Embrace the sweetness of the south with this Pecan Pie Cake recipe. This dessert is a fusion of two favorite classics: pecan pie and layer cake. It features toothsome layers of pecan infused cake, drizzled with a rich caramel sauce, and enveloped in a succulent pecan pie filling. A crown of homemade whipped cream completes this indulgent dessert that's sure to impress at any gathering.
The key ingredients that might not be commonly found in your pantry are dark corn syrup and light cream. Dark corn syrup is a type of molasses and is essential in lending a rich sweetness to the pecan pie filling. You can find it in the baking aisle of most supermarkets. Light cream, also known as half-and-half, is a blend of milk and cream. It adds a creamy richness to both the cake and the filling. Make sure you have these items on your list when you head to the supermarket.
Ingredients for the Pecan Pie Cake
Pecans: These are used in both the cake and the filling to give that signature nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
Butter: Adds richness and moistness to the cake.
White sugar: Sweetens the cake.
Eggs: Provides structure and helps the cake rise.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors of the cake and filling.
Milk: Adds moisture to the cake batter.
Lemon juice: Reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise.
Flour: The main dry ingredient in the cake, it provides structure.
Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
Caramel sauce: Used to brush over the warm cakes for extra flavor and moisture.
Light cream: Used in the filling and to moisten the cake.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a molasses-like flavor to the filling.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling.
Dark corn syrup: A key ingredient in the filling, it provides a rich, sweet flavor.
Heavy cream: Whipped to make the topping for the cake.
One reader, Ginny Blythe says:
This pecan pie cake recipe is a game-changer! The combination of moist, nutty cake layers and rich, creamy filling is simply divine. The caramel sauce and pecans add a delightful crunch. Topped with whipped cream, it's a showstopper! A must-try for any dessert lover.
Key Techniques for Mastering Pecan Pie Cake
How to prepare the cake batter: Combine the ingredients as directed, mixing the wet and dry ingredients in alternating additions until fully incorporated. Fold in the whipped egg whites and chopped pecans gently to avoid deflating the batter.
How to make the caramel sauce: Combine the caramel sauce and light cream, then brush it over the warm cakes twice, ensuring an even distribution and absorption of the sauce into the cake layers.
How to make the filling: Combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, egg, light cream, and dark corn syrup in a saucepan, stirring continuously over medium heat until the mixture boils. Let it boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla. Allow the filling to cool completely before assembling the cake.
How to assemble the cake: Layer the cake with the pecans facing up, spreading the cooled filling between the layers, and topping the final layer with whipped cream and additional pecans.
How to frost the cake: Whip the cream and powdered sugar on medium-high until stiff peaks form, then use it to frost the assembled cake, ensuring an even and smooth coverage.
How to serve the cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving, then slice and drizzle each slice with fresh cream before serving.
How To Make Pecan Pie Cake
Enjoy a slice of this deliciously sweet and nutty pecan pie cake filled with buttery and caramel filling that is irresistible and incredibly easy to make!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Cake:
- 2cupspecans,chopped
- ¾cupbutter,softened
- 2cupswhite sugar
- 5eggs,separated
- 1tbspvanilla extract
- 1cupmilk
- 1tbsplemon juice
- 2cupsflour
- 1½tspbaking soda
- 1cuppecans,chopped
- ⅓cupcaramel sauce
- ⅓cuplight cream
For Filling:
- ½cupbrown sugar,packed
- ⅓cupcornstarch
- ¾cupdark corn syrup
- 2egg yolks
- 1egg
- 1½cupslight cream
- 2tbspbutter
- 1tspvanilla extract
Other Toppings:
- 2cupsheavy cream
- 3tbsppowdered sugar
- pecans,additional for decorating, optional
- cream,for serving
Instructions
Cake:
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Grease 3 9-inch pans and sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly between the pans.
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Place the lemon juice in a 1-cup measuring cup and top with milk. Set aside.
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With a mixer on medium, cream together ¾ cup of butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat the egg yolks and vanilla.
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In a medium bowl, combine the flour and baking soda. Beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with soured milk.
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With the mixer on medium-high, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg whites and 1 cup of chopped pecans into the butter mixture just until completely combined.
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Divide the batter between the 3 prepared pans.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 23 minutes, or just until a toothpick comes out clean. Do not over bake.
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Cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Remove from the pans and transfer onto the cooling racks lined with parchment paper.
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Combine the caramel sauce and light cream. Brush over each of the warm cakes twice.
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Cool completely.
Filling:
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Combine the ½ cup brown sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, egg, light cream, and dark corn syrup in a large saucepan.
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Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture boils. Let boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla.
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Let cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Cool completely.
To Assemble:
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Place one of the cakes on a plate with the pecans facing up. Top with half of the cooled filling. Repeat layers and finally top with the last cake.
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Whip the cream and powdered sugar on medium-high until stiff peaks form.
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Frost the cake with whipped cream and top with additional pecans, if desired.
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Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
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To serve, slice the cake and drizzle each slice with about 2 tablespoons of fresh cream before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 945.61kcal
- Fat: 63.61g
- Saturated Fat: 29.34g
- Trans Fat: 0.55g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 23.21g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.46g
- Carbohydrates: 89.63g
- Fiber: 3.06g
- Sugar: 61.78g
- Protein: 10.18g
- Cholesterol: 247.62mg
- Sodium: 296.46mg
- Calcium: 132.58mg
- Potassium: 286.67mg
- Iron: 1.52mg
- Vitamin A: 465.73µg
- Vitamin C: 1.30mg
Expert Technique Tip for a Perfect Pecan Pie Cake
When making the pecan pie cake, ensure that you gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter. This is crucial to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can deflate the egg whites, resulting in a denser cake. Also, when brushing the cakes with the caramel sauce and light cream mixture, do it while the cakes are still warm. This allows the cakes to absorb the mixture better, enhancing the overall flavor of the cake.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pecan Pie Cake
Prep ahead: Prepare the caramel sauce and filling a day in advance to save time on the day of baking.
Organize ingredients: Measure and organize all ingredients before starting to streamline the baking process.
Multi-task: While the cakes are baking, prepare the filling and whipped cream to maximize efficiency.
Use store-bought caramel: Save time by using store-bought caramel sauce instead of making it from scratch.
Chop pecans in advance: Pre-chopped pecans can be used to save time during the cake preparation process.
Substitute Ingredients For Pecan Pie Cake Recipe
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture, making them a great substitute for pecans in this recipe.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe to achieve a similar texture and flavor.
white sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar can add a deeper, more caramel-like flavor to the cake, enhancing the richness of the pecan pie cake.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a substitute for eggs to add moisture and binding properties to the cake.
milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a subtle tropical flavor and richness to the cake, complementing the pecans and caramel.
flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can add a nutty flavor and a denser texture to the cake, enhancing the overall nuttiness of the pecan pie cake.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda to help the cake rise and achieve a lighter texture.
caramel sauce - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a rich, sweet flavor similar to caramel, enhancing the overall sweetness of the cake.
brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor to the filling, complementing the pecans and caramel.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent for the filling, providing a similar texture to cornstarch.
dark corn syrup - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a rich, sweet flavor similar to dark corn syrup, enhancing the overall sweetness of the filling.
light cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can add a rich, creamy texture and a hint of tropical flavor to the filling, complementing the pecans and caramel.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free substitute for heavy cream, adding richness and creaminess to the topping.
powdered sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a natural alternative to powdered sugar, adding a subtle caramel-like flavor to the topping.
Presentation Ideas for a Stunning Pecan Pie Cake
- Elevate the cake layers: Carefully stack the cake layers, ensuring they are perfectly aligned for a visually stunning presentation.
- Garnish with caramel drizzle: Artfully drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the cake, creating an elegant and appetizing design.
- Sprinkle with pecans: Generously sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the cake, adding a delightful crunch and enhancing the visual appeal.
- Dollop of whipped cream: Place a small, perfectly shaped dollop of whipped cream on the side of the cake for a touch of elegance and balance.
- Use a decorative cake stand: Present the pecan pie cake on a beautiful, elevated cake stand to showcase its grandeur and create a captivating focal point.
- Add edible flowers: Adorn the cake with delicate, edible flowers to introduce a pop of color and a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
- Incorporate gold leaf accents: Introduce luxurious gold leaf accents to the cake for a touch of opulence and refinement, creating a truly exquisite presentation.
- Serve with a side of vanilla bean ice cream: Accompany the pecan pie cake with a small side of vanilla bean ice cream in a decorative dish, offering a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making a Delicious Pecan Pie Cake
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting dishes.
- 9-inch cake pans: Used for baking cakes and creating layered desserts.
- Mixer: A kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients.
- Measuring cup: Used for accurately measuring liquid and dry ingredients.
- Medium bowl: Used for mixing and combining ingredients.
- Whisk: A utensil used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
- Saucepan: Used for cooking and preparing sauces, fillings, and other liquid-based dishes.
- Cooling rack: Used for cooling baked goods and allowing air to circulate around the food.
- Parchment paper: Used for lining baking pans to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool used for scraping, spreading, and lifting ingredients.
- Mixing spoon: Used for stirring and mixing ingredients in a bowl or pot.
- Pastry brush: Used for applying glazes, sauces, and other liquids to food.
- Electric hand mixer: A handheld appliance used for mixing and blending ingredients.
- Sauce brush: Used for brushing sauces and glazes onto food items.
- Whisk: A utensil used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
- Parchment paper: Used for lining baking pans to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Saucepan: Used for cooking and preparing sauces, fillings, and other liquid-based dishes.
- Cooling rack: Used for cooling baked goods and allowing air to circulate around the food.
- Parchment paper: Used for lining baking pans to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool used for scraping, spreading, and lifting ingredients.
- Mixing spoon: Used for stirring and mixing ingredients in a bowl or pot.
- Pastry brush: Used for applying glazes, sauces, and other liquids to food.
- Electric hand mixer: A handheld appliance used for mixing and blending ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Pecan Pie Cake: A Guide
The pecan pie cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from the fridge.
If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before slicing and serving.
For best results, freeze the cake before adding the whipped cream frosting and pecans. When ready to serve, thaw the cake, then frost and decorate it as desired.
If you have leftover slices of the cake, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 1 month. Thaw the slices in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
To maintain the best texture and flavor of the cake, avoid storing it at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially if it has been frosted with whipped cream. The whipped cream can spoil quickly and cause the cake to become soggy.
How To Reheat Leftover Pecan Pie Cake
The best way to reheat leftover pecan pie cake is to warm it up in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or browning too much. Heat the cake for about 10-15 minutes, or until it's warmed through.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat individual slices of pecan pie cake in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high for 15-20 seconds at a time, until it's warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as it can become rubbery or tough.
For a crispy top and a warm, gooey filling, try reheating your leftover pecan pie cake under the broiler. Place a slice on a baking sheet and broil it for 1-2 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on the cake to prevent burning.
If you want to maintain the texture and flavor of your leftover pecan pie cake, consider reheating it in a steamer basket over simmering water. This gentle method will warm the cake without drying it out or altering its texture. Steam the cake for 5-10 minutes, or until it's heated through.
For a decadent treat, try warming up a slice of leftover pecan pie cake in a skillet with a pat of butter. Melt the butter over medium heat and place the cake slice in the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the cake is warmed through and lightly crispy on the outside. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Fascinating Facts About Pecan Pie Cake
The pecan pie cake recipe is a delightful combination of two classic desserts, creating a unique and indulgent treat. This cake is perfect for special occasions or gatherings, as it offers a rich and satisfying flavor that will impress any dessert lover. With its layers of pecans, caramel, and whipped cream, this cake is a true showstopper. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of pecan pie in a new and exciting form. Whether you're a fan of pecan pie or simply love trying new desserts, this pecan pie cake is sure to be a hit at any event.
Is Making Pecan Pie Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this pecan pie cake recipe largely depends on the availability and price of ingredients. Pecans, eggs, and cream can be pricey, impacting the overall cost. However, the cake serves 12, making it relatively economical per serving. The indulgent nature of this dessert may not make it a regular household choice, but it's a delightful treat for special occasions. Rating: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4: $25-$30.
Is Pecan Pie Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?
The pecan pie cake recipe is undeniably delicious, but it's not the healthiest option out there. The cake is loaded with sugar, butter, and heavy cream, which are all high in calories and saturated fat. The pecans, while nutritious, are also high in calories and fat. The caramel sauce and corn syrup add even more sugar to the mix. Consuming excessive amounts of these ingredients can lead to weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, and other health issues.
To make this recipe healthier, here are a few suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the cake batter and filling, or replace some of it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content
- Replace some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas to reduce the fat content
- Use low-fat milk or almond milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream
- Reduce the amount of caramel sauce and corn syrup, or replace them with a healthier alternative like date syrup
- Increase the amount of pecans to boost the nutritional value, but be mindful of the added calories
- Serve smaller portions and pair with fresh fruit to balance out the richness of the cake
Editor's Opinion: Why Pecan Pie Cake is a Must-Try
The Pecan Pie Cake recipe is a delightful fusion of classic pecan pie and decadent cake. The combination of caramel-soaked pecans and rich, creamy filling creates a luscious texture and a harmonious blend of flavors. The cake layers are moist and tender, providing a perfect base for the indulgent filling. The whipped cream topping adds a light and airy finish, balancing the richness of the cake. This dessert is a showstopper that will impress any crowd with its deliciously indulgent taste and beautiful presentation.
Enhance Your Pecan Pie Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Pecan Pie Cake
Appetizer and Main Course Ideas to Complement Pecan Pie Cake
Why trust this Pecan Pie Cake Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful fusion of a classic pecan pie and a luscious cake. The combination of rich pecans and a decadent caramel sauce creates a symphony of flavors and textures. The meticulous layering process ensures that each bite is a harmonious blend of moist cake and sumptuous filling. With a meticulous review process and attention to detail, this recipe has been crafted to perfection, promising a delightful experience for all dessert enthusiasts. Trust in the expertise and passion behind this recipe, and indulge in a slice of pure culinary bliss.
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