Gooey Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Pecan Pie Dump Cake came together in my kitchen on a cool afternoon when the house felt settled and calm. My husband listened to the radio in the living room while I cleared the counter and reached for a familiar glass bowl that has been part of many holiday desserts.

Earlier that day, my daughter had called asking if I planned to make something simple yet generous for dessert, and that thought guided my choices. Pecans and caramel came out of the pantry as the soft daylight outside hinted that the oven would soon be needed.

As the afternoon continued, Pecan Pie Dump Cake followed an easy rhythm. Eggs were whisked, caramel mixed in, and pecans folded through until the bowl was full and glossy.

The mixture spread smoothly into the baking dish, and the crumbly cake topping fell into place without much effort. Once the oven door closed, the kitchen slowly filled with the familiar scent of butter and toasted nuts.

When Pecan Pie Dump Cake was ready, the top had turned golden and the edges bubbled gently. The dish cooled on the counter as evening settled in and the house grew busier again. Desserts like this tend to slip into gatherings quietly, offering something warm and ready when everyone reaches the table.

Short Description

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a baked dessert with a rich pecan caramel base and a buttery cake mix topping, offering the flavors of pecan pie in an easy, scoopable form.

Key Ingredients

For the Pecan Layer

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup caramel topping
• ½ cup salted caramel topping
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 3 cups pecan halves

For the Topping

• 1 box butter pecan cake mix
• 1 cup melted butter

Tools Needed

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the baking dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the pecan base
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, caramel topping, salted caramel topping, and melted butter until smooth. Fold in the pecan halves, making sure they are evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the base layer
Pour the pecan mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spoon to spread the pecans evenly so each serving has a generous amount.

Step 4: Prepare the topping
In a separate bowl, combine the dry cake mix with melted butter. Stir until crumbly and evenly moistened.

Step 5: Add the topping
Sprinkle the cake mix crumbs evenly over the pecan layer. Avoid pressing down so the topping stays light and textured.

Step 6: Bake
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The center should look set but still soft.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It requires minimal preparation

The texture balances gooey and crisp

It serves a crowd easily

The flavors echo classic pecan pie

Cleanup is simple and quick

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Uneven pecan distribution
Pecans can settle in one area.
Solution: Spread them evenly before adding the topping.

Dry topping
Too little butter can leave dry patches.
Solution: Mix until all cake mix is lightly moistened.

Overbaking
Baking too long can harden the base.
Solution: Remove once the edges bubble and the top is golden.

Sticky sticking
Skipping non stick spray can cause sticking.
Solution: Coat the dish thoroughly before adding ingredients.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream

Add whipped cream for contrast

Pair with coffee or hot tea

Spoon directly from the dish for casual gatherings

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store covered in the refrigerator

Keeps well for up to 4 days

Reheat individual portions in the microwave

Warm gently to maintain texture

FAQs

1. Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, bake earlier in the day and reheat before serving.

2. Can chopped pecans be used instead of halves?
Yes, though halves provide better texture.

3. Does this need to cool before serving?
A short rest of 10 minutes helps it set slightly.

4. Can a different cake mix be used?
Butter pecan works best, but yellow cake mix is an option.

5. Is this similar to pecan pie?
The flavors are similar, with a softer, spoonable texture.

Tips & Tricks

Use room temperature eggs for smoother mixing

Let the cake rest briefly after baking

Serve with a wide spoon for clean scoops

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Pecan Dump Cake
Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the pecan layer before baking.

Bourbon Pecan Version
Replace 2 tablespoons of caramel topping with bourbon for deeper flavor.

Coconut Pecan Twist
Sprinkle ½ cup shredded coconut over the topping before baking.

Final Thoughts

Pecan Pie Dump Cake often appears when the table needs something generous and uncomplicated. The layers come together easily, and the oven does most of the work. Baking it feels steady and familiar, fitting naturally into days filled with conversation and shared meals.

When Pecan Pie Dump Cake is served, the warm caramel and pecans speak for themselves. It is the sort of dessert people return to for a second spoonful, not out of habit, but because it feels welcoming. These are the dishes that quietly earn their place in family gatherings.