Pecan Pie Layer Cake Recipe

A perfect fusion of two beloved desserts, Pecan Pie Layer Cake takes the classic, gooey pecan pie filling and layers it between rich, soft cake. This dessert is a showstopper, offering the comforting, nutty flavors of pecan pie, but with the texture of an indulgent cake. Whether for a special celebration or as a treat to impress your guests, this cake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to craft this decadent dessert with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to make it perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pecan Pie Layer Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves a combination of rich, nutty, and sweet flavors. The traditional pecan pie filling, with its syrupy sweetness and buttery richness, is transformed into a layered cake filling that brings the best of both worlds together. The layers of cake themselves are light and fluffy, providing a perfect contrast to the gooey, caramelized pecan filling. The toasted pecans add a wonderful crunch, while the cake’s vanilla flavor keeps everything balanced.

One of the highlights of this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, a birthday party, or just for a weekend treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress. The addition of whipped cream or buttercream frosting helps bring everything together and makes each bite even more luxurious. Plus, this cake can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect stress-free dessert for busy celebrations.

This cake isn’t just about looks—it’s about taste too. The balance of textures, from the soft cake to the gooey filling and crunchy pecans, creates an unforgettable dessert experience that will have your guests coming back for more. What’s more, it’s surprisingly simple to make, despite its elegant appearance.

Recipe Details

Inspired by the rich history of pecan pie, Pecan Pie Layer Cake takes the classic dessert to a whole new level. Pecan pie itself has long been a favorite Southern dessert, typically served in a buttery, flaky crust. By transforming the filling into a layer cake, we bring the beloved flavors into a more decadent and sophisticated presentation.

The cake layers are made using simple pantry ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, while the pecan filling is created from brown sugar, corn syrup, and toasted pecans. The filling is thickened with eggs, creating that signature gooey texture that everyone loves. When layered with the fluffy cake, it becomes a perfect marriage of flavor and texture.

The cake is topped off with a rich frosting—either buttercream or cream cheese frosting—adding a creamy balance to the sweetness of the filling. You can even add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence. The result is a layered cake that looks as beautiful as it tastes, making it the perfect dessert for any celebration.

Not only is this cake a feast for the taste buds, but it also makes a stunning presentation on any dessert table. The golden brown crust, golden filling, and toasted pecans make it a treat to the eyes as well as the mouth.

Nutritional Information

Pecan Pie Layer Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert, so it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. A typical serving contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the portion size and the specific ingredients used. The cake is high in fat, primarily from butter and pecans, but it also provides a good amount of protein and essential nutrients. Pecans, in particular, are a great source of heart-healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a healthier alternative to other types of nuts.

The cake layers themselves are made with standard ingredients such as flour and sugar, which provide a good source of carbohydrates, while the frosting adds additional fat and sweetness. To make the cake slightly lighter, you can substitute some of the butter with applesauce or opt for a lower-fat alternative for the frosting.

If you are looking to cut down on calories or fat, you can modify the recipe by using sugar substitutes or light cream cheese for the frosting. While these substitutions can reduce the richness of the cake, the overall flavor will still shine through.

For those who need to watch their sugar intake, consider using sugar-free syrup or reducing the amount of sugar in the filling. Additionally, using a sugar substitute in the cake batter and frosting can help lower the glycemic index of the cake.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Layer Cake

To make this indulgent dessert, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Pecan Pie Filling:

• 1 cup dark corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped pecans (lightly toasted)

This combination of ingredients creates the perfect blend of sweetness, nuttiness, and buttery richness. The cake layers are light and fluffy, while the pecan filling adds the gooey richness and depth that makes pecan pie so beloved.

Equipment Needed

To make Pecan Pie Layer Cake, you will need the following equipment:

• Two 9-inch round cake pans: To bake the cake layers.
• Mixing bowls: For preparing the cake batter, filling, and frosting.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: To beat the cake batter and frosting until smooth and fluffy.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cooling rack: To cool the cake layers completely before assembling the cake.
• Spatula: To spread the frosting evenly on the cake layers.
• Whisk: For mixing the filling and frosting ingredients.

Having these tools will make the process smoother, and ensure that your cake turns out perfect every time.

Pro Tips for Success

To make sure your Pecan Pie Layer Cake turns out perfectly, here are some expert tips:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature before you begin. This helps the ingredients blend more easily, resulting in a smooth, lump-free batter.
2. Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor. Lightly toast them in a dry skillet or the oven before adding them to the filling.
3. Let the Cake Cool Completely: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting them. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a neat, professional finish.
4. Ensure the Pecan Filling Sets Properly: After mixing the pecan filling, let it cool slightly before adding it to the cake layers. This ensures it thickens properly and creates that signature gooey texture.
5. Use a Cake Turntable: If possible, use a cake turntable to help with evenly frosting the sides of the cake. This will make the frosting process much easier and more uniform.

Instructions for Pecan Pie Layer Cake

• Prepare the Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and milk. Mix until just combined.
• Bake the Cake: Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
• Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling: While the cake layers are cooling, make the pecan pie filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the dark corn syrup, brown sugar, and melted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a simmer. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in the beaten eggs and vanilla extract, then add the toasted pecans.
• Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of pecan pie filling over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining filling on top.
• Make the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until light and fluffy. Spread the frosting evenly on the sides and top of the cake.
• Serve: Let the cake set for about 30 minutes to allow the filling to settle. Slice and serve the cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Chocolate: You can add chocolate chips to the cake batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cake for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Use Different Nuts: If you prefer, substitute the pecans with walnuts or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
3. Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make this cake gluten-free.

Storage & Serving Guide

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the cake layers and pecan pie filling ahead of time and assemble the cake the day of serving.
2. Can I use a different type of nut?
   Yes, you can use walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds, but pecans give the cake its signature flavor.
3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour.
4. Can I skip the frosting?
   Yes, you can omit the frosting and simply serve the cake with the pecan filling.
5. How should I store this cake?
   Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Layer Cake is a decadent, rich dessert that brings the flavors of pecan pie into an indulgent, moist cake. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday, special occasion, or just want to treat yourself, this cake is a must-try. With its gooey pecan pie filling and buttery, tender cake, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Follow the simple steps outlined in this recipe, and you’ll create a show-stopping cake that’s perfect for any event.

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