There’s something magical about a warm slice of pecan pie, especially when it meets the ease of a dump cake. That’s where pecan pie dump cake comes in—bringing the best of both worlds to your kitchen. Imagine rich caramel, toasted pecans, and a buttery cake crumble in every bite. It’s a dessert that feels like home, but it comes together with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for a cozy holiday or just need something sweet on a weekday, this recipe is your shortcut to homemade indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pecan pie dump cake isn’t just easy—it’s a total flavor bomb. Here’s why you’ll come back to it again and again:

Unbelievably Easy – Just layer, mix, and bake—no special tools required.
Decadent Texture – Crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and buttery crumble in one.
Versatile Flavor – Serve it warm with ice cream or cold as a sliceable bar.
Budget-Friendly – Simple ingredients, impressive results.

The combination of pecan pie richness and buttery cake mix makes this a dessert worth sharing—and devouring.

A Slice of History

Pecan pie has deep roots in Southern traditions, with recipes tracing back to the late 1800s.
Dump cakes rose to popularity in the 1960s as part of the “easy baking” trend—minimal prep, maximum flavor.
This hybrid dessert skips pie crust entirely while keeping the signature sweet-and-nutty filling.
Butter pecan cake mix brings a rich, nostalgic flavor twist you won’t want to miss.

Ingredients for the Perfect Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Pecan Mixture

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 cup caramel topping
½ cup salted caramel topping
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cups pecans

Cake Topping

1 box butter pecan cake mix (or white cake mix as an alternative)
1 cup unsalted butter, melted

Finishing Touches

½ cup crushed or halved pecans
Additional salted caramel topping for drizzling

How to Make Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Preheat & Prep: Heat your oven to 350ºF. Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with baking spray.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in brown sugar, caramel, salted caramel, and melted butter. Fold in the pecans and mix well.
Pour the Base: Spread the pecan mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
Make the Crumble: In another bowl, mix the butter pecan cake mix with melted butter until crumbly.
Top It Off: Sprinkle the cake crumble evenly over the pecan layer—no mixing!
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Cool & Finish: Let it cool for 15–20 minutes. Sprinkle with more pecans and drizzle with salted caramel before serving.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake Tips and Twists

Bake It Better with These Tips

Use real butter for the best flavor.
Don’t skimp on the pecans—texture matters!
Let the cake cool slightly to firm up the layers.
Try a butter pecan cake mix for richer flavor.
Add a pinch of cinnamon for a fall twist.

Fun Variations

Chocolate Chip Version: Fold ½ cup mini chocolate chips into the filling.
Pumpkin Spice: Add 1 tsp pumpkin spice to the pecan mix for autumn vibes.
Maple Drizzle: Replace salted caramel with maple syrup for a new flavor spin.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Make-Ahead: Assemble everything ahead, refrigerate unbaked, and pop it in the oven when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions for Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Pair this dessert with something that complements its rich flavor:

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – Classic and creamy pairing.
Hot Coffee or Chai – The warm spice notes work perfectly.
Fresh Berries – Add brightness and balance to the sweetness.
Whipped Cream – A cloud-like topping for each decadent bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without eggs?
Yes, substitute with a flax egg or egg replacer for an egg-free version.

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
You can! Walnuts bring a slightly more bitter bite, which some prefer.

Is butter pecan cake mix necessary?
Nope—white or yellow cake mix works just fine as a backup.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.

Is it overly sweet?
It’s sweet and rich, but not cloying—perfect when paired with whipped cream or ice cream.

Enjoy Your Pecan Pie Dump Cake

There’s something satisfying about baking a dessert that looks fancy but comes together in minutes. This pecan pie dump cake is pure comfort—sticky, sweet, and packed with nutty crunch. Whether you’re hosting guests or just craving a bite of something warm and wonderful, this recipe has you covered. Don’t forget to drizzle on that salted caramel and serve with a scoop of vanilla—you’ve earned it!