Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

There's nothing quite as comforting as a warm slice of pecan dump cake fresh out of the oven. This incredibly easy dessert combines rich flavors of pecans, buttery cake mix, and gooey caramel – all in a single dish that requires just a handful of ingredients. It's perfect for when you're craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

this Recipe

I first made this dump cake during the holidays when I needed a quick dessert that would impress a crowd. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe quickly became a family favorite. Let’s dive into why this pecan dump cake is sure to become your go-to dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Dump Cake

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite dessert. This pecan dump cake is as simple as it is delicious – and there are plenty of reasons to try it.

First and foremost, it's incredibly easy to make. This recipe is called a "dump cake" because you simply "dump" all the ingredients into the baking dish and let the oven do the work. With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have a dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery.

The flavors are absolutely irresistible. Pecans add a rich, nutty crunch that perfectly complements the gooey, caramel-like filling. Cake mix creates a soft and buttery topping that bakes into the pecans, giving the cake a warm, almost praline-like taste.

This dessert is wonderfully versatile. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle it with caramel sauce, or enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge. It’s perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing treat.

And finally, it’s budget-friendly! With just a few basic pantry items, you can create a dessert that serves a crowd without breaking the bank. Now, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering cake.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this pecan dump cake lies in its simple, yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in bringing out the cake’s indulgent, comforting flavors.

• Pecans: These are the star of the show, giving the cake its signature crunch and nutty flavor. Toasted pecans work wonderfully in this recipe if you want an extra boost of flavor, but raw pecans also add a delicious natural sweetness.
• Yellow Cake Mix: A boxed yellow cake mix makes this recipe incredibly easy while adding a light, buttery texture. If you prefer a less-sweet flavor, you can opt for a spice cake mix instead – it adds a cozy, warm note that pairs beautifully with pecans.
• Butter: Melted butter helps the cake mix form a tender crust that’s both crispy and soft. For the best flavor, go for unsalted butter. This lets you control the saltiness of the cake and lets the natural sweetness of the pecans shine.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is what gives the cake its rich, caramel-like filling. It thickens as it bakes, creating a luscious layer that balances the crunch of the pecans. For a lighter option, you can use low-fat sweetened condensed milk, but it won’t be quite as creamy.
• Brown Sugar: A sprinkle of brown sugar over the pecans adds a hint of caramelized sweetness. You can use either light or dark brown sugar depending on how deep you want the molasses flavor to be.

No special equipment is needed – just a 9x13-inch baking dish and a mixing bowl to prepare the ingredients. Now, let’s get to the fun part: making this pecan dump cake!

How To Make This Pecan Dump Cake

Making this pecan dump cake is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps, and you'll have a delectable dessert ready in no time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make serving a whole lot easier.

First, pour the sweetened condensed milk into the bottom of the baking dish. This will form the gooey, caramel-like layer as it bakes, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the other ingredients.

Next, evenly sprinkle the pecans across the condensed milk layer. Be sure to spread them out so every slice has a bit of that nutty goodness. Add a sprinkle of brown sugar over the pecans for an extra layer of sweetness and a subtle caramel flavor.

Now, open your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it over the pecans and brown sugar layer. Try to spread it out evenly without stirring – you want the layers to remain separate so the cake develops that classic “dump cake” texture.

Finally, drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. It’s important to cover as much of the cake mix as possible to get that golden, crispy topping. If there are any dry spots, don’t worry; they’ll add a nice crunch.

Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. The whole process takes about an hour, including baking time, so you can have a warm, comforting dessert on the table in no time.

Storage Options

This pecan dump cake is just as delicious the next day – if you have any leftovers, that is! Here’s how to store and reheat it to enjoy it later.

To store, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the cake to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, slice the cake and freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Frozen, the cake will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy a slice, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or until warm. If you prefer a slightly crispy texture, pop it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this pecan dump cake is its flexibility. Here are some delicious ways to make it your own.

• Add chocolate chips: For a decadent twist, sprinkle ½ cup of chocolate chips over the pecans before adding the cake mix. The chocolate melts into the cake, adding a rich layer of flavor.
• Swap the nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try walnuts or almonds instead. Both add a delightful crunch and complement the caramel filling beautifully.
• Use a different cake mix: While yellow cake mix is classic, you can change it up with a spice or butter pecan cake mix for extra depth. The spice cake mix is especially perfect for fall!
• Drizzle with caramel sauce: Take this dessert over the top by drizzling a little caramel sauce on top just before serving. It adds an extra layer of sweetness that’s hard to resist.
• Add a touch of bourbon: For an adult-friendly twist, add a splash of bourbon (about 1 tablespoon) to the condensed milk layer. It brings out the rich, warm flavors in the pecans and adds a subtle kick.

This pecan dump cake is truly a treat for any occasion. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or add your own spin, you’re sure to end up with a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious. Enjoy!

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