The Best Pecan Dump Cake Recipe: Heavenly Sweetness In A Flash

Crafting a delightful pecan dump cake brings pure comfort to any kitchen adventure.

Sweet simplicity defines this incredible dessert that requires minimal effort.

Layers of buttery goodness meld together in a magical culinary dance.

Pantry staples become your secret weapon for creating something extraordinary.

Crumbly textures and rich nutty flavors promise an irresistible treat that everyone will adore.

Southern charm meets effortless baking in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly you can whip up pure deliciousness.

Why Pecan Dump Cake Is So Popular

• Simplify Cooking: Straightforward steps make this chicken carbonara a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels, even those new to Italian cuisine.
• Protein-Packed Delight: Combines tender chicken and crispy pancetta for a satisfying meal that delivers robust flavors and substantial nutrition in one dish.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal ingredients and comes together rapidly, perfect for busy families seeking a delicious dinner solution without complicated preparation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Classic Italian-inspired recipe that appeals to both adults and kids, transforming an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience with its creamy texture and rich taste.

Ingredients for Pecan Dump Cake

• Caramel Sauce: A sweet, golden layer that creates a rich and gooey foundation for the cake.
• Dry Cake Mix: A convenient baking mix that provides structure and sweetness to the dessert.
• Evaporated Milk: A creamy liquid that helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture to the cake.

• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add a delightful texture and nutty flavor to the dessert.
• Melted Butter: A rich ingredient that enhances the overall flavor and helps create a golden-brown crust.

• Butter (for greasing): Prevents the cake from sticking to the baking dish and ensures easy serving.

How to Bake Pecan Dump Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create a Caramel Foundation

Drizzle a luxurious layer of caramel sauce across the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a sweet and gooey base for your dessert.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Evenly scatter the dry cake mix over the caramel layer, allowing it to create a beautiful powdery blanket across the surface.

Step 4: Add Creamy Moisture

Gently pour evaporated milk over the dry cake mix, helping to create a rich and moist texture throughout the dessert.

Step 5: Decorate with Nutty Crunch

Generously sprinkle chopped pecans across the top of the mixture.

Follow this by drizzling melted butter over the entire surface, which will help create a golden, crispy top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and bubbling edges that signal your dessert is ready to shine.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the dump cake to rest and cool slightly before serving.

This gives the layers a chance to set and makes cutting and serving easier. Grab a spoon and enjoy the delightful blend of caramel, pecans, and cake!

Helpful Tips for Pecan Dump Cake

• Use high-quality caramel sauce for richer flavor and smoother texture.
• Opt for butter-flavored cake mix to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Toast pecans before adding to intensify their nutty, aromatic characteristics.
• Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days to maintain freshness.

Alternative Takes on Pecan Dump Cake

• Chocolate Pecan Paradise: Replace caramel sauce with chocolate syrup, add chocolate chips on top for extra richness and decadent chocolate flavor.
• Southern Bourbon Spin: Drizzle bourbon over caramel layer, mix chopped bourbon-soaked pecans into the cake for a sophisticated adult version with deep, complex notes.
• Maple Praline Dream: Swap caramel sauce with pure maple syrup, sprinkle candied pecans on top, and add a light dusting of cinnamon for warm, cozy undertones.
• Salted Caramel Crunch: Use salted caramel sauce instead of regular caramel, incorporate sea salt flakes on top, and mix in toffee bits for added texture and intense caramel flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Pecan Dump Cake

• Cozy Family Dessert Night: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between hot cake and cold cream.
• Rustic Brunch Centerpiece: Pair with fresh coffee and garnish with additional toasted pecans for an elegant morning treat that wows guests.
• Holiday Potluck Star: Cut into smaller squares, place in decorative paper liners for easy sharing at festive gatherings or community events.
• Sophisticated Dessert Plating: Drizzle extra caramel sauce on individual plates, dust with powdered sugar, and add a mint leaf for restaurant-style presentation.

Storage Tips for Pecan Dump Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place in a cake carrier or cover with a cake dome to maintain freshness and prevent dust or debris.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat the entire cake in a preheated 325F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this dump cake unique?

The combination of caramel sauce, evaporated milk, and pecans creates a rich, gooey texture that sets this dessert apart from traditional dump cakes.

• Can I use a different type of nuts?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds for a similar crunchy texture and delicious flavor.

• Is this recipe good for beginner bakers?

Yes! Dump cakes are incredibly simple to make – you literally just layer ingredients and bake, making it perfect for anyone with minimal baking experience.

• How do I know when the dump cake is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbly edges. The cake should be set and look slightly crispy around the corners when it’s done baking.

Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Irresistible pecan dump cake blends Southern comfort with simple baking magic. Home cooks can quickly create this sweet dessert with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness you’ll savor with each warm, nutty bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (15 oz) caramel topping or sauce
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup melted butter (115 g)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Create a smooth caramel foundation by spreading caramel sauce uniformly across the bottom of the dish.
3. Distribute dry cake mix as an even layer directly over the caramel base, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Gently cascade evaporated milk across the cake mix layer, allowing it to seep and moisten the powder.
5. Generously scatter chopped pecans over the milk-dampened surface, creating a crunchy topping.
6. Drizzle melted butter across the entire dish, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the pecan layer.
7. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape.
8. Remove from oven and allow the dessert to rest and slightly cool for 10-15 minutes, enabling the layers to set and flavors to meld.
9. Slice and serve warm, revealing the decadent caramel and pecan infused cake beneath.

Notes

• Swap cake mix for gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, richer taste profile.
• Adjust butter quantity if you prefer a less rich dessert, reducing total amount by 25%.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent contrast between hot cake and cold cream.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg