Craving that rich, gooey, nutty flavor of pecan pie but don’t want to fuss with crusts or hours of prep? This Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake with Caramel combines the best of both worlds — the comforting warmth of pecan pie and the simplicity of a dump cake. With a handful of pantry staples and just a few steps, you’ll have a dessert that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you need something sweet, fast.
What Makes This Dessert Special
- Speed & simplicity: No rolling pie crusts, no blind baking, no stirring layers — just dump, bake, and enjoy.
- Caramel twist: The caramel sauce adds depth and extra gooey goodness, enhancing the classic pecan pie flavor.
- Texture contrast: Toasted pecans provide a crunchy bite, while the cake mix and butter create a golden crust with a soft, bubbling interior.
- Flexible sweetness: Optional corn syrup or maple syrup lets you adjust how rich or syrupy the filling becomes.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1½ cups pecans, chopped
- 1 jar caramel sauce (about 12 oz)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 2–5 whole pecans (optional, for decoration)
- Optional: ¼ cup corn syrup or maple syrup, for extra gooey texture
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. - Toast the pecans (optional but recommended)
Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes. This boosts the nutty flavor. Let them cool slightly. - Layer pecans and brown sugar
Spread the (toasted) chopped pecans evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle brown sugar over them. - Add the caramel layer
Warm the caramel sauce slightly so it’s easier to pour. Pour it over the pecans and brown sugar. If using, drizzle corn syrup or maple syrup now for added stickiness. - Cake mix layer
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the caramel/pecan layer. Do not stir — preserving the layers is what gives you that classic dump cake texture. - Drizzle butter & pour evaporated milk
Drizzle the melted butter over the dry cake mix so it covers as much surface area as possible. Then pour the evaporated milk over the top. - Bake
Bake for about 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and you see bubbling caramel around the edges. - Cool before serving
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes so the caramel filling thickens a bit. If serving warm, it’ll be extra gooey; cooled, you’ll get cleaner slices.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Serving Size: 1 slice (of 10)
Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 412
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 26 mg
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Sugar: 27 g
- Protein: 4 g
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Adjust sweetness: For a less sweet version, use unsweetened caramel sauce or skip the added syrup.
- Crunch or no crunch: Toasting the pecans gives a richer flavor and crunch. For a softer texture, skip this step.
- Prevent over-browning: If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.
- Best served with: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or an extra drizzle of caramel.
- Storing leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
When to Serve This Dump Cake
This pecan pie dump cake is ideal for:
- Holiday dinners like Thanksgiving or Christmas
- Potlucks and family gatherings
- Sunday baking when you want something sweet without the fuss
- Cozy weekends when you’re craving comfort in dessert form
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels indulgent without requiring a culinary degree, this Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake with Caramel is your go-to. It’s warm, rich, nutty, and wonderfully gooey — with no rolling pins, pie doughs, or complex steps involved. Just layer, bake, and enjoy. Happy baking!