Pecan Pie Pudding Cake Recipe
If you love the rich, buttery crunch of pecans combined with a warm, gooey dessert, then you are in for an absolute treat with this Pecan Pie Pudding Cake Recipe. This delightful dish brings together the comforting flavors of traditional pecan pie and the luscious texture of a pudding cake, creating a magical dessert that’s both simple to make and irresistible to eat. It’s a perfect choice for cozy family gatherings or whenever you want to indulge in a sweet, nostalgic bite that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pecan Pie Pudding Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully selected to build layers of flavor and texture. From the tender, spiced cake base to the rich, syrupy topping loaded with pecans, these components work in harmony to give you a dessert that’s both cozy and decadent.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the cake batter.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise perfectly for a light texture.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: Gives a warm, spicy undertone enhancing the pecan flavor.
- ½ cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Adds richness and a buttery depth to the cake.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a lovely fragrant sweetness.
- ½ cup chopped pecans: Brings the signature nutty crunch into the cake itself.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Creates a caramel-like richness in the topping.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness in the topping mixture.
- 1 cup hot water: Mixes with sugars and butter to form the pudding topping.
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Adds smoothness and depth to the topping.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the topping.
- ½ cup pecan halves: Used in the topping for an eye-catching, crunchy finish.
How to Make Pecan Pie Pudding Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and to ensure your cake edges come out beautifully crisp and golden. Taking care with your preparation here sets the stage for a seamless baking process.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon, whisking until evenly mixed. Then stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, blending until you have a smooth and inviting batter. Carefully fold in the chopped pecans to distribute the nutty goodness throughout the cake. Pour this batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for a uniform bake.
Step 3: Mix the Pecan Pie Topping
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, hot water, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This topping mixture is the secret to that luscious pudding layer you’ll enjoy beneath a perfectly caramelized crust.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake and Topping
Gently and carefully pour the topping mixture over the cake batter in your baking dish. Resist the urge to stir; the magic of this recipe is that the topping naturally sinks into the batter as it bakes, creating those signature pudding pockets that make this dessert so special.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Look for a top that’s beautifully golden brown with bubbling pudding layers beneath the surface. This signals the perfect balance between a tender cake and gooey, sweet topping coming together.
Step 6: Cool and Get Ready to Serve
Once baked, allow your Pecan Pie Pudding Cake Recipe to cool slightly so the pudding layer sets just enough for easy slicing. This little pause not only helps in serving but also intensifies the flavors as they meld together.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Pudding Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top of a warm slice is simply irresistible and elevates the comforting qualities of this dessert. You can also sprinkle a few extra toasted pecan halves for crunch and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a side of fresh whipped cream to lighten each bite. Alternatively, a dollop of crème fraîche or a spoonful of fresh berries can add a lovely contrast to the sweet, pecan-rich pudding cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming, personal touch at dinner parties. Layering warm pieces of this pudding cake with ice cream and chopped pecans in a trifle dish also makes for an elegant, eye-catching dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your leftover Pecan Pie Pudding Cake Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It remains moist and flavorful, making it easy to enjoy the next day as a delicious treat or simple dessert.
Freezing
If you want to store it longer, this pudding cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to one minute, or warm the whole dish in a 175°C (350°F) oven until it’s heated through. Serving it warm helps recapture that delightful pudding-like consistency and enhances its comforting aroma.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in the Pecan Pie Pudding Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional and provide a classic flavor and texture, walnuts or even almonds can be used if you want a slightly different nutty profile. Just keep the same quantity for balance.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Make sure it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for best results in texture.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the cake batter and topping separately and combine them just before baking. This makes it convenient to prep in advance and bake fresh when you’re ready to serve.
What is the texture like in the finished Pecan Pie Pudding Cake Recipe?
This dessert features a tender cake layer on top with a wonderfully gooey, pudding-like layer underneath thanks to the topping settling into the batter during baking. The pecans add satisfying crunches throughout.
Can I add spices other than cinnamon?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of allspice to add layers of warm spice. Just be careful not to overpower the pecan flavor that is the star of this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Making this Pecan Pie Pudding Cake Recipe is like bringing a little slice of cozy southern comfort into your kitchen. It’s a dessert that’s deceptively simple but rich with layers of flavor and texture that everyone will adore. I encourage you to try it soon and share the warmth and sweetness of this wonderful pudding cake with friends and family — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to over and over again!
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Pecan Pie Pudding Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Pecan Pie Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of a classic pecan pie with the soft, comforting texture of a pudding cake. Featuring a moist spiced cake base studded with chopped pecans and topped with a luscious pecan pie-inspired syrup and crunchy pecan halves, it’s the perfect warm treat to enjoy on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Cake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Pecan Pie Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to ensure the cake does not stick during baking.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon until well combined. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth. Fold in the chopped pecans gently to distribute evenly. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, hot water, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture thoroughly until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Assemble the Cake: Gently pour the prepared pecan pie topping over the cake batter in the baking dish. Do not stir; the topping will naturally settle on top and create a pudding layer as it bakes.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when the top turns golden brown and the pudding layer is bubbling, indicating it is fully cooked and the topping has set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly after baking. For the best flavor and texture, serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich pecan flavors.
Notes
- Make sure not to stir the topping into the batter as it needs to create the signature pudding layer on top.
- Use an 8×8-inch baking dish for the correct thickness and baking time.
- For a nut-free variation, omit the pecans and increase cinnamon or add raisins for a different texture.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
