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Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

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4.3 from 10 reviews

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a delightfully easy dessert that combines the rich flavors of pecan pie with the simplicity of a dump cake. Layers of toasted pecans, brown sugar, caramel sauce, and a yellow cake mix come together in a buttery, gooey baked treat that's perfect for any occasion. With optional additions like cinnamon and a drizzle of corn syrup or maple syrup for extra richness, this recipe promises a classic Southern-inspired dessert without the fuss.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
  • 1 ½ cups pecans, chopped
  • 1 jar caramel sauce (about 12 oz)
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • ½ cup butter, melted

Optional Ingredients

  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2-5 whole pecans (for decoration)
  • ¼ cup corn syrup or maple syrup (for extra gooey texture)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Toast the Pecans (Optional but Recommended): Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. This step enhances their flavor. Allow pecans to cool slightly before layering.
  3. Lay Down Pecans and Sugar: Evenly spread the toasted pecans across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the pecans to create a sweet base layer.
  4. Spread the Caramel Sauce: Warm the caramel sauce slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to ease pouring. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the pecans and brown sugar layer.
  5. Optional Extra Richness: For a more gooey pecan pie filling, drizzle ¼ cup of corn syrup or maple syrup over the caramel layer.
  6. Layer the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly on top of the other layers. Do not stir; keeping the layers separate ensures the best texture.
  7. Drizzle Butter and Evaporated Milk: Evenly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, then pour the evaporated milk across the top. This helps moisten the cake mix to create a rich, tender crumb without mixing the layers.
  8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and caramel bubbles around the edges.
  9. Cool Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes. This resting time allows the caramel filling to thicken, making slicing and serving easier and neater.
  10. Decorate (Optional): Garnish the top with 2-5 whole pecans for a beautiful finishing touch before serving.

Notes

  • Toasting pecans enhances flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
  • Do not stir after layering; keeping layers separate is key to texture.
  • Warming caramel before pouring helps it spread evenly.
  • Allow the cake to cool sufficiently for best slicing results.
  • Optional cinnamon adds a hint of warm spice complementing the pecans.
  • Using corn syrup or maple syrup makes the filling extra gooey and decadent.