Name: Irresistible Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup caramel sauce (240 ml, store-bought or homemade); 1 cup maple syrup or corn syrup (240 ml); ½ cup brown sugar (100 g); 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp cinnamon; 2 cups pecan halves (200 g); 1 box dry yellow cake mix (15 oz); 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (230 g); ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, 90 g)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 14 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both ridiculously easy and utterly delicious, you’re going to adore this Irresistible Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe. It’s basically all the rich, nutty goodness of pecan pie in a no-fuss, dump-and-bake format that even beginners can conquer. Trust me, once you make it, this will be your go-to sweet treat for holidays, potlucks, or any night you want something cozy and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity: It’s a true dump cake—no mixing bowls or complicated steps required, making weeknight baking a breeze.
Flavor Fusion: The caramel, maple syrup, and pecans combine for a depth of flavor that mimics classic pecan pie perfectly.
Texture: The crunchy pecans and buttery cake topping create a wonderful contrast that keeps every bite interesting.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add chocolate chips for a personalized twist that everyone loves.

A close-up of a slice of pecan pie on a white plate, showing three clear layers: a crumbly, light golden crust at the bottom; a thick, sticky caramel-like filling in the middle that is a rich amber color and oozes slightly onto the plate; and a top layer of glossy, dark brown pecan halves arranged closely together with a shiny glaze. The background shows a soft, warm indoor setting blurred out with natural light. The plate sits on a wooden surface changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I’ve always loved the balance of sweet and nutty in pecan desserts, and this recipe hits it perfectly. Choosing quality ingredients is key here because they’re basically all you need to wow your taste buds. If you keep these pantry staples on hand, you can whip up this dump cake anytime.

Caramel sauce: Using good caramel (store-bought or homemade) adds that luscious, buttery richness that’s essential for a decadent pie vibe.
Maple syrup or corn syrup: Maple syrup adds a deep, natural sweetness, while corn syrup keeps the texture silky and gooey—both work beautifully here.
Brown sugar: Brings warmth and a lightly molasses note that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
Vanilla extract: The secret ingredient that lifts all the flavors and adds a cozy aroma.
Cinnamon: Just a dash adds warmth and complexity without screaming “spice.”
Pecan halves: Toasted or raw, they add crunch, texture, and that signature nutty taste that defines this dessert.
Yellow cake mix: This pantry hero creates a golden, fluffy topping with minimal effort—no baking powder or eggs needed.
Unsalted butter: Melted and drizzled on top to soak through the cake mix, creating a crispy, buttery crust that’s utterly addictive.
Chocolate chips (optional): I like to toss these in to add indulgent little bursts of melty chocolate, but they’re totally optional.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about this Irresistible Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe is how forgiving it is. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it to suit my sweet tooth or to fit what’s in my pantry. Feel free to personalize it—you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make it your own.

Swapping syrups: I’ve tried honey instead of maple syrup for a floral sweetness, and it worked great if you want a different twist.
Nut variations: Pecans are classic here, but once I swapped half with walnuts for a slightly earthier note that I really enjoyed.
Adding spice: A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can add a cozy holiday vibe—try it if you like your desserts a bit spicier.
Make it chocolatey: Sprinkling chocolate chips throughout always gets rave reviews from guests who crave extra indulgence.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Irresistible Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to grease my 9×13-inch baking dish well with butter or a non-stick spray so nothing sticks and cleanup is easy. Getting the oven hot ahead means the baking time is spot-on and you get that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Mix Your Liquid Sweeteners and Spices

In a medium bowl, whisk together the caramel sauce, maple syrup (or corn syrup), brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. This is where the magic begins—the blend of these ingredients creates the gooey, irresistible base, so make sure it’s well combined.

Step 3: Layer it Up

Pour your caramel and syrup mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Then sprinkle the pecan halves right on top—don’t worry about perfect coverage; the more, the better for crunch! Next, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pecans. This step might seem weird at first, but trust me, the cake mix bakes into a dreamy, buttery crust.

Step 4: Butter It Up and Bake

Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the top, trying to cover as much of the cake mix as possible. I usually use a spoon to help distribute it evenly. If you want to add chocolate chips, sprinkle them on now. Pop the dish into the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and you see bubbling around the edges. That bubbling is your sign that all the layers have melded together into pure deliciousness.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the dump cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving so it sets just enough to cut clean slices. This also keeps it warm and perfect for pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

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Pro Tips for Making Irresistible Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

Use Room Temperature Butter: I’ve found that melted butter straight from the fridge can clump and not spread evenly—let it warm up a bit for smoother drizzling.
Don’t Skip the Cool Down: Waiting to cool makes slicing cleaner and helps the flavors develop more fully.
Try Toasting Pecans: For an extra flavor boost, I toast pecans lightly before sprinkling—they get crunchier and more aromatic.
Watch Your Baking Time: Oven temps vary, so start checking at 45 minutes to avoid a dry crust or burnt edges.

How to Serve Irresistible Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe

Irresistible Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream—its coolness and softness contrast perfectly with the warm, crunchy pecan topping. Sometimes I add a drizzle of extra caramel sauce or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that addictive salty-sweet combo. Fresh whipped cream also makes a wonderful topping if you prefer something lighter.

Side Dishes

This dump cake pairs beautifully with hot coffee or a rich cup of chai tea, especially during cozy fall evenings. If you’re serving it at a gathering, I like to offer fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears on the side, which balances the richness with a fresh bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes make mini versions by layering the ingredients into cupcake tins—each person gets their own personal dump cake. Or for a rustic look, serve it warm in a pretty baking dish right out of the oven with festive sprigs of rosemary or cinnamon sticks on the side to make it extra inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover pecan pie dump cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and honestly, sometimes I think it tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for best results.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the dump cake, I recommend freezing it before baking. Cover the unbaked dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen, adding about 15 extra minutes to the baking time. You get that same great texture without any compromise.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through. Adding a scoop of ice cream right after reheating gives it that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix in this pecan pie dump cake?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix creates a classic buttery topping, you can swap in white, spice, or even butter cake mixes for a slightly different flavor. Just keep in mind that denser mixes might need a bit more butter to get that perfect crust.
Do I have to use caramel sauce, or can I make this without it?

Caramel sauce adds a delicious buttery depth, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute additional maple syrup or try a homemade simple caramel. The texture might shift slightly, but it will still turn out tasty and gooey.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

To make this dump cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and double-check that your caramel sauce and other ingredients don’t contain gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?

Since it uses several sweet ingredients, you can reduce the maple syrup or caramel sauce quantities or opt for a cake mix with less sugar. I sometimes do this when serving it with ice cream to keep things balanced.
Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dump cake a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge before baking. This actually helps deepen the flavors. Just bring it to room temperature before popping it in the oven.

Final Thoughts

This Irresistible Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason—it’s so easy yet makes you feel like you’ve created something truly special. If you love the timeless taste of pecan pie but want something faster and less fussy, this recipe is your new best friend. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch everyone fall in love bite after bite.