Irresistible Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

Irresistible Pecan Dump Cake Recipe: Sweet Magic in Every Bite

Whipping up a delightful pecan dump cake brings pure comfort to any dessert lover’s kitchen.

Layers of sweet simplicity emerge when minimal ingredients combine effortlessly.

Crumbly textures mingle with rich, nutty flavors that dance across your palate.

Southern charm infuses every bite of this incredibly easy treat.

Minimal effort produces maximum satisfaction in this rustic dessert.

Nuts and cake mix create magic without complicated techniques.

You’ll want to savor each delectable spoonful of this irresistible confection.

Best Ways To Store Pecan Dump Cake

  • Store leftover pecan dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Refrigeration helps maintain the cake's moisture and prevents spoilage.
  • For longer storage, freeze the cake in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

FAQs

  • What are the main ingredients needed for this Pecan Dump Cake?

The main ingredients are caramel pie filling, yellow cake mix, melted butter, and chopped pecans.

  • Is this recipe difficult to make?

No, it’s extremely easy! You simply layer ingredients in order and bake without mixing, making it perfect for beginner bakers.

  • Can I use a different type of pie filling?

While caramel works best, you could experiment with apple or cherry pie filling for a different flavor profile.

  • Do I need any special baking skills to make this dessert?

Absolutely not! This recipe requires no mixing or complicated techniques – just dump and bake, which makes it foolproof for anyone.

  • Breeze Through Preparation: Dump cakes offer a no-fuss baking experience where you simply layer ingredients without complex mixing or measuring techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual celebrations where you want a delicious treat that impresses without intense kitchen work.
  • Quick Sweet Solution: Requires minimal ingredients and basic baking skills, making it ideal for beginner bakers or anyone craving a fast dessert without elaborate steps.
  • Nutty Comfort Treat: Pecans add delightful crunch and rich, toasted flavor that transforms an ordinary cake into a warm, inviting dessert everyone will love.

Ingredients For Pecan Dump Cake

Cake Base:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: A quick and convenient base that provides the cake's structure and sweetness.
Filling:
  • Caramel Pie Filling: A rich, gooey layer that adds moisture and deep caramel flavor to the dessert.
Topping and Texture:
  • Pecans, Butter: Pecans add a wonderful crunch and nutty taste, while butter helps create a golden, crispy top layer.

How To Prepare Pecan Dump Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give the dish a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the First Layer

Spread the caramel pie filling across the bottom of the baking dish, making sure it covers the entire surface evenly.

Step 3: Dust with Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the caramel layer, creating a light and even blanket of powdery goodness.

Step 4: Drench with Butter

Melt the butter and drizzle it generously over the cake mix, ensuring every inch gets a delicious buttery coating.

Step 5: Shower with Pecans

Scatter the chopped pecans across the top, creating a crunchy and nutty crown for your dessert.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. Watch for a golden, bubbly top that signals it’s ready to devour.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the dump cake to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Grab a spoon and dig in while it’s still warm!

Tips For Moist And Tasty Pecan Dump Cake

  • Use room temperature butter for even melting and better cake mix distribution.
  • Opt for high-quality caramel pie filling to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Chop pecans roughly for added texture and crunch in each delightful bite.
  • Consider toasting pecans beforehand to intensify their nutty, rich taste.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience that complements the cake's sweetness.

Different Takes On Pecan Dump Cake

  • Chocolate Lover's Version: Replace caramel pie filling with chocolate pudding and add chocolate chips on top for extra richness.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly dessert.
  • Fruit Swap Variation: Substitute caramel filling with apple or cherry pie filling for a fruity alternative that keeps the same easy dump cake technique.
  • Nutty Alternative: Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds for different nutty flavor profiles while maintaining the cake's core structure.

What Goes Well With Pecan Dump Cake

  • Rustic Dessert Platter: Slice the warm cake and arrange on a wooden board with vanilla ice cream scoops, drizzle extra caramel sauce, and sprinkle additional chopped pecans for a stunning presentation.
  • Southern Comfort Serving: Pair with a dollop of whipped cream, serve in individual rustic ramekins, and garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a cozy, homestyle touch.
  • Decadent Coffee Companion: Cut into small squares, place on a vintage plate, and serve alongside a steaming cup of rich coffee or bourbon-spiked hot chocolate for an indulgent dessert experience.
  • Holiday Gathering Style: Create a dessert buffet by cutting cake into bite-sized pieces, placing on tiered serving trays with decorative toothpicks, allowing guests to enjoy a sweet, easy-to-grab treat.
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Irresistible Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

Irresistible Pecan Dump Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible pecan dump cake delivers Southern comfort with minimal effort. Simple pantry ingredients create a quick dessert that delights family gatherings and sweet-toothed guests you’ll want to spoil.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup (227 grams) melted butter

Cake Base:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix

Flavoring and Filling:

  • 1 can (21 ounces/595 grams) caramel pie filling
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Create an even base layer of caramel pie filling across the entire bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  3. Distribute the dry yellow cake mix uniformly over the caramel filling, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Drizzle melted butter across the entire surface, allowing it to penetrate the cake mix layer thoroughly.
  5. Generously scatter chopped pecans over the top, creating a crunchy textural layer.
  6. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the top transforms into a golden-brown crust and the edges become deliciously bubbly.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to rest for 10-15 minutes, which helps the layers settle and makes serving easier.
  8. Slice and serve warm, optionally accompanied by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.

Notes

  • Experiment with different pie filling flavors like apple or cherry for unique taste variations.
  • Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty, rich flavor and add extra crunch to the dessert.
  • Customize the recipe for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free cake mix and checking pie filling ingredients.
  • Reduce sugar content by selecting low-sugar cake mix or using a sugar-free pie filling alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 415 kcal
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 310 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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