps bind the pecan mixture and give it body, lightly beat for best texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds that deep, molasses-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
• Caramel Toppings (regular and salted): The star flavors here — using both types gives the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps make the cake topping crumbly and golden.
• Pecan Halves: Go for fresh, good-quality pecans for the best crunch and flavor.
• Butter Pecan Cake Mix: This adds a wonderful buttery, nutty flavor to the cake topping; if you can’t find this, white cake mix works great too.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. You can tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs and still end up with a crowd-pleaser.

• Use a Gluten-Free Cake Mix: I swapped in gluten-free vanilla cake mix for a gluten-free version, and it was just as delicious!
• Add Chocolate Chips: Sometimes I sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the pecan mixture before adding the topping – because who says no to chocolate?
• Swap Nuts: Although pecans are traditional, walnuts or even chopped almonds work well if pecans are hard to find.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pecan mixture for a warm, cozy flavor twist that I discovered makes it even more comforting.

How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Pecan Filling

First things first: preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and give your 13×9 baking pan a good spray with baking spray. I used to skip this step once and ended up with a sticky situation, so trust me — don’t forget it! In a large bowl, beat your eggs lightly, then mix in the brown sugar, both caramel toppings, and the melted butter. Make sure you stir until everything is well combined and shiny. Then fold in the pecan halves gently—try not to crush them for that satisfying crunch. Pour that luscious mixture evenly into your prepared pan. I like to spread it carefully with a spatula so every bite has nuts and caramel goodness.

Step 2: Create and Add the Cake Topping

Now, in a separate bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix with your melted butter. You’ll want to mix these until crumbly – not a smooth batter. It’s this crumbly cake topping that turns golden and crunchy in the oven. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over your pecan filling layer. I find that gently shaking the pan helps spread the topping more evenly if my sprinkle game is off. This layered approach is what makes the “dump cake” so neat—it’s simple but results in a double texture that everyone loves.

Step 3: Bake and Finish With Garnish

Bake your masterpiece for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is a gorgeous golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end—you want a crisp topping without burning. Once out of the oven, let it cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This cooling time helps everything set so your slices hold together beautifully. Just before serving, I love to sprinkle about half a cup of crushed or halved pecans over the top, then drizzle with a little salted caramel topping for that extra wow factor. It looks stunning and amps up the flavor punch!

How to Serve Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I like garnishing this dump cake with extra chopped pecans for crunch and a drizzle of salted caramel topping to amp up the flavor and give it a beautiful glossy finish. Sometimes, just a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns it into a dreamy dessert that feels like a celebration.

Side Dishes

This pecan pie dump cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or black tea. It also makes a lovely finish to a holiday meal alongside roast turkey or ham. For a lighter twist, I sometimes serve it with fresh berries on the side to balance the sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this dump cake in individual ramekins with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a pecan half perched on top—makes each portion feel extra special. You can also dish it up layered in clear glass trifle bowls to show off those beautiful layers of pecan filling and cake topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. The cake holds up well for 3-4 days and actually seems to get more flavorful after a day as the caramel and pecans meld together even better.

Freezing

Freezing this pecan pie dump cake is totally doable! I cut it into squares, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When I want dessert, I just thaw overnight in the fridge and it tastes almost as fresh as the day I baked it.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or into a preheated 325°F oven for 10-12 minutes. This revives the crisp topping and warms the caramel filling beautifully without drying it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe has become a staple in my dessert lineup because it’s just so simple yet indulgent. I love how it saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture. If you want a dessert that feels like a big warm hug from the oven and doesn’t require a ton of effort, you really should give this recipe a try. I promise your family and friends will keep coming back for more, just like mine do!

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