This easy caramel pecan dump cake is a quick, indulgent dessert that requires minimal effort yet results in a rich and decadent treat. Perfect for any occasion, it’s the ultimate comfort food that will satisfy your sweet tooth. With gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and a golden cake topping, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, with minimal preparation
- Rich and indulgent, thanks to caramel sauce and pecans
- Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner or a party
- Versatile—great on its own or topped with ice cream or whipped cream
- Requires only a few simple ingredients
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Yellow cake mix
- Chopped pecans
- Caramel sauce
- Butter, melted
- Milk
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the cake mix into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the cake mix.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top.
- Pour the melted butter and milk over the mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add Chocolate: Stir in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a chocolate-caramel twist.
- Fruit Filling: Add sliced apples or pears under the cake mix for a fruity version of this dump cake.
- Make it Lighter: Use a sugar-free cake mix and caramel sauce for a lighter version of this dessert.
- Nuts Swap: Try walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts instead of pecans for a different flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and almond milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes! You can use chocolate, white, or even spice cake mix for different flavor profiles.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
You can use dulce de leche or make your own caramel sauce as a substitute.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare it the day before and bake it fresh when ready to serve.
Can I use pre-chopped pecans?
Absolutely! Pre-chopped pecans work perfectly in this recipe.
How do I know when the dump cake is done?
It should be golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges. You can test with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Can I add frosting to this cake?
Yes, cream cheese frosting or whipped cream would pair nicely with this dessert.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I make it in a smaller baking dish?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time depending on the size of the dish. A smaller dish may require less time, while a larger one may need more time.
Can I make this with a homemade cake mix?
Yes! You can substitute homemade cake batter, but the proportions of butter and milk may need to be adjusted.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers will stay fresh for about 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Conclusion
This caramel pecan dump cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert—rich, gooey, and packed with flavor. Perfect for any occasion, it’s easy to make and always a hit. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or topped with a scoop of ice cream, this dessert will satisfy your sweet cravings with minimal effort.
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Caramel Pecan Dump Cake
This easy Caramel Pecan Dump Cake is a quick, indulgent dessert featuring gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and a golden cake topping. Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal preparation, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the cake mix evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cake mix.
- Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the top.
- Pour melted butter and milk over the mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Add chocolate: Stir in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a chocolate-caramel twist.
- Fruit filling: Add sliced apples or pears for a fruity version.
- Make it lighter: Use a sugar-free cake mix and caramel sauce for a lighter version.
- Nuts swap: Try walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts instead of pecans for a different flavor.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free butter and almond milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Comfort Food
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
