Irresistible Pecan Pie Pudding Dessert Cake

Can you resist a moist homemade cake filled with pecans and creamy pudding? This easy family favorite dessert is perfect for weeknight dinner gatherings, made with simple ingredients and a quick cooking method, save for later

Irresistible Pecan Pie Pudding Cake

Introduction

Imagine a dessert that combines the richness of pecan pie with the comfort of a warm pudding cake, all made with everyday ingredients that are easily accessible in your local grocery store. This Irresistible Pecan Pie Pudding Cake is a game-changer for anyone looking for a creative dessert that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for such an impressive result. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Why This Works

  • Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of pecans, brown sugar, and maple syrup creates a deep, rich flavor profile that’s hard to resist, and all the ingredients are readily available.
  • Ease of preparation: The cake mix is straightforward, and the pudding layer is simple to prepare, making this a great option for a weeknight dessert or a special occasion.
  • Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its ease of preparation, this dessert looks and tastes like it was made by a professional, making it perfect for entertaining or gift-giving.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include a boxed cake mix, pecans, brown sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, and eggs. For the pecans, you can use either pecan halves or chopped pecans, depending on your preference. If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or agave nectar. The heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk alternative for a lighter version. As for the eggs, make sure to use room temperature eggs for the best results.

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven is heating up, chop the pecans and measure out the other ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, brown sugar, and chopped pecans.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, and maple syrup. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should still be slightly lumpy.
  3. Step 3: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and smooth out the top. Drizzle with a little extra maple syrup and sprinkle with additional chopped pecans if desired.
  4. Step 4: Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. While the cake is cooling, prepare the pudding layer by whisking together the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Pour the pudding over the warm cake and serve immediately.

Handy Tips

  • Make sure to not overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Stop stirring as soon as the ingredients are combined.
  • If you want a crunchier pecan topping, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top of the cake before baking. If you prefer a gooier topping, sprinkle the pecans on top of the cake after it’s been baked and still warm.
  • To avoid a soggy cake, don’t overbake it. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking this cake is 350°F (180°C). Make sure to check the cake after 30 minutes of baking and then every 5 minutes thereafter, as the baking time may vary depending on your oven. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dessert comes from the chopped pecans on top of the cake. If you want a crunchier topping, sprinkle the pecans on top of the cake before baking. If you prefer a gooier topping, sprinkle the pecans on top of the cake after it’s been baked and still warm. You can also add a crunchy element to the pudding layer by sprinkling a few chopped pecans on top of the pudding before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

  • To ensure the cake releases easily from the pan, grease the pan with butter or cooking spray and then dust it with granulated sugar.
  • If you want a more intense pecan flavor, use pecan extract or pecan praline syrup in place of some of the maple syrup.
  • To make the dessert more visually appealing, top the cake with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Storage Tips

  • The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
  • The pudding layer can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir before using.
  • To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw the cake at room temperature or reheat it in the microwave.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dessert is perfect for gift-giving, especially during the holiday season. Consider packaging the cake in a decorative tin or glass dish and topping it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few chopped pecans. You can also package the cake in a cardboard box or a paper bag and tie it with a ribbon. If you want to give the dessert as a gift in a jar, layer the cake, pudding, and whipped cream in a large mason jar and top it with a sprinkle of sea salt and a few chopped pecans.

Flavor Variations

  • 🌟 Different spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the cake batter for a unique flavor twist.
  • 🌟 Creative toppings: Top the cake with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor and texture.
  • 🌟 Ingredient swaps: Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk alternative for a lighter version. You can also use different types of nuts, such as walnuts or hazelnuts, in place of the pecans.

Troubleshooting

  • Texture problems: If the cake is too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Try to mix the ingredients just until they’re combined. If the pudding layer is too thin, it may be due to using too much heavy cream. Try to adjust the amount of cream to achieve the desired consistency.
  • Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or agave nectar. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk alternative.
  • Over/undercooking signs: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. If the cake is underbaked, it may be too moist and prone to sinking. If the cake is overbaked, it may be too dry and crumbly.

FAQs

  • Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw the cake at room temperature or reheat it in the microwave.
  • Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe is not gluten-free, as it uses a boxed cake mix that contains gluten. However, you can try to make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free cake mix and adjusting the ingredients accordingly.
  • Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just keep in mind that the baking time may be longer, so make sure to check the cake frequently to avoid overbaking.

Conclusion

This Irresistible Pecan Pie Pudding Cake is a must-try dessert for anyone who loves pecan pie and pudding. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for such an impressive result. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a great addition to your dessert repertoire. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the ooohs and ahhhs from your family and friends!

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