Caramel Pecan Dump Cake Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, gooey dessert that practically makes itself, Caramel Pecan Dump Cake is the answer to your sweet tooth’s prayers. Imagine warm apple pie filling bubbling under a golden, buttery cake layer, with pockets of melty caramel and a crown of toasted pecans for crunch. It’s the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with cinnamon-spiced aromas and is just as perfect for potlucks as for a lazy Sunday treat. Best of all, you only need a handful of pantry staples and very little prep time—just dump, bake, and enjoy!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how beautifully simple the ingredients are for this Caramel Pecan Dump Cake. Each one has a starring role, bringing its own special flavor or texture to the party. Ready to see how these everyday items transform into something truly magical?
- Yellow cake mix: This creates a tender, golden topping with that classic cake flavor and makes the whole process blissfully easy.
- Caramel sauce or topping: The key to those irresistible gooey pockets throughout the cake; use your favorite store-bought or homemade caramel.
- Apple pie filling: Sweet, spiced apples are the heart of this dessert, offering juicy bites in every spoonful.
- Chopped pecans: These add a wonderful crunch and nutty richness that perfectly balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (sliced into thin pats): Butter melts over everything to create a luscious, slightly crispy top and keep the cake moist.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): A sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth and depth—highly recommended if you love that fall flavor vibe.
How to Make Caramel Pecan Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give it a light greasing with butter or nonstick spray. This step is quick but important—it keeps every delicious layer from sticking and makes serving (and cleanup) a total breeze.
Step 2: Layer the Apple Pie Filling
Spoon the apple pie filling right into the bottom of your prepared dish. Take a moment to spread it out evenly so every bite will be filled with sweet, tender apples. This layer is the juicy foundation for your Caramel Pecan Dump Cake.
Step 3: Drizzle Caramel and Add Cinnamon
Now, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the apples. If you’re a fan of cinnamon, sprinkle it over the caramel for a little extra warmth and depth. You’ll notice it instantly smells amazing, even before it hits the oven!
Step 4: Sprinkle on the Cake Mix
Open your box of yellow cake mix and scatter it evenly over the caramel-drizzled apples. Don’t stir or mix—just let the dry mix float on top. This is the secret to that classic “dump cake” texture: fluffy cake pockets and crisp golden edges.
Step 5: Top with Pecans and Butter
Next, sprinkle the chopped pecans all over the cake mix. Then, arrange the thin slices of butter across the top as evenly as possible. As the cake bakes, the butter melts down, moistening the cake mix and helping everything meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling with caramel goodness. Let your Caramel Pecan Dump Cake cool for a few minutes before serving—it’ll be just the right temperature for scooping.
How to Serve Caramel Pecan Dump Cake

Garnishes
A warm square of Caramel Pecan Dump Cake is heavenly on its own, but a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it straight into dessert nirvana. For a little extra flair, drizzle with more caramel or sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt to really make those flavors pop.
Side Dishes
Pair this decadent dessert with a hot cup of coffee or cinnamon-spiced tea for a cozy treat. If you’re serving a crowd, a big fruit salad or some crisp apple slices on the side offer a refreshing contrast to all that sweet, buttery richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in mason jars for a rustic, party-ready presentation, or scoop the warm cake into bowls and top with a swirl of caramel and a pecan half. For holiday gatherings, dust with powdered sugar or add a sprinkle of edible gold glitter for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. The Caramel Pecan Dump Cake will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, staying moist and flavorful.
Freezing
This dessert freezes surprisingly well! Cut cooled cake into portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container. It’ll taste just as delicious when you’re ready for a sweet treat—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or pop the whole dish in a moderate oven until warmed through. The caramel will get gooey again, and the aroma will fill your kitchen all over.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Spice cake mix is a fantastic twist for extra autumnal flavor, or try butter pecan or white cake mix for a subtle change. Just keep the proportions the same.
What other fruit fillings work in this recipe?
While apple pie filling is classic, feel free to swap in cherry, peach, or even blueberry pie filling for a fun variation. Choose your favorite or get creative with combinations!
Do I have to use pecans?
Not at all. Walnuts or almonds make great substitutes, or you can leave out the nuts entirely if you need a nut-free version. The cake will still be deliciously gooey and satisfying.
Can I make Caramel Pecan Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the layers (except the butter) a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add the butter right before baking for best results, so the top gets perfectly golden and crisp.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Look for a golden-brown, crisp top and bubbling edges. If you gently nudge the center with a spoon and it looks set (not powdery), your Caramel Pecan Dump Cake is ready to come out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
If you love easy desserts that taste like you spent all day in the kitchen, you owe it to yourself to try this Caramel Pecan Dump Cake at least once. It’s pure comfort in a pan, and I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation!
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Caramel Pecan Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramel Pecan Dump Cake is a quick and delicious dessert combining sweet apple pie filling, rich caramel sauce, and a crunchy pecan topping all baked under a moist yellow cake mix crust. Perfect for fall gatherings or any time you want an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 (12 oz) jar caramel sauce or topping
- 1 (21 oz) can apple pie filling
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer the Filling: Spread the entire can of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a fruity base.
- Add Caramel and Spice: Drizzle the jar of caramel sauce evenly over the apple filling. If desired, sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the caramel and apples for a warm spice note.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the caramel and apple layer. Do not stir or mix; just let it sit on top.
- Top with Nuts and Butter: Scatter the chopped pecans evenly over the cake mix, then distribute the butter slices across the top of the cake mix to add moisture and richness.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added decadence.
Notes
- For a twist, try using spice cake mix instead of yellow for a deeper flavor profile.
- You can swap out the apple pie filling for other fruit fillings such as peach or cherry to customize your dump cake.
- Leftover cake can be reheated in the microwave for a quick warm dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg