Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

There's nothing quite as satisfying as a Pecan Dump Cake when you’re craving a simple yet delicious dessert. This decadent treat layers buttery cake mix, sweet caramel, and crunchy pecans, creating an irresistible flavor combination.

I first stumbled upon this recipe while hosting a last-minute get-together. With no time to spare and only pantry staples on hand, this dump cake saved the day! Now, it's become my go-to dessert for gatherings, where it always gets rave reviews.

Ready to make this no-fuss dessert? Let's get into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Dump Cake

Get ready to fall head over heels for this Pecan Dump Cake. Here’s why it will become your favorite dessert recipe:

It's incredibly easy to make. The dump-and-bake method is as simple as it sounds. You don’t need to worry about complicated steps or extra dishes. Just layer the ingredients in your baking dish, and let the oven work its magic.

Perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a potluck, or just want a sweet treat for your family, this dessert always hits the spot. It’s effortlessly elegant yet easy enough for everyday indulgence.

Sweet, crunchy, and gooey. The combination of warm caramel, toasty pecans, and buttery cake mix is out of this world. Each bite is a harmony of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

Easily customizable. Feel free to add your twist to this dump cake. From using different nuts to swapping out caramel for chocolate chips, the possibilities are endless.

You’ll love how versatile and satisfying this dessert is. Now, let's look at the ingredients that make this cake so irresistible.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Pecan Dump Cake lies in its simple pantry staples, each adding a crucial element to the overall flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Yellow Cake Mix: The base of this dessert is a standard box of yellow cake mix. It creates a soft, fluffy layer that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy pecans. Feel free to use white or spice cake mix for a different flavor profile.

Pecans: These add the perfect crunch and nutty flavor. Use chopped pecans for better distribution throughout the cake. If you love pecans as much as I do, sprinkle some whole ones on top for extra texture.

Caramel Sauce: A rich, sweet caramel sauce is essential for the gooey layer that makes this cake so decadent. You can use store-bought caramel or make your own if you’re feeling fancy.

Butter: Melted butter ensures the cake mix turns into a golden, crumbly topping. Make sure to use unsalted butter so you can control the sweetness of the cake.

Evaporated Milk: This adds creaminess to the caramel and keeps the cake moist. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even whole milk.

No special equipment is needed – just a 9x13-inch baking dish and a good spatula to spread everything evenly. Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions.

How To Make This Pecan Dump Cake

Creating this mouthwatering Pecan Dump Cake couldn’t be easier. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser in no time.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Chop your pecans if they’re not already chopped, and gather the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Layer the Caramel and Pecans
Pour a generous amount of caramel sauce into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. Next, sprinkle chopped pecans over the caramel, making sure they’re evenly distributed. This will create the delicious, gooey bottom layer of your dump cake.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Open your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the caramel-pecan layer. Do not stir! The magic of a dump cake is in the layering, which creates different textures as it bakes.

Step 4: Top with Butter
Melt one and a half sticks of unsalted butter and drizzle it evenly over the dry cake mix. This will create a crispy, golden-brown topping. Make sure to cover as much of the cake mix as possible for even baking.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop the cake into your preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The caramel will ooze up around the cake mix, and your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Let the cake cool slightly before serving. The total hands-on time is under 10 minutes, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dessert ready in under an hour.

Storage Options

Leftovers of this Pecan Dump Cake (if there are any!) can be easily stored for later enjoyment.

Refrigerator: Transfer the cooled cake to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cake will firm up as it chills, but you can reheat it to bring back the gooey texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, place slices of the cake in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Reheating Tips: To reheat, microwave individual portions for about 30 seconds or place the whole baking dish in a 300°F oven until warm and bubbly. This will help restore the cake’s texture and flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this Pecan Dump Cake makes it a fun recipe to customize. Here are some delicious variations:

Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle some semisweet chocolate chips over the pecans for an extra layer of decadence. The chocolate will melt into the caramel, adding a rich, gooey element.

Use a Spice Cake Mix: For a warm, autumn-inspired flavor, swap the yellow cake mix for a spice cake mix. It pairs beautifully with the caramel and pecans.

Switch Up the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can use walnuts or chopped almonds instead. Each type of nut will give the cake a slightly different flavor and crunch.

Add Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut over the caramel layer. The coconut will toast as the cake bakes, adding a delightful crunch.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! Experiment with your favorite flavors and make it your own. No matter what, this Pecan Dump Cake will always be a hit.

Enjoy this easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, and watch it disappear in minutes. Happy baking!

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