Lazy Baker’s Dream: Effortless Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

Southern kitchens have long cherished this delightful pecan dump cake that blends simplicity with pure comfort.

Comfort desserts rarely come easier than this magical creation.

Layers of buttery cake mix meld perfectly with sweet pecans, creating a rustic masterpiece.

Rich caramel notes peek through each delectable bite, promising pure indulgence.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction in this remarkable treat.

Crumbly textures and nutty undertones dance together, making you the star baker without complicated techniques.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience dessert magic that will become your new favorite go-to recipe.

Pecan Dump Cake Variations You’ll Enjoy

• Gluten-Free Pecan Cake: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free cake mix, ensuring safe consumption for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Caramel Pecan Cake: Substitute caramel sauce with dairy-free caramel, use vegan butter, and select plant-based cake mix for a completely vegan dessert.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Swap pecans with sunflower seeds or rolled oats to accommodate nut allergies while maintaining similar texture and crunch.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free caramel sauce, replace brown sugar with stevia, and select a reduced-sugar cake mix for a diabetic-friendly option.

What Goes Well With Pecan Dump Cake

• Sweet Southern Comfort: Top this decadent pecan dump cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic dessert experience that melts perfectly over the warm, gooey cake.
• Caramel Drizzle Delight: Extra caramel sauce can be drizzled on top just before serving to enhance the rich, buttery flavor and create an indulgent presentation that'll make mouths water.
• Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle additional chopped pecans or toasted pecan pieces over the finished cake to add a delightful textural contrast and boost the nutty essence of the dessert.
• Whipped Cream Wonder: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top to complement the cake's sweet caramel and pecan flavors, creating a heavenly finishing touch.

Store Pecan Dump Cake Without Drying Out

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep the cake fresh by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire cake in freezer-safe wrap, storing for up to 3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to protect from freezer burn.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add extra seconds if needed for desired warmth.
• Warm at 325F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning. Remove foil for the last 2-3 minutes to restore crispy top.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this Pecan Dump Cake?

The key ingredients are chopped pecans, caramel sauce, dry cake mix, evaporated milk, melted butter, and brown sugar.

• Is this recipe easy to make?

Yes, it’s extremely simple! Just layer ingredients in order and bake – no complex mixing or preparation required.

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes if you prefer or don’t have pecans on hand.

• How do I know when the dump cake is done baking?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbly edges. The cake should be set and slightly crispy around the corners when it’s ready to come out of the oven.

Why Pecan Dump Cake Is Worth Baking

• Whip Up with Ease: This pecan dump cake requires minimal prep work, allowing you to toss ingredients into the pan without complicated mixing or measuring techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual celebrations, this sweet treat satisfies diverse taste preferences with its rich caramel and nutty pecan combination.
• Quick Comfort Cooking: Minimal steps and straightforward ingredients mean you can have a delicious dessert ready quickly, making it ideal for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute entertaining.
• Versatile Indulgence: Serve warm as a decadent dessert, pair with vanilla ice cream, or enjoy as a comforting breakfast-style treat that works for multiple occasions and meal settings.

All You Need for Pecan Dump Cake

• Pecans: Nutty and crunchy base that provides texture and rich flavor to the cake.
• Caramel Sauce: Sweet and gooey sauce that adds richness and depth to the dessert.

• Yellow Cake Mix: Convenient dry mix that forms the cake's structure and provides sweetness.
• Evaporated Milk: Creamy milk that helps create a moist and tender cake texture.
• Butter: Adds richness, helps with browning, and enhances the overall flavor of the dessert.

• Brown Sugar: Adds additional sweetness and creates a caramelized top layer with a deep, molasses-like flavor.

Steps for Perfect Pecan Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Turn on the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat the inside with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Pecan Foundation

Scatter chopped pecans across the bottom of the baking dish, making sure they are spread out evenly to create a delicious nutty base.

Step 3: Drizzle Caramel Magic

Pour caramel sauce generously over the pecans, allowing it to seep between the nuts and create a rich, gooey layer.

Step 4: Dust with Cake Mix

Open a box of cake mix and sprinkle it uniformly over the pecan and caramel layer, covering the entire surface with a light, even coating.

Step 5: Add Buttery Goodness

Melt butter and drizzle it smoothly across the top of the cake mix, ensuring complete coverage and adding extra richness.

Step 6: Pour Creamy Milk

Slowly pour evaporated milk over the entire surface, helping the cake mix absorb moisture and creating a luscious texture.

Step 7: Sprinkle Sweet Topping

Generously dust brown sugar over the top, which will caramelize during baking and create a delightful crispy crust.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown color and bubbling edges that indicate the cake is done.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the cake cool slightly.

Serve warm for the most incredible taste and texture experience.

Tips to Master Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

• Let cake cool for 15-20 minutes to help caramel sauce set and maintain crisp pecan layer.
• Reduce caramel sauce and brown sugar for a less sweet version if desired.
• Toast pecans before adding to develop deeper, nuttier flavor and extra crunch.
• Substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk or almond milk for lactose-free option.
• Prepare cake components night before and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning for convenient entertaining.

Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering pecan dump cake recipe delivers pure Southern comfort with minimal effort. Layers of buttery cake mix, caramelized pecans, and sweet filling create an irresistible dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 cup brown sugar

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 cup caramel sauce

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 can (12 ounces / 354 milliliters) evaporated milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Create a uniform layer of chopped pecans across the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Generously drizzle caramel sauce directly over the pecans, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Distribute the dry cake mix uniformly across the pecan-caramel foundation.
5. Evenly cascade melted butter across the entire cake mix surface.
6. Gently pour evaporated milk across the entire dish, allowing it to seep through the layers.
7. Delicately sprinkle brown sugar over the top, creating a thin, sweet coating.
8. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and allow the cake to rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing the layers to settle and flavors to meld.
10. Serve warm, scooping out portions that showcase the rich, gooey layers of pecans, caramel, and cake.

Notes

• Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create extra crunch.
• Consider using gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Swap caramel sauce with maple syrup for a different but equally rich flavor profile.
• Reduce butter quantity by half if you prefer a lighter dessert with less caloric density.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 434
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 237 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 28 mg