Description
If you’re searching for an incredibly easy dessert that tastes like it came straight from a Southern bakery, Cream Cheese Pecan Dump Cake is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. This rich, buttery dessert combines a luscious cheesecake-like cream cheese layer with crunchy toasted pecans and a golden buttery cake topping that bakes into a warm, gooey masterpiece. Every bite delivers creamy filling, crunchy nuts, and moist cake with just the right amount of sweetness.
Ingredients
🍰 For the Cake Base
- 1 box butter cake mix (or yellow cake mix)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
🧀 For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 16 ounces (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
🥜 For the Pecan Layer
- 2 cups chopped pecans, lightly toasted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
🍯 Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup toffee bits
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
🍦 For Serving
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Caramel drizzle
- Toasted pecans
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl beat together:
- Softened cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
until smooth and creamy.
Add:
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
Continue mixing until silky and lump-free.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Layer
In a separate bowl combine:
- Chopped toasted pecans
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Mix well.
Sprinkle evenly over the cream cheese layer.
If using caramel sauce, drizzle it over the pecans at this stage.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pecan layer.
Do not stir.
Spread it gently with the back of a spoon if needed to create an even layer.
Step 5: Add the Butter
Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface of the cake mix.
Cover as much of the dry mix as possible to ensure an even golden topping.
Add any optional ingredients such as white chocolate chips or toffee bits.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
The center should be set but still slightly soft.
Step 7: Cool Slightly
Allow the dump cake to rest for 15–20 minutes before serving.
This helps the cream cheese layer set while keeping the dessert warm and gooey.
Step 8: Serve
Spoon generous portions into dessert bowls.
Top with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Extra toasted pecans
- Caramel drizzle
- Powdered sugar
Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- Toast the pecans before baking to deepen their flavor.
- Do not stir the layers together; the magic of a dump cake comes from the layering.
- Make sure the melted butter covers as much of the dry cake mix as possible to avoid dry spots.
- Let the cake cool slightly before serving so the filling can set.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 7g