Pecan Pie Cake: 5 Mouthwatering Recipes You’ll Love

Are you tired of serving the same old desserts at your family gatherings? Looking for that perfect sweet treat that combines classic flavors in an exciting new way? Pecan pie cake is the answer you’ve been searching for! As a dessert enthusiast who’s tested hundreds of recipes in my kitchen, I’ve perfected these five pecan pie cake variations that consistently wow my guests and family alike.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything from selecting the perfect pecans to creating that irresistible caramel filling. You’ll discover easy-to-follow recipes, ingredient substitutions, and professional decorating tips to make your pecan pie cake the star of any occasion.

Why These Pecan Pie Cake Recipes Work

These pecan pie cake recipes stand out from ordinary desserts because they:

• Combine two beloved desserts (pecan pie and cake) into one showstopping treat
• Use simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand
• Require only basic baking skills but deliver professional-looking results
• Work perfectly for both weeknight family desserts and special occasions
• Can be prepared in advance, reducing day-of stress

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your Pecan Pie Cake

Best Pecans for Pecan Pie Cake

Fresh, high-quality pecans make all the difference in these recipes. Look for plump, uniform nuts with a rich brown color. Avoid pecans that appear shriveled or have an off smell, as these may be rancid. For maximum flavor, toast your pecans before incorporating them into your cake or topping.

Buying Tips

When shopping for pecans, consider buying them in bulk from a store with high turnover to ensure freshness. Store unused pecans in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain their flavor for up to a year.

Substitutions

If pecans aren’t available or you’re catering to nut allergies, walnuts make the closest substitute in terms of flavor and texture. For completely nut-free options, consider using oats mixed with a bit of brown sugar for a similar crunchy topping.

Ingredients & Prep for Pecan Pie Cake

Cake Base Essentials

• High-quality butter, softened at room temperature
• Fresh eggs (large size) for proper structure
• Pure vanilla extract (avoid imitation for best flavor)
• All-purpose flour, sifted for a lighter crumb

Pecan Pie Filling Ingredients

• Fresh pecans, roughly chopped
• Brown sugar (dark preferred for richer flavor)
• Corn syrup or maple syrup
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt to enhance sweetness

Pantry Staples

• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, or other warm spices (optional)

Step-by-Step Pecan Pie Cake Instructions

Pre-Cooking Pecan Pie Cake Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Prepare your cake pans by greasing and flouring, or lining with parchment paper
3. Toast pecans lightly at 325°F for 5-7 minutes to enhance flavor
4. Bring refrigerated ingredients to room temperature

Cooking Method for Pecan Pie Cake

1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes)
2. Add eggs one at a time, incorporating completely before adding the next
3. Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and liquid to the butter mixture
5. Pour batter into prepared pans
6. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean (30-35 minutes for most layer cakes)

Doneness Check for Pecan Pie Cake

Your cake is done when:

• The edges pull slightly away from the pan
• The top springs back when lightly touched
• A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs

Cooling Your Pecan Pie Cake

Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking and ensures proper texture development.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Cake

Avoiding Common Pecan Pie Cake Mistakes

• Don’t overmix your batter after adding flour (this develops gluten and makes the cake tough)
• Measure ingredients precisely, especially flour (use the spoon and level method)
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smooth incorporation
• Allow the cake to cool completely before adding filling or frosting

Tool Recommendations

• Digital kitchen scale for precise measuring
• Stand mixer or high-quality hand mixer
• Offset spatula for frosting application
• Cake leveler or long serrated knife for even layers

Storage & Serving

• Store unfrosted cakes at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 3 days
• Refrigerate frosted cakes, but bring to room temperature before serving
• Freeze unfrosted cake layers, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months

Pecan Pie Cake Flavor Variations

Classic Pecan Pie Cake

This traditional version combines vanilla cake layers with a rich pecan pie filling and brown sugar buttercream. It’s the perfect introduction to this delightful dessert concept.

Chocolate Pecan Pie Cake

Add cocoa powder to your cake batter and include chocolate chips in your pecan filling for a decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.

Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Cake

Substitute maple syrup for corn syrup in the filling and add a splash of bourbon extract for a sophisticated, adult version perfect for holiday gatherings.

Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Cake

Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend with a bit of xanthan gum to create an equally delicious option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Vegan Pecan Pie Cake

Replace eggs with flax eggs, butter with plant-based alternatives, and use maple syrup instead of honey for a completely vegan-friendly dessert.

Serving Suggestions for Pecan Pie Cake

Elevate your pecan pie cake experience with these perfect accompaniments:

• A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside a warm slice
• Freshly whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon
• Caramel sauce drizzled over the top
• A small glass of coffee liqueur or dessert wine
• Fresh berries for a bright contrast to the rich cake

Pecan Pie Cake FAQs

Can I make pecan pie cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cake layers can be baked up to 3 days in advance and stored at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. You can also freeze the unfrosted layers for up to 3 months.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Always thoroughly grease your cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. For extra insurance, dust the greased sides with a light coating of flour.

Can I use a cake mix for this recipe?
Yes! To save time, you can use a yellow or vanilla cake mix for the cake layers. Just follow the box instructions, then proceed with the homemade pecan pie filling and frosting for a semi-homemade version.

How should I store leftover pecan pie cake?
Store cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Is there a way to make this cake less sweet?
Reduce the sugar in the cake batter by up to 25% without affecting the structure. You can also use unsweetened whipped cream instead of frosting between the layers.

Conclusion

Pecan pie cake represents the best of both world the buttery, nutty goodness of pecan pie combined with the soft, tender crumb of a perfect cake. These five recipes offer something for everyone, from traditionalists to those seeking bold new flavor combinations.

I’d love to see your pecan pie cake creations! Share your baking adventures with me on social media, and don’t forget to check out my Pinterest board for more visual inspiration: Find more delicious recipe ideas on my Pinterest page!

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these pecan pie cakes are guaranteed to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Happy baking!

Pecan Pie Cake: 5 Mouthwatering Recipes You’ll Love

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• Author: Emma Emma
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 mins
• Yield: 12 slices 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A decadent Southern-inspired cake that combines the rich, nutty flavors of classic pecan pie with soft, buttery cake layers and a luscious caramel-cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holidays and special gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted

1/2 cup corn syrup

1/2 cup brown sugar (for filling)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 eggs (for filling)

1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)

3 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.

5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter until combined.

6. Fold in toasted pecans and divide batter between pans.

7. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.

8. For pecan filling, whisk corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in pecans and cook over medium heat until thickened; cool.

9. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy. Stir in caramel sauce.

10. Layer cake with pecan filling between layers, frost the outside, and drizzle with extra caramel. Garnish with whole pecans if desired.

Notes

Toast pecans beforehand for deeper flavor.

Allow pecan filling to cool completely before assembling to prevent melting the frosting.

Store refrigerated due to cream cheese frosting; bring to room temperature before serving.

This cake tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.

• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 52g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: Pecan Pie Cake, southern cake, pecan dessert, caramel cream cheese frosting, holiday cake