Craving the rich, nutty goodness of pecan pie but looking for a delightful twist? Look no further than pecan pie cake recipes! This Southern-inspired dessert takes the classic flavors of pecan pie and transforms them into a moist and decadent cake. Imagine a luscious layer of caramelized brown sugar and pecans topping a buttery cake base – it’s a match made in dessert heaven.
Pecan pie cake offers a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the beloved flavors of pecan pie in a new form. With just a few simple ingredients, including a box of butter pecan cake mix, you can whip up a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pecan pie or simply looking to expand your baking repertoire, this pecan pie cake recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Ingredients
Creating the perfect Pecan Pie Cake requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients to capture the essence of a classic pecan pie in cake form. Let’s dive into the key components needed for this scrumptious dessert.
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake or butter cake mix
- 1/2 cup melted butter or margarine
- 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Pecan Pie Filling Ingredients
- Reserved 2/3 cup of cake batter mixture
- 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Cooking spray
- Stand mixer
- Oven for baking
- Cooking utensils
Preparation
Preparing a Pecan Pie Cake is a delightful culinary adventure that combines the best of both worlds: the richness of pecan pie filling with the lightness of a tender cake. In this section, I will guide you through the process of creating this indulgent dessert.
Preparing the Cake Batter
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease your cake pans and line the bottoms with wax paper or parchment circles.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the cake batter, then add in the wet ingredients like vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Slowly pour in the hot coffee or hot water while mixing on low speed, then increase to medium and beat until smooth for about 2 minutes. The batter should be thin.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, filling them no more than two-thirds full.
- Bake the cake layers in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before filling and frosting.
- Prepare the delightful Pecan Pie Filling by following my Pecan Pie Filling recipe. This filling will add a decadent and authentic pecan pie flavor to your cake.
- Cook the pecan pie filling on the stovetop until it reaches the perfect consistency, allowing the aroma of pecan pie to fill your kitchen.
- Once the filling is ready, spread a generous amount between the cake layers, adding a delicious layer of flavor and texture to your Pecan Pie Cake.
This preparation process ensures that every bite of your Pecan Pie Cake is a harmonious blend of moist cake layers and rich pecan pie filling. Revel in the joy of creating this unique and decadent dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
Baking
Baking is a crucial step in creating a delicious Pecan Pie Cake. Follow the instructions below to bake the cake layers and assemble this decadent dessert.
Baking the Cake Layers
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with a nonstick spray with flour like Baker’s Joy.
- Measure out 2/3 cup of cake mix from a 15.25-ounce box of Butter Pecan cake mix and set it aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining cake mix with softened butter, light brown sugar, eggs, and water. Mix well using an electric mixer.
- Fold in 2 cups of chopped pecans and pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Five minutes before the end of the baking time, mix softened butter, eggs, sugar, corn syrup, milk, and the reserved 2/3 cup of cake mix.
- Remove the pan from the oven and pour the second batter on top of the partially baked cake.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. The cake will still be slightly jiggly in the center.
- Serve the cake warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Once the cake layers are baked and cooled, it’s time to assemble the Pecan Pie Cake.
- Pile the layers on top of each other, adding a generous amount of Brown Sugar Buttercream between each layer.
- Consider piping a circle of Brown Sugar Buttercream around each layer before filling in the center with the Pecan Pie Filling.
- Frost the entire cake with a smooth layer of Brown Sugar Buttercream.
- Drizzle the sides of the cake with Salted Caramel for added flavor.
- Decorate the top of the cake with pecan halves, resembling a traditional pecan pie.
- To finish off, pipe a rope border around the top edge of the cake using Wilton Tip 4B for a beautiful presentation.
Frosting
Making the Frosting
To make the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, I beat chilled browned butter using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. I gradually added powdered sugar and cream, alternating between them, until the mixture was well blended. Vanilla was added for flavor, and I adjusted the consistency with a little cream if needed.
Applying the Frosting
When assembling the cake, I placed one cake layer on a cake plate and piped a ring of frosting around the top edge. I then spread a generous amount of the chilled pecan pie filling on the cake layer, making sure to spread it to the edge of the piped frosting. After repeating this process with the remaining cake layers, I covered the sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Any extra frosting was piped in a decorative pattern on top of the cake to finish it off. Chill the cake for at least an hour before serving for the flavors to meld perfectly.
Serving and Storage
Pecan Pie Cake is best served warm, creating a delightful contrast between the rich cake and the toasted pecans. A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream adds a creamy touch to the intense sweetness of this dessert.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cake
To serve Pecan Pie Cake, slice it while still warm, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side to balance the sweetness of the cake. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of brown sugar or a dash of cinnamon for an extra touch of warmth.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers of the Pecan Pie Cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 to 5 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to restore the freshly baked taste. This cake can also be frozen for longer storage; ensure it is tightly wrapped to maintain its moistness and flavor.
Conclusion
Creating a Pecan Pie Cake is a delightful culinary adventure that combines the best of two classic desserts. The blend of moist cake layers with a decadent pecan pie filling and Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting results in a truly indulgent treat. Remember to savor each bite of this delicious cake, whether enjoyed warm with a dollop of whipped cream or stored for later cravings. With proper storage techniques, you can extend the enjoyment of this cake for several days or even longer in the freezer. So, go ahead, bake your own Pecan Pie Cake, and treat yourself to a slice of sweet perfection.