Name: Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups light brown sugar; 3 large eggs, lightly beaten; 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup salted butter, softened; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup pecan halves; 15 oz box yellow cake mix; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ½ cup salted butter, softened; 1 cup pecan halves; Caramel sauce for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 63 reviews

If you love the rich, gooey, and nutty flavors of classic pecan pie but dread the fuss that often comes with it, this Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe is going to become your new favorite dessert shortcut. It’s all the decadence packed into one easy-to-make treat where rich pecan filling meets a crumbly, spiced cake topping, creating the perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will impress everyone at your holiday table or any special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular dish filled with a single layer of light pinkish beige powdery mixture, evenly spread across the entire surface. Scattered on top are several medium to large pecan halves showing their textured, slightly shiny, brown shells with natural grooves. The powder base has a grainy texture, and the pecans are placed randomly without any pattern. The dish is set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one adds a critical element—from sweetness and creaminess to that irresistible nutty crunch and warm spices that make every bite unforgettable.

Light brown sugar (1½ cups): Brings deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
Large eggs, lightly beaten (3): Help bind the filling ingredients for that smooth, custard-like texture.
Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): Adds luscious creaminess and sweetness with no extra fuss.
Pecan halves (2 cups, divided): Offer that signature buttery crunch; half into the filling, half as a crunchy topping.
Salted butter, softened (1 cup, divided): Enriches both filling and topping while helping create the crumbly cake texture.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with a warming, familiar note.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
Yellow cake mix (15 oz box): Acts as the base for the crumbly topping that crisps up beautifully.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the cake topping.
Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Gives subtle spice and complexity.
Caramel sauce (for serving): A finishing touch to drizzle for extra indulgence and sweetness.

How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving a 9×13 casserole dish a good spray with nonstick baking spray. This ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly after baking.

Step 2: Make the Wet Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, beaten eggs, sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup of pecans, half a cup of softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk or beat these ingredients together until the filling is smooth and well integrated. This mixture will bring that quintessential creamy, sweet pecan pie base to your dump cake.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Mixture

In a separate bowl, stir together the yellow cake mix, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Then add the remaining half cup of softened butter. Use a fork or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry mixture until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly topping will bake into a spiced, buttery crust that perfectly complements the pecan filling.

Step 4: Assemble Your Dump Cake

Pour the wet filling into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Then, sprinkle the dry, crumbly cake mixture on top, making sure the entire filling is covered. Finish by scattering the leftover pecans over the surface. This layering is what makes the dump cake so effortless yet spectacular!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe uncovered for about 45 minutes. The center should be set and no longer jiggly when you gently shake the pan—a sign that all those luscious layers have melded into pure dessert magic. Let it cool slightly before moving on.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

The dish shows one layer of crumbly golden topping with coarse texture covering a sticky caramel-like sauce underneath. Scattered on top are many whole pecans with shiny, dark brown surfaces that are glossy from a drizzle of amber syrup. The bottom right corner shows a portion missing, revealing a mix of the syrup and softer crumbly topping inside a white baking dish. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This cake is divine on its own but takes things to the next level when drizzled with warm caramel sauce. You can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent presentation that always steals the show.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or alongside a fresh fruit compote to cut through some of the richness. A cup of bold coffee or spicy chai tea also complements the warm spices, making the whole experience feel cozy and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dump cake in individual ramekins for a personal touch. You could also layer it parfait-style with alternating scoops of whipped cream and caramel in glass cups. These creative presentations make it perfect for parties or holiday gatherings where you want to impress without stress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your baked Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even more overnight and making it a convenient treat for busy days.

Freezing

This dump cake freezes wonderfully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight for a quick dessert that feels freshly made.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or bake the whole dish in a 300°F oven covered with foil for about 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. Reheating brings back that fresh-baked warmth and makes the crumbly topping crisp up again delightfully.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans deliver that classic flavor and texture, walnuts or even chopped almonds make delicious alternatives that pair well with the sweet, spicy cake topping.

Is it necessary to use yellow cake mix?

Yellow cake mix is ideal because it has the perfect balance of sweetness and texture to create a buttery crumb topping. However, you can experiment with other cake mixes like white or spice cake to add new flavor twists.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix of your choice. Make sure all other ingredients, especially any mix-ins or toppings, are gluten-free as well.

How long does this cake need to cool before serving?

It’s best to let the dump cake cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes after baking. This resting time allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to cut and enjoy without losing the luscious gooey texture.

Can I prepare this cake the night before baking?

You can assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, bake as directed. Just note that you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe a try because it’s one of those rare desserts that manages to be both incredibly easy and incredibly delicious. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself to something special without the usual stress. Once you taste that creamy, nutty filling under that perfectly spiced crumb topping, it’s hard not to come back for seconds. Happy baking!