Pecan Pie Dump Cake

If you love the rich, gooey goodness of pecan pie but want something easier, faster, and even more indulgent, Pecan Pie Dump Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert. This recipe transforms classic pecan pie flavors into an irresistible dump-style cake layered with caramel, pecans, and buttery cake mix. It gives you the decadence of homemade pecan pie with only a fraction of the effort—just mix, dump, bake, and enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless and beginner-friendly: No pastry, no mixing bowls full of batter—just dump and bake.
• Deep, caramel-pecan flavor: Sticky, gooey, buttery, and wonderfully nutty.
• Crowd-pleasing dessert: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and holidays.
• Only a handful of ingredients: Simple, accessible, and budget-friendly.
• Versatile: Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled—always delicious.
• A shortcut that tastes homemade: The buttery pecan cake mix creates a crisp topping that pairs beautifully with the rich filling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pecan Layer

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup caramel topping
• ½ cup salted caramel topping
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 3 cups pecan halves

For the Topping

• 1 box butter pecan cake mix
• 1 cup melted butter

Let’s Get Started

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Gooey Pecan Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, caramel topping, salted caramel topping, and melted butter until smooth.
Stir in the pecan halves, making sure every nut is coated.

Pour this mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
This will form the gooey, sticky, caramel-pecan base of the dessert.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the butter pecan cake mix evenly over the pecan layer.
Do not stir—the layers bake separately to create the signature dump cake texture.

Step 4: Add the Butter

Pour the melted butter evenly across the dry cake mix.
Try to cover as much of the surface as possible to ensure golden, crispy topping.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden, bubbling, and crisp around the edges.
The filling should be gooey but set.

Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to settle.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• A drizzle of caramel
• Toasted pecans

This cake is delicious hot, warm, room temperature, or chilled.

Servings and Pairing

Servings:

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake makes 12–16 servings, depending on portion size.

Pairing Ideas:

• Hot coffee or espresso
• Spiced chai or cinnamon tea
• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries for contrast
• Caramel or butterscotch drizzle

This dessert works perfectly as a Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert centerpiece or as a casual weeknight treat.

Variations

Chocolate Pecan Dump Cake

Add 1 cup chocolate chips to the pecan layer.

Bourbon Pecan Dump Cake

Add 2 tablespoons bourbon to the caramel mixture.

Maple Pecan Dump Cake

Replace half the caramel with pure maple syrup.

Apple Pecan Dump Cake

Add 1 can apple pie filling beneath the pecan layer for a caramel-apple-pecan twist.

Salted Caramel Pretzel Dump Cake

Add 1 cup crushed pretzels into the topping for salty crunch.

Gluten-Free Variation

Use gluten-free cake mix—everything else remains the same.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature

Store covered for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
It tastes great cold straight from the fridge!

Freezer

Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave if desired.

Reheating

Heat individual servings for 20–30 seconds in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! Yellow, vanilla, spice, or white cake mix all work well.

Can I use chopped pecans instead of pecan halves?

Yes, chopped pecans will give a more even texture.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

Use less caramel or add a pinch of salt to the filling.

Do I have to use both caramel and salted caramel?

No—you can use all regular caramel or all salted caramel.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely! Bake it 24 hours in advance and reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is the perfect blend of simplicity, comfort, and rich holiday flavor. With its gooey caramel-pecan base and buttery, golden cake topping, it offers everything you love about pecan pie—without the work of making crust or rolling dough. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, ideal for holiday feasts, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings. Easy to make, even easier to love—this dessert will quickly become a yearly tradition.

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