Description
Homemade Pecan Pie Cake combines the rich, nutty flavors of classic pecan pie with a soft, spiced cake layer, topped with gooey caramelized pecans. Perfectly indulgent and easy to make, this dessert is ideal for holidays or any special occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
Pecan Caramel Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp corn syrup (optional for smoother texture)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Cake Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or a substitute made from milk and lemon juice)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Topping
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line with parchment paper. In a saucepan, melt the butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and salt over medium heat. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, then pour into the prepared pan. Sprinkle evenly with chopped pecans.
- Make the Cake Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, cream softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk, mixing just until smooth. Fold in chopped pecans. - Assemble and Bake
Spread the batter over the caramel-pecan layer, smoothing the top. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before flipping onto a plate. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Parchment Paper: Line both the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent sticking and ensure an easy flip.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mixing until just combined will keep the cake light and tender.
- Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature butter, eggs, and buttermilk create a smoother batter and help the cake bake evenly.
- Check Doneness in Multiple Spots: Especially for thicker cakes, insert a skewer in several areas to confirm it’s fully baked.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Homemade Pecan Pie Cake