There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a slice of pecan pie — the rich, gooey filling, the nutty crunch, the cozy fall vibes. But let’s be real: making a traditional pie from scratch isn’t always practical. Enter the Pecan Pie Dump Cake — a ridiculously easy, irresistibly delicious dessert that captures all the magic of a pecan pie without any of the hassle.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Dessert
Imagine this: a bubbling layer of caramel and pecans baking beneath a golden, buttery cake topping. That’s what makes this dump cake so special. It’s got all the textures you crave — gooey, crunchy, tender — and none of the stress that comes with rolling out pie dough or worrying about soggy bottoms.Dessert recipe boxButter substitutes guide
I first whipped up this recipe on a hectic autumn day when surprise guests showed up and I needed a dessert fast. What started as a last-minute experiment has now become a family favorite. In fact, we now prefer this over the traditional pie — and I’m not complaining!Dessert recipe box
What Is a Dump Cake, Anyway?
If you’ve never made a dump cake before, here’s the deal: you “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, layer them up, and let the oven do all the hard work. No bowls, no mixers, no complicated steps. It’s baking at its most satisfying and stress-free.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this crowd-pleaser to life:
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 butterButter substitutes guide
3 cups pecan halves
For the Topping:
1 box butter pecan cake mix
1 cup melted butter
How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.Butter substitutes guide
Step 2: Mix the Pecan Layer
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, brown sugar, caramel toppings, and melted butter. Stir until smooth. Fold in the pecan halves and pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the butter pecan cake mix over the pecan layer. Try to cover the entire surface — no stirring needed!Butter substitutes guide
Step 4: Drizzle With Butter
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. Don’t worry if it looks a little patchy; the oven will work its magic.Butter substitutes guide
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving — it’s best warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.Butter substitutes guide
Tips for Success
Don’t stir! The beauty of a dump cake lies in the layering. Stirring can disrupt the perfect texture.
Use quality caramel. A thick, rich caramel topping gives the dessert that luxurious pecan pie flavor.Dessert recipe box
Go nuts — literally. Love pecans? Add an extra handful on top before baking for an extra-crunchy finish.
How to Serve It
This cake is amazing on its own, but it’s even better with:
A scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice creamButter substitutes guide
A dollop of whipped cream
A drizzle of warm caramel sauce
It’s also fantastic at room temperature or straight from the fridge the next day (if there’s any left!).
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is proof that incredible desserts don’t need to be complicated. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, heading to a potluck, or just want to treat yourself on a Tuesday, this easy recipe delivers serious wow-factor with minimal effort.
Go ahead — skip the pie crust and keep all the flavor. Once you try it, there’s no going back!