Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe with Caramel (No Fruit Filling)
If you crave the sticky-sweet flavor of pecan pie but don’t have time for pie crusts and stove-top syrup, you’re in the right place.
Today I’ll show you how to make an easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake with a caramel twist that gives you all the gooey goodness without the usual work. You will learn how to build a dessert that tastes homemade and nostalgic, yet only takes minutes to assemble. Trust me, you can pull this off even if you’re new to baking.
This cake draws from my own kitchen experiments. I wanted something faster than traditional pie, but I refused to sacrifice that warm, nutty flavor. Adding caramel sauce gave it a softer bite and an even richer finish. One slice, and I knew it deserved a permanent place on my dessert table.
Why You Will Love This Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake
You get the golden, buttery top and soft, bubbling center of a classic dump cake. At the same time, the deep caramel and toasted pecan flavors bring it much closer to a true pecan pie experience. The cake mix acts like a shortcut crust, while the caramel builds a thick layer that mimics a syrupy pie filling.
Unlike pie, there’s no rolling, chilling, or blind baking. Just layer and bake.
Key Takeaway:
Dump cake simplicity, pecan pie flavor, caramel softness.
Helpful Link: Need another easy option? Try this Chocolate Dump Cake.
Ingredients that Create the Classic Pecan Pie Flavor
The magic happens when you combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, caramel sauce, yellow cake mix, and melted butter. Toasting the pecans before baking deepens their flavor and adds a subtle crunch.
You can also drizzle a little corn syrup or maple syrup over the caramel layer if you want a richer, stickier center that mimics traditional pecan pie filling.
Helpful Link: If you love layered desserts, you will enjoy this Pineapple Coconut Layered Dump Cake.
Corn Syrup vs Maple Syrup
In my notes, I found that adding a little corn syrup gives a deeper, more traditional pecan pie flavor. Maple syrup, however, brings a lighter sweetness with a hint of natural depth.
If you prefer a rich, classic filling, add corn syrup. If you want a more subtle, earthy flavor, choose maple.
Either choice keeps the caramel as the centerpiece.
How to Assemble the Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Scatter chopped pecans across the bottom of a greased baking dish. Sprinkle brown sugar over the pecans.
Warm the caramel sauce slightly and pour it over the nuts and sugar. Optionally drizzle corn syrup or maple syrup for added richness.
Top everything with dry yellow cake mix. Do not stir. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix, covering as much surface as possible.
Bake until golden brown on top and bubbling around the edges. Let cool slightly before serving.
Helpful Link: Another bright idea for your next bake is this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake.
Serving Ideas to Make It Even Better
Warm slices pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream. The hot caramel pools around the ice cream, creating a sauce with every bite.
For a fancier touch, drizzle extra caramel over the top and sprinkle a few toasted pecans.
During cooler months, I like to serve it with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a cozy finish.
Bold Tip:
Serve warm for extra gooeyness. Serve cooled for cleaner slices.
Storing and Reheating Your Pecan Pie Dump Cake
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
Microwave slices for about 20–30 seconds to reheat. You can also warm a whole pan in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes covered with foil.
Freezing works well, too. Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.
Helpful Link: You may also enjoy this easy and juicy Peach Cobbler.
Final Thoughts: A Caramel Shortcut to Pecan Pie Flavor
Making this Pecan Pie Dump Cake with Caramel feels like bringing together the best parts of two desserts I love: the deep, nutty flavor of a good pecan pie and the easy-going comfort of a dump cake.
You don’t need fancy skills or special tools.
You only need a few pantry staples, a warm oven, and a little bit of trust in the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together.
Bold Reminder:
Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you always have a quick and crowd-pleasing dessert ready.
If you bake it, please leave a comment! Share your results, ask questions, or tell me how you made it your own. I would love to hear your story and keep the kitchen conversation going.
Additional Ideas and Dump Cake Collection
I felt curious about other possibilities after my success with caramel pecan. Caramel Dump Cake came next, which inspired me to tweak flavors and add peanut butter swirls. That experiment led me to discover the wonders of Caramel Peanut Butter Dump Cake. My kitchen soon saw a parade of sweet bakes.
You can explore more creations in this helpful Dump Cake Collection. I studied many versions and realized that a crunchy topping always excites people. Soft fillings pair beautifully with a crisp or crumbly layer. The single-pan approach remains consistent, and each dessert emerges with a distinct identity based on small ingredient tweaks.
My personal favorite is this Caramel Pecan Dump Cake because it feels like a cross between pecan pie and a soft crumb cake. That harmony of sweetness and nuttiness gives it a comforting personality. You might find your own favorite if you experiment with a new combination from the collection. Options range from fruit-packed classics to rich chocolate updates, so there is no shortage of inspiration.