Name: Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 1 cup pecans, chopped; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 1/2 cups water

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A simple yet indulgent dessert with rich pecans, sweet caramel, and a buttery cake topping, making it perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is a quick and easy dessert that combines the flavors of a classic pecan pie with the simplicity of a dump cake. The buttery cake mix pairs perfectly with the rich pecans and sweet caramel sauce, creating a warm and indulgent treat with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic dessert for gatherings, holidays, or just when you’re craving something sweet and comforting. The best part? It comes together in just 45 minutes with no mixing or fuss—simply layer the ingredients, bake, and enjoy!

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups water

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a baking dish, spread the cake mix evenly.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the cake mix, then pour the melted butter evenly over it.
Pour the brown sugar and water over the mixture, but do not stir.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Variations

Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate chips to the cake mix or sprinkle them over the top for a rich, chocolatey version of this dessert.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked dump cake for an extra layer of sweetness.
Nut Substitution: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for a warm, spiced touch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, you can use a variety of cake mixes such as chocolate, spice, or butter cake for different flavor variations.

2. Can I use chopped pecans or whole pecans?

Chopped pecans are recommended as they distribute more evenly throughout the cake, but whole pecans will work just as well if you prefer them.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dump cake in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just reheat it in the oven or microwave.

4. Can I add more nuts?

Absolutely! You can increase the amount of pecans for a nuttier flavor or even add other nuts like walnuts for extra crunch.

5. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, salted butter can be used if that’s what you have on hand, but be mindful of the added salt in the recipe and adjust as needed.

6. How do I know when it’s done baking?

The cake is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

7. Can I make this a gluten-free dessert?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free. Just ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

8. Can I freeze this dump cake?

Yes, you can freeze the dump cake after it’s baked. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

9. Can I serve this with ice cream or whipped cream?

Yes! This warm pecan pie dump cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

10. Can I use another sweetener instead of brown sugar?

You can substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different flavor, but the texture and sweetness may vary slightly.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Dump Cake is an easy, delicious, and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The buttery cake topping combined with the sweet, caramelized pecans is simply irresistible, and the best part is how quickly it comes together. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this dump cake is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the warmth and sweetness of this effortless dessert!