Name: Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake – Sweet Easy Recipes Everyone Will Love
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling; 1 box yellow cake mix (just the dry mix); 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into pats; Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional, but come on—do it)

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This caramel apple pecan dump cake is what I call lazy baking magic. Picture this: you dump a few ingredients in a pan, pop it in the oven, and somehow end up with a golden, gooey dessert that smells like a cozy fall afternoon. We’re talking sweet apple pie filling, a buttery cake top, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of caramel. No mixers, no stress, just the kind of dessert that makes people think you tried way harder than you did. When I first made this, my kitchen smelled so good the neighbors ‘just happened to stop by.’ Coincidence? I think not. It’s one of those quick and easy recipes that saves your day when company’s coming or your sweet tooth won’t quit. Whether you’re baking with kids or whipping something up last minute, it’s as forgiving as it is delicious. The real kicker? It tastes even better the next day—if there’s any left. I’d say serve it warm with vanilla ice cream, but I won’t judge if you eat it cold out of the pan (been there).

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake Recipe
3) Ingredients for Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake
4) How to Make Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake
5) Tips for Making Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake
6) Making Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake
8) Try these Desserts next!
9) Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This recipe is a fuss-free, sweet easy recipe anyone can master.
Only five main ingredients go into this cozy fall dessert.
You don’t need a mixer, just a pan and an oven.
Perfect warm with vanilla ice cream or cold with a spoon straight from the pan.

2) Easy Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

This caramel apple pecan dump cake is the kind of dessert that makes you question how something so simple can taste so good. It’s warm, sweet, and has a little crunch thanks to the pecans. When I first made it, I didn’t even expect it to make it to the table. I took a “test bite,” then another, and then… well, let’s just say the edges were missing by the time dessert rolled around.

If you’re craving sweet easy recipes that don’t involve you scrubbing flour off the ceiling or pulling out ten different bowls, this one’s your new best friend. I love it for last-minute guests, lazy Sundays, or even weekday evenings when I need something a little extra to make the day feel special.

Best of all, it uses ingredients most of us already have in our pantry. You get that golden, buttery top, that gooey apple center, and the caramel drizzle that feels like the cherry on top—except better. Try it once, and I promise it’ll land a permanent spot in your recipe box.

3) Ingredients for Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake

Apple Pie Filling – I use two cans because one just doesn’t cut it. It’s the base of the cake and gives it that sweet, sticky bite that tastes like fall in a pan.

Yellow Cake Mix – Just the dry stuff straight from the box. Don’t mix it with anything. It’ll magically turn into a buttery, golden crust as it bakes.

Unsalted Butter – One stick, sliced thin. Dot it all over the top to help melt that cake mix into something magical. Don’t skip this. Ever.

Chopped Pecans – Add that crunch factor. They toast beautifully in the oven and balance out the sweetness with some earthy richness.

Caramel Sauce – Optional, but come on. A good drizzle of caramel just sends this dessert into another stratosphere. It also makes people think you went to pastry school.

4) How to Make Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. No surprises here—just get that oven warm while you throw everything together.

Step 2. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. No need to grease it unless you really want to. Dump both cans of apple pie filling in and spread them out evenly.

Step 3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apples. No mixing. Just dump and gently spread it out so the apples are completely covered.

Step 4. Dot the top with slices of butter. Get it as even as you can so every bite gets that rich, buttery love.

Step 5. Sprinkle the pecans over everything. Trust me, they’ll toast up beautifully and give the top that signature crunch.

Step 6. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling around the edges. Try not to eat it straight from the oven. It’s hot. I’ve learned the hard way.

Step 7. Once it’s cooled a bit, drizzle with caramel sauce. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or cold from the fridge. It’s a win either way.

5) Tips for Making Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake

Use a cake mix you actually like the flavor of. I once used a generic one, and it tasted like regret. Stick with a brand you trust. Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker are always solid bets.

Spread the cake mix evenly. If you leave big clumps, they won’t bake properly and might stay powdery. A quick shake of the pan can help settle things down before you add the butter.

If you want a less sweet version, skip the caramel or use an apple pie filling that’s lower in sugar. That said, this dessert is supposed to be indulgent. So maybe just lean into it and enjoy every bite.

6) Making Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake Ahead of Time

This is a perfect make-ahead dessert. You can bake it earlier in the day, cover it loosely with foil, and let it hang out on the counter. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in a warm oven or scoop it into bowls and microwave it for a few seconds.

If you’re planning to serve it at a gathering, you can prep all the layers in the baking dish, cover it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes in cold.

It also travels well. I’ve taken it to potlucks and holiday dinners, and not a crumb was left behind. People will ask for the recipe—just smile and say it’s from Lila at Lila Cooks.

7) Storing Leftover Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. It holds up surprisingly well, even the crusty top stays somewhat crisp.

When you reheat it, pop it in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Add ice cream again if you’re feeling fancy (you are).

You can also freeze it in portions. Just wrap tightly, freeze, then defrost in the fridge overnight. It’s a great backup dessert when the craving strikes out of nowhere.

8) Try these Desserts next!

9) Caramel Apple Pecan Dump Cake