This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the gooey, ultra-indulgent dessert that brings together everything you adore about Southern baking in the easiest possible way. Imagine the richness of pecan pie melded with the buttery crispness of a cake, all cascading together in a single pan. Every bite is packed with pecans, warm caramel, and tender, golden topping. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just want to treat yourself, this dessert is wonderfully simple to make and guaranteed to wow anyone who tries it.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pecan Pie Dump Cake lies in its short and sweet ingredient list. Each item in this recipe serves a delicious purpose, either building deep caramel flavor or adding the classic crunchy texture you’d expect from a pecan pie.

Eggs: Lightly beaten to provide structure and help bind all the gooey, caramel goodness together.
Packed brown sugar: Adds rich molasses notes and helps make each bite extra fudgy and flavorful.
Caramel topping: Classic, silky caramel enhances the sweet filling and mimics the best part of traditional pecan pie.
Salted caramel topping: Balances out the sweetness with a hint of salt—it makes the dessert even more decadent.
Melted butter (for pecan layer): Melts right into the filling for ultimate richness and a smooth, glossy finish.
Pecan halves: The star ingredient! Three cups make this dessert irresistibly crunchy and nutty.
Butter pecan cake mix: The not-so-secret shortcut to a perfect crumb topping that’s both crisp and buttery.
Melted butter (for topping): Mixed with the cake mix to create those delicious, golden brown pockets on top.

How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by firing up your oven to 350°F. While that’s warming up, give your 9×13 baking dish a spritz of non-stick spray. This easy step ensures every glorious scoop of Pecan Pie Dump Cake will slide out cleanly—no sad, stuck caramel left behind.

Step 2: Stir Together the Pecan Layer

In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, brown sugar, caramel topping, salted caramel topping, and melted butter. The mixture should look smooth, velvety, and almost good enough to eat as is! Once combined, gently fold in your pecan halves. Don’t worry if it feels like a crowded bowl—those three cups of pecans are what make this dessert truly unforgettable.

Step 3: Fill the Baking Dish

Pour your pecan mixture into the prepared dish, and make sure you take a moment to spread those pecans out evenly. This ensures every bite has that dreamy combination of gooey filling and crunchy nuts.

Step 4: Make and Scatter the Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix with your melted butter, stirring until the mixture resembles deliciously buttery crumbs. Sprinkle this evenly over the pecan layer. Don’t pat it down—those rustic crumbles will bake into the most tempting, golden topping.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly edge and a deep golden topping. As the magic happens in your oven, get ready for your kitchen to fill with the nutty, caramel scent of autumn dreams. Once it’s done, let it cool just a bit before serving to get that perfect, scoopable consistency.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting slowly on top pairs beautifully with the hot, gooey center of the Pecan Pie Dump Cake. Add a drizzle of extra caramel sauce or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if you’re feeling fancy—these little touches make each portion totally drool-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is undoubtedly the star, but it plays well with others. Try serving it alongside fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a tart apple slaw for a bit of balance. If you’re hosting a holiday crowd, a strong cup of coffee or cozy chai tea helps cut through the sweetness for a perfect dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to go beyond the classic scoop-and-serve, try baking your Pecan Pie Dump Cake in individual ramekins for dinner party elegance. Or set up a “dump cake bar” with toppings like whipped cream, toasted coconut, or chopped dark chocolate—your guests will love customizing their own slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pecan Pie Dump Cake will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just cover your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container—the flavors actually deepen the next day!

Freezing

If you have lots left (lucky you!), slice portions and wrap them well or seal in freezer-safe containers. The dump cake freezes well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight—it keeps its original texture and flavor remarkably well.

Reheating

For the best experience, reheat servings in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 30 seconds at a time until warm. The caramel gets gooey again, and the top will regain that just-baked crispness.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While butter pecan cake mix really amplifies the nutty flavors, yellow or spice cake mixes also work beautifully for a twist on the classic Pecan Pie Dump Cake.

What’s the difference between caramel and salted caramel topping?

Salted caramel gives you that irresistible sweet-salty contrast, but if you only have regular caramel, feel free to add a tiny pinch of sea salt to mimic the same effect. Either way, you’ll end up with a luscious, gooey filling.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire dessert a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. Or bake it, let it cool, and reheat before serving—the flavors actually improve as they meld.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Totally! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free cake mix in place of the butter pecan mix. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss a beat.

Why is it called a “dump cake?”

It’s delightfully simple: you “dump” all the ingredients into the pan with no need for complicated steps or fancy techniques. The layers meld together perfectly in the oven, making Pecan Pie Dump Cake both fun and easy for bakers of any skill level.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a sweet, crowd-pleasing treat that’s bursting with cozy, caramel flavor and irresistibly crunchy pecans, this Pecan Pie Dump Cake needs to be at the top of your dessert list. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a requested favorite at all your gatherings—one scoop and you’ll see why!