Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup caramel topping (not caramel syrup, recommended Smuckers)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 3 cups pecan halves
Topping
- 1 (15.25 oz) box butter golden cake mix (dry mix only, do not prepare; recommended Duncan Hines)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the caramel topping, ½ cup melted butter, ½ cup light brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sea salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Pecans to Filling: Stir 3 cups of pecan halves into the caramel mixture to distribute the nuts evenly throughout the filling.
- Layer Filling into Baking Dish: Pour the combined filling and pecan mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out smoothly.
- Top with Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry butter golden cake mix over the filling layer, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Add Brown Sugar and Butter Topping: Sprinkle ¼ cup of light brown sugar evenly over the cake mix layer. Then, drizzle the remaining ¾ cup of melted butter evenly over the entire surface to help create a rich, golden crust.
- Add Remaining Pecans: Top the entire dish with the remaining 1 cup of pecan halves, scattering them evenly for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling with the gooey filling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the dump cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. For the best experience, serve warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
- Use caramel topping, not caramel syrup, to achieve the gooey filling texture.
- Do not prepare the cake mix with eggs or water; sprinkle it dry over the filling.
- Greasing the baking dish lightly prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
- Best served warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream and extra caramel drizzle.
- This dump cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American