Easy Pecan Pie Cake Recipe: A Cozy Twist on Classic Favorites

Sweet pecan pie cake represents the ultimate Southern dessert fusion that brings together classic comfort and innovative baking.

Nuts and sugary richness dance across layers of moist, tender crumb with irresistible complexity.

Rich flavors intertwine like delicate culinary poetry, refineing familiar ingredients into something extraordinary.

Bakers who crave depth and indulgence will find this recipe a delightful adventure in taste and texture.

Southern traditions merge with modern techniques, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Warm spices and caramelized notes promise a sensory experience that transcends ordinary cake expectations.

Passionate home bakers can elevate their dessert game with this remarkable culinary creation.

Tips for Getting That Sticky Crunch Just Right

• Measure Pecans Precisely: Chop pecans uniformly to ensure even distribution and consistent texture throughout the cake.
• Check Cake Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs for a perfectly baked cake.
• Mix Wet Ingredients Thoroughly: Whisk eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla until they become smooth and slightly foamy to create a light, airy base.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and other ingredients to sit at room temperature for better mixing and more consistent baking results.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Avoid overmixing the batter and ensure your oven is fully preheated to maintain the cake's structural integrity and prevent a dense texture.

Storing the Cake Without Losing That Gooey Layer

• Refrigerate: Seal cake squares in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining freshness and preventing moisture loss.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cake squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Store frozen for up to 3 months, preserving texture and flavor.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen cake at room temperature for 30 minutes, or warm individual squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until slightly heated through.

Drinks and Scoops That Go Well with Pecan Pie Cake

• Sip Creamy Bourbon Companions: Pair this pecan pie cake with a smooth bourbon or bourbon-based cocktail. The rich, caramel notes of bourbon complement the nutty pecan flavors, creating a delightful taste experience that enhances both the drink and dessert.
• Brew Complementary Coffee Matches: Serve alongside a hot cup of dark roast coffee or a velvety cappuccino. The robust coffee cuts through the cake's sweetness while highlighting the deep, toasty pecan undertones.
• Scoop Vanilla Ice Cream Delight: Top each cake square with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, dense cake, creating a heavenly dessert combination that melts in your mouth.
• Drizzle Caramel Sauce Magic: Add a light drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the cake squares. This extra touch amplifies the dessert's richness and brings out the nutty, sweet flavors of the pecans.

Flavor Add-Ins to Make It Yours

• Maple Pecan Sensation: Replace vanilla extract with pure maple syrup and add a maple glaze on top by mixing powdered sugar with maple syrup for extra richness.
• Chocolate Chip Crunch: Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter before baking to create a decadent chocolate-pecan combination with added texture.
• Bourbon Caramel Upgrade: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of bourbon into the batter and drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the cooled cake squares for a sophisticated adult version.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Create a cream cheese mixture with softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, then swirl into the batter before baking for a tangy, creamy element.

Why Pecan Pie Cake Combines the Best of Two Desserts

• Savor Southern Sweetness: This pecan pie cake captures the essence of traditional Southern desserts, blending rich pecans with a moist, decadent cake that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Effortless Elegance: With simple ingredients and straightforward mixing methods, even novice bakers can create a show-stopping dessert that looks and tastes professionally made, requiring minimal kitchen skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Convenience: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weeknight treats, these cake squares are easily shareable, portable, and maintain their delicious flavor for days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Everything You Need for a Caramel-Pecan Cake Fusion

• Eggs: Fresh eggs provide structure and richness to the cake.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the dessert.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet aromatic notes.

• Vegetable Oil, Salt: Oil keeps the cake moist and tender while salt balances sweetness.

• Flour: All-purpose flour creates the cake's foundational texture and structure.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add nutty flavor and interesting texture throughout the cake.

• Powdered Sugar: Light dusting adds subtle sweetness and elegant presentation to cake squares.

How to Bake a Pecan Pie Cake That’s Not Too Sweet

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Cake Base

• Eggs
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whisk or use an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and slightly foamy.

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Salt

Mix thoroughly until well blended.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold flour into the mixture until fully combined.

Step 5: Fold in Pecans

Gently mix chopped pecans into the batter, ensuring even distribution.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and a set center.

Step 8: Cool and Finish

Allow cake to cool completely in the pan.

Step 9: Optional Finishing Touch

Dust cake squares with powdered sugar before serving.

Pecan Pie Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Pecan pie cake marries classic Southern dessert charm with rich, buttery layers of nutty indulgence. Warm caramel notes and toasted pecans create a comforting dessert experience you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 scant teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup (177 milliliters) vegetable oil

Nut and Topping Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped pecans
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by generously coating a 13×9-inch pan with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, vigorously whisk together eggs, rich brown sugar, and fragrant vanilla extract until the mixture transforms into a silky, aerated emulsion with a light, frothy texture.
3. Incorporate vegetable oil and a delicate sprinkle of salt into the egg mixture, stirring methodically to create a harmonious blend of wet ingredients.
4. Gradually introduce flour into the liquid base, folding gently to prevent overmixing and maintain the batter’s delicate consistency.
5. Carefully fold chopped pecans throughout the batter, distributing the nutty morsels evenly to ensure each slice will have a delightful crunch.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread the mixture uniformly, creating an even layer that will bake consistently.
7. Position the pan in a preheated oven set to 350°F, allowing the cake to bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges develop a golden-brown hue and the center sets with a gentle firmness.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, letting the residual heat stabilize the delicate structure.
9. Once thoroughly cooled, slice the cake into precise 24 squares, creating uniform portions.
10. Optional: Dust the cake squares with a delicate veil of powdered sugar just before serving to add a touch of elegant sweetness.
11. For optimal freshness, store the cake squares in an airtight container at room temperature, maintaining their moisture and flavor.

Notes

• Elevate the cake’s texture by whisking eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly foamy for a light, airy result.
• Distribute chopped pecans evenly throughout the batter to ensure each bite is packed with nutty crunch and rich flavor.
• Check cake doneness by observing golden-brown edges and a set center, preventing overbaking and maintaining moisture.
• Opt for an electric mixer to achieve a consistent batter, but a hand whisk works perfectly for those who prefer a more traditional approach.
• Cool the cake completely in the pan to help it set and make cutting into 24 squares easier and more precise.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant, sweet finishing touch that adds visual appeal and extra sweetness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 434
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 64 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 93 mg