This pecan dump cake is a deliciously easy dessert that combines buttery cake mix with sweet pecans and a gooey caramel-like filling. With just a handful of ingredients and no mixing bowls required, this cake practically makes itself. Just layer everything in the pan, bake, and enjoy a warm, comforting dessert with minimal cleanup.

I first came across this recipe when I needed a quick dessert for a last-minute gathering, and it’s been a hit ever since. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you need a fast, crowd-pleasing dessert. Let’s dive into what makes this cake so delicious and easy!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Dump Cake

This pecan dump cake is as easy as it is delicious. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your dessert rotation.

Incredibly Simple to Make: True to its name, this is a "dump" cake, meaning you just layer everything in the pan and bake. No bowls, no mixers—just easy layering and baking.
Sweet and Gooey Texture: The buttery cake mix combines with melted butter, caramel, and pecans to create a gooey filling that tastes like a mix of pecan pie and cake.
Perfect for Crowds: This cake is baked in a large pan and serves plenty, making it ideal for gatherings. The flavors and textures are universally loved, so it’s sure to be a hit.
Customizable Toppings: From vanilla ice cream to whipped cream or an extra drizzle of caramel sauce, this cake can be served with a variety of toppings for even more flavor.

Ready to experience how simple and satisfying this cake is? Let’s go over the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

This pecan dump cake only requires a few ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating its rich flavor and texture.

Yellow Cake Mix: The base of this dump cake is a box of yellow cake mix, which provides the buttery, sweet cake layer. You could also use butter pecan or spice cake mix for a twist on flavor.
Pecan Halves: The pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Be generous with them to get that delicious, caramelized texture on top.
Butter: The melted butter combines with the cake mix to create a golden, crisp topping. Make sure to spread it evenly for an even, buttery crust.
Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: These add a hint of warmth and sweetness, enhancing the caramelized flavor of the pecans. The cinnamon gives the cake a subtle spice that’s perfect for fall.
Evaporated Milk or Sweetened Condensed Milk: This creates the gooey layer in the cake that combines with the brown sugar for a caramel-like texture. For an extra rich, sweet flavor, use sweetened condensed milk.

A 9x13-inch pan is ideal for this cake, as it ensures even layering and baking.

How To Make This Pecan Dump Cake

This pecan dump cake is as easy as it gets—just layer, bake, and enjoy! Here’s the step-by-step process.

Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Layer the Pecans: Spread a generous layer of pecans evenly across the bottom of the pan. This will become the crunchy topping once the cake is flipped, so make sure the pecans are evenly distributed.
Add the Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: Sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon over the pecans. This layer will caramelize beautifully as it bakes, giving the cake a deep, rich flavor.
Pour the Evaporated Milk or Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the evaporated milk evenly over the brown sugar layer. This step is crucial for creating that gooey, caramel-like texture that makes this cake so indulgent.
Top with Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top of the layers. Resist the urge to mix; just let it sit on top. This layer will bake up golden and slightly crisp.
Add the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, making sure to cover as much of the surface as possible. The butter will help the cake mix bake up into a crumbly, buttery topping.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The pecans should be caramelized and the cake mix layer should be lightly crisp.

Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra special treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage Options

This pecan dump cake is perfect for leftovers, and the flavors only get better the next day. Here’s how to store it for maximum freshness.

Room Temperature: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps it soft and gooey.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave to enjoy it warm again.
Freezer: To freeze, cut the cake into individual portions and wrap them in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Variations and Substitutions

This pecan dump cake is easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. Here are some fun variations to try.

Butter Pecan Cake Mix: Swap the yellow cake mix with butter pecan cake mix to intensify the pecan flavor and add an extra layer of buttery goodness.
Apple Pecan Dump Cake: Add a layer of diced apples on top of the pecans before sprinkling with brown sugar. The apples add a fresh, fruity contrast that pairs beautifully with the warm spices and nuts.
Chocolate Caramel Pecan: For a richer, chocolatey version, try using a chocolate cake mix. Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips over the cake mix before adding the melted butter.
Spice Cake Variation: Replace the yellow cake mix with spice cake mix to bring out more autumn flavors, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Extra Crunch with Coconut: Sprinkle a handful of shredded coconut over the pecans for a touch of tropical sweetness and added texture.

This pecan dump cake is a versatile recipe that’s easy to adapt to different tastes. No matter how you make it, it’s bound to be a hit!