Description
This decadent Pecan Cake is a luscious, gooey dessert featuring a buttery pecan base topped with a rich, spiced filling and a crunchy cake mix crust. With the combination of sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake offers layers of flavor and texture that make it perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1.5 cups chopped pecans (1 cup for base, ½ cup for topping)
Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup brown sugar (dark preferred for gooey depth)
- ½ cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (bourbon vanilla recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional but recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional for spice warmth)
Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix (dry, do not prepare)
- 1 cup butter, melted (unsalted or salted)
- ½ cup chopped pecans (for topping)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional for variation)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and help with even baking.
- Prepare the base: Evenly spread 1 cup of the chopped pecans across the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating a nutty foundation for the cake.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and fully combined. This mixture will create the moist, gooey layer.
- Assemble layers: Pour the filling mixture evenly over the pecan base in the baking dish, spreading it out gently.
- Add cake mix topping: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the filling layer. Do not stir or mix; this will create a layered effect as it bakes.
- Butter drizzle and topping: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer to moisten it and help form a crisp crust. Then, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup chopped pecans across the top. If using, scatter chocolate chips evenly at this stage for extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the top is dark golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool for at least 1 hour to let the gooey layers set properly. Serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with ice cream if desired for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- Use dark brown sugar for a richer, deeper flavor in the filling.
- Optional cinnamon and nutmeg add warming spice but can be omitted if preferred.
- Chocolate chips on top add a lovely variation but are not necessary.
- Make sure to cool the cake fully to achieve the signature gooey texture.
- This cake is best served within 2 days and can be stored covered at room temperature or refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 9 slices)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
