There’s something inherently comforting about a sweet, gooey dessert that practically hugs you from the inside. This feeling hits home every time I whip up my beloved Pecan Pie Dump Cake. Admittedly, I wasn’t always a baker; my early experiences in the kitchen consisted of burnt toast and overly eager attempts at pancake flips. But then, I stumbled upon the beauty of dump cakes—a genre of desserts where you simply dump, mix, and bake your way to bliss.
It all began during a family gathering, where I was introduced to a lovely, warm slice of pecan pie cake. The flavor combination wove together nostalgia for childhood holidays and the simplicity of effortless baking. The buttery pecans mingled with caramel in a delectable embrace, all resting beneath a golden cake topping. It was a huge hit! In the spirit of sharing this love, I transformed the traditional pecan pie into a Dump Cake. This easy-to-make dessert not only satisfies my sweet tooth but quickly uplifts others’ spirits too. Plus, with minimal effort, you can impress guests—what’s not to love?
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 10 minutes
- Active Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total Duration: 40 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 12
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 320 calories
- Protein: 4 grams
- Carbs: 43 grams
- Fats: 15 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugars: 25 grams
- Sodium: 220 mg
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Imagine the lush, nutty flavor of pecans complemented by the sweet whisper of caramel, all cocooned under a crisp cake layer. This dessert is not just indulgent; it’s a fusion of textures—smooth caramel, crunchy nuts, and a tender cake that feels like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. Plus, the simplicity of a dump cake means it won’t consume your entire afternoon. With every bite, you’ll feel the warmth of good company and fond memories—no matter the occasion!
The Complete Cooking Journey
Ready to embark on your baking adventure? This easy path will guide you from oven to table in just a short time. We will transform simple ingredients into something special with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup caramel topping
- 1/2 cup salted caramel topping
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3 cups pecan halves
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix
- 1 cup melted butter
Method:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray, ensuring an easy release for your delicious creation.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the beaten eggs, brown sugar, both caramel toppings, and melted butter until smooth and combined.
Step 3: Incorporate the Pecans
Gently fold in the pecans, allowing their richness to shine throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading the pecans evenly so each piece can bask in that buttery sweetness.
Step 5: Prepare the Cake Mix Topping
In another bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix with melted butter until crumbly. The mixture should resemble wet sand, perfect for topping!
Step 6: Assemble & Bake
Sprinkle the cake mixture over the pecan layer, covering it as evenly as possible. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. This dessert is divine on its own, but I recommend pairing it with vanilla ice cream, additional caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of sea salt for that touch of gourmet magic!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Pecan Pie Dump Cake shines at gatherings! Serve it warm alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a generous drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of sweet tea—perfect for any casual family feast or a more formal holiday dinner.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
If you have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave for a quick treat or serve cold—it’s delicious either way!
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Nuts: If you are not a fan of pecans, feel free to swap them for walnuts or even mixed nuts.
- Caramel notes: Make your own caramel sauce for a truly impressive touch or use store-bought for convenience.
- Texture: For added texture, consider adding a handful of chocolate chips to the cake mixture.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feeling adventurous? Try adding chocolate chips for a decadent twist. Or, mix in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavors further. You can even experiment with flavored cake mixes—like spice cake or vanilla—to add unique elements!
Reader Questions & Solutions
-
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! Any of your favorite cake mixes will work. Butter pecan is traditional, but feel free to experiment! -
What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
You can make a simple caramel sauce by melting equal parts sugar and heavy cream until it thickens. -
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish and cover it well. Bake right before you’re ready to serve. -
Are there alternatives for the eggs?
Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg as a replacement for a lovely moist outcome. -
How can I make this gluten-free?
Substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free variety and ensure the toppings are also certified gluten-free.
Wrapping Up
Embarking on this Pecan Pie Dump Cake journey brings not just a dessert to your table, but a plateful of sweet moments and joyful memories. So gather those ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the magic begin! Whether for a holiday gathering or an everyday treat, this simple recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!
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Pecan Pie Dump Cake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet, gooey dessert that combines the flavors of pecan pie with the simplicity of a dump cake.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup caramel topping
- 1/2 cup salted caramel topping
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3 cups pecan halves
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix
- 1 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together the beaten eggs, brown sugar, both caramel toppings, and melted butter until smooth.
- Fold in the pecans gently.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading the pecans evenly.
- In another bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix with melted butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the cake mixture over the pecan layer and bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are bubbling and top is golden brown.
- Let cool for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
