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Golden-brown pecan pie cake with glossy pecan topping.

Pecan Pie Cake


  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 1 hout
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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:

  1. 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.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of the hot mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly.
  3. Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and pecans. Let cool completely before using.

Make the Cake Layers:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In a separate large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
  4. Add vanilla and mix. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour.
  5. Divide batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Butter Pecan Frosting:

  1. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Fold in toasted pecans.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the pecan pie filling over it.
  2. Repeat with the second cake layer and the remaining filling.
  3. Top with the third cake layer and frost the entire cake with butter pecan frosting.
  4. 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