Description
This Pecan Pie Cake is a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts—classic pecan pie and moist, buttery cake. With layers of fluffy spiced cake and a rich pecan pie filling, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Layers:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pecan Pie Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
Butter Pecan Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, and butter. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture begins to bubble.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of the hot mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly.
- Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and pecans. Let cool completely before using.
Make the Cake Layers:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Add vanilla and mix. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour.
- Divide batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Butter Pecan Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Fold in toasted pecans.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the pecan pie filling over it.
- Repeat with the second cake layer and the remaining filling.
- Top with the third cake layer and frost the entire cake with butter pecan frosting.
- Garnish with extra pecans if desired. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving for best results.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, toast the pecans before using them in the filling and frosting.
- If you prefer a more traditional buttercream, omit the pecans in the frosting.
- Cake layers can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pecan pie cake, holiday cake, pecan dessert, layered cake, butter pecan cake