Name: Caramel Pecan Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix; 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk; 1 jar (12 oz) caramel sauce; 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

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Brace yourself for the ultimate cozy dessert: Caramel Pecan Dump Cake is everything you want in a single baking dish. Think gooey caramel, tender apples, buttery cake, and toasty pecans all bubbling together in perfect harmony. You’ll fall in love with how ridiculously easy it is to throw together, yet the flavor tastes so much more than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, making a special treat for the family, or simply craving a sweet moment to yourself, this recipe will sweep you off your feet.

Caramel Pecan Dump Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of a Caramel Pecan Dump Cake is its magical simplicity. Each ingredient brings a unique flavor or texture to the party, so you truly don’t need to fuss. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is totally essential to this recipe’s success!

Yellow cake mix: The shortcut secret that creates a golden, tender, slightly crumbly topping for your cake, with zero measuring required.
Evaporated milk: Adds creaminess and helps everything bake up extra moist and luscious.
Caramel sauce: Provides a rich, gooey sweetness that soaks down into the fruit and cake layers.
Apple pie filling: No peeling or dicing apples here—just dump in the filling for instant spiced fruit flavor and comforting texture.
Chopped pecans: The crunchy, nutty crown that balances out all that gooey goodness.
Unsalted butter (sliced): As the butter melts, it bastes the cake with richness and helps everything brown.
Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a cozy touch of warmth and autumnal spice if you’re in the mood.

How to Make Caramel Pecan Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coat of nonstick spray or a little butter. This helps prevent any sticking and makes serving a breeze.

Step 2: Layer the Apple Pie Filling

Grab your can of apple pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. Don’t be shy here—you want every bite of Caramel Pecan Dump Cake to have a touch of sweet, spiced fruit.

Step 3: Drizzle in the Caramel

Now, unleash that jar of caramel sauce. Drizzle it right over the apples, making sure to hit every corner. This is where the magic starts – gooey, decadent layers coming together!

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cinnamon

If you’re feeling that extra touch of warmth, now’s your moment. Dust the caramel and apple layer with ground cinnamon. This optional step kicks up the autumnal coziness factor.

Step 5: Add the Cake Mix

Pour the dry yellow cake mix straight from the box and gently spread it out over the entire layer of apples and caramel. Don’t stir! The dry mix on top is what gives this Caramel Pecan Dump Cake its signature golden, crumbly top.

Step 6: Top with Pecans and Butter

Next, sprinkle those chopped pecans liberally over the cake mix layer. Then, evenly arrange the butter slices all over. As the cake bakes, the butter melts and seeps through, turning everything below into caramel-y perfection.

Step 7: Drizzle the Evaporated Milk

Pour the evaporated milk evenly across the top. This final touch adds luscious texture and helps the cake bake up tender and moist beneath that nutty, buttery topping.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your masterpiece in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. When the top is bubbling and beautifully golden, you’ll know you’ve achieved Caramel Pecan Dump Cake nirvana. Let it cool just a bit, then scoop and serve warm.

How to Serve Caramel Pecan Dump Cake

Garnishes

To make every bowl irresistible, top the warm cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce. Whipped cream, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, or even a little sea salt bring wonderful contrasts to the sweet, gooey flavors.

Side Dishes

Since Caramel Pecan Dump Cake is so rich and decadent, pair it with something light like fresh fruit or a crisp green salad. If you’re serving for brunch, strong coffee or spiced chai makes for the perfect companion.

Creative Ways to Present

You can make individual servings in ramekins for a special touch or layer pieces into parfait glasses with whipped cream for an elegant dessert. For a potluck, scoop portions into pretty cupcake liners for an easy, portable treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Caramel Pecan Dump Cake can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready for more, just reheat, and it’s as good as the first time!

Freezing

If you want to keep some for later, let the cake cool completely, then wrap portions well or store in an airtight container. Caramel Pecan Dump Cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To restore that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and gooeyness, pop individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or warm larger quantities in a 300°F oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make Caramel Pecan Dump Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble all the layers except for the butter and evaporated milk, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Add the butter and milk just before baking for best results.

What if I don’t have apple pie filling?

No worries! You can swap the apple pie filling with canned peach or cherry pie filling, or even use homemade fruit compote if you’re feeling adventurous. Each fruit gives a new spin to Caramel Pecan Dump Cake.

Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?

Definitely. If nuts aren’t your style or you’re baking for someone with an allergy, simply leave out the pecans. The cake will still have delicious layers of caramel, fruit, and cake.

Can I use a different type Dessert

Yes! While yellow cake mix is classic, you can use white, spice, or even butter recipe cake mix to put your own spin on this Caramel Pecan Dump Cake. Each version has its own charm.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Your cake is ready when the top is golden brown, the edges are bubbly, and everything looks set. If in doubt, insert a fork in the center—it should come out with mainly moist crumbs, not raw batter.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a showstopper that’s crazy easy, unbelievably delicious, and guaranteed to win you rave reviews, this Caramel Pecan Dump Cake is your answer. I hope you give it a try—you may just find yourself baking it again and again for every cozy gathering and sweet craving!

Caramel Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent goodness of Caramel Pecan Dump Cake, a simple yet irresistibly delicious dessert that combines the flavors of caramel, apple, and pecans in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

Toppings:

1 jar (12 oz) caramel sauce
1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer Ingredients: Spread apple pie filling in the dish. Drizzle caramel sauce over the filling. Optionally, sprinkle cinnamon.
Add Toppings: Spread cake mix over the caramel. Top with pecans and butter slices.
Bake: Pour evaporated milk over the mixture. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve: Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, with ice cream if desired.