There's nothing quite like the buttery, caramelized aroma of a Pecan Dump Cake baking in the oven. This dessert combines the nutty crunch of pecans, the rich sweetness of caramel, and a soft, buttery cake layer that melts in your mouth. It’s a treat that’s both indulgent and effortless to make.

I first discovered this recipe when searching for a dessert to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. One bite and it became clear: this easy, no-mixer-required cake would be a permanent addition to my recipe box. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Dump Cake

Get ready to meet your new go-to dessert. This Pecan Dump Cake is not only delicious but also perfect for any occasion.

It’s incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and no fancy equipment, you can whip up a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Just layer, bake, and enjoy!

The combination of flavors is absolutely irresistible. The buttery cake mix pairs beautifully with the sweet caramel filling and the nutty crunch of pecans. Each bite is a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

It’s a versatile recipe. Whether you serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this cake shines on its own or with your favorite toppings.

Best of all, this recipe is crowd-pleaser certified. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday celebrations, it’s sure to impress even the pickiest of dessert lovers.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Pecan Dump Cake lies in its simple ingredients, each bringing its own special touch to the dish.

Yellow Cake Mix forms the base of the cake. Its buttery flavor is the perfect complement to the rich caramel and nutty pecans. You can also use white or spice cake mix for a slight variation in flavor.

Canned Caramel Sauce adds a luscious layer of sweetness. You can also use butterscotch or dulce de leche for a twist.

Pecans are the star of the show, providing that signature crunch and nutty flavor. Be sure to use fresh, high-quality pecans for the best results.

Unsalted Butter is crucial for that golden, crispy top layer. Use real butter for a rich flavor, and make sure it’s melted evenly before pouring.

You’ll also need a 9x13-inch baking dish to assemble the layers. A glass dish works best as it allows you to see those beautiful caramel and pecan layers.

How to Make This Pecan Dump Cake

Creating this decadent dessert is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how it’s done.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing your baking dish. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick and makes serving a breeze.

Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the bottom of the dish. This acts as the base layer, infusing every bite with sweet, gooey goodness.

Next, sprinkle the pecans evenly over the caramel layer. Be generous – this is where the cake gets its delightful crunch.

Open your yellow cake mix and evenly distribute it over the pecans. There’s no need to mix; just make sure it’s spread out evenly.

Finally, pour melted butter over the top of the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible. The butter is key to creating a golden, crispy crust.

Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the caramel to set.

Storage Options

This cake stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option.

For short-term storage, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps retain its texture and freshness.

For longer storage, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore their gooey texture.

You can also freeze this cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to suit your preferences.

Swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nutty flavor.

Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut between the caramel and pecans for a tropical twist.

For an extra indulgent dessert, drizzle melted chocolate or add chocolate chips over the pecans before adding the cake mix.

Make it fruity by adding a layer of sliced apples or pears beneath the caramel. This adds a natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with the pecans.

Experiment with flavored cake mixes like spice or chocolate to switch up the flavor profile.

No matter how you make it, this Pecan Dump Cake is guaranteed to become a favorite. Simple, delicious, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a dessert you’ll return to time and time again!