Pecan Pie Layer Cake 

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Introduction:

Pecan pie is a timeless classic, beloved for its rich, nutty flavor and gooey texture. But what if we told you there’s a way to elevate this already decadent dessert to new heights? Enter the Pecan Pie Layer Cake – a symphony of flavors and textures that combines the best of both worlds: the buttery goodness of pecan pie with the light, airy layers of cake. In this article, we’ll explore what makes this dessert a showstopper and how you can create your own masterpiece at home.

Ingredients:

Pecan Pie Filling:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup dark corn syrup
  • 3/4 cup (108g) dark brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups chopped pecans

Cake Layers:

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 6 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup milk, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup water, room temperature

Frosting:

  • 1 1/4 cup salted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups shortening
  • 10 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 5–6 tbsp water or milk

Additional:

  • Pecan halves, for decorating

Instructions:

To Make the Pecan Pie Filling:

  1. In a saucepan, combine all filling ingredients except pecans. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until it begins to boil.
  2. Add chopped pecans and allow to boil for 30 seconds.
  3. Remove from heat and refrigerate until cool and thickened.

To Make the Cake Layers:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
  3. Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  4. Gradually add egg whites, mixing well after each addition.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk mixture to the batter, mixing until well combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for 21-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

To Make the Frosting and Assemble Cake:

  1. In a large mixer bowl, combine butter and shortening until smooth.
  2. Gradually add half of the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
  3. Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and 3-4 tablespoons of water or milk, mixing until smooth.
  4. Gradually add remaining powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
  5. Adjust consistency with additional water or milk as needed.
  6. Level cake layers, then place one layer on a serving plate. Pipe a dam of frosting around the edge.
  7. Spread 1/3 of the pecan pie filling inside the dam, then smooth out the frosting.
  8. Repeat layering with remaining cake layers and filling.
  9. Frost the outside of the cake, then pipe a border around the top edge.
  10. Fill border with remaining pecan pie filling and decorate with pecan halves.
  11. Refrigerate cake until ready to serve.
  12. Enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors in this Pecan Pie Layer Cake!

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serving Suggestions:
    • Serve slices of the Pecan Pie Layer Cake at room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop.
    • Accompany each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
    • For a special touch, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or cocoa powder just before serving.
  2. Storage Guidelines:
    • If there are leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), store the Pecan Pie Layer Cake in an airtight cake container or cake dome to prevent it from drying out.
    • Alternatively, you can cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
    • Store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its freshness and texture. Beyond that, consider refrigerating the cake to prolong its shelf life.
    • Before serving refrigerated cake slices, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly and bring out the flavors.
  3. Freezing Instructions:
    • If you wish to freeze the Pecan Pie Layer Cake, wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.
    • Label the wrapped cake with the date and contents for easy identification.
    • Frozen cake slices can typically last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
    • When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, bring it to room temperature before serving.
  4. Refreshing Stale Cake:
    • If the cake starts to lose its freshness or becomes slightly dry, consider reviving it by brushing each slice lightly with a simple syrup made from equal parts water and sugar, heated until the sugar dissolves. This will add moisture and enhance the flavor.

FAQs:

  1. Can I make the Pecan Pie Layer Cake in advance?
    • Yes, you can definitely prepare the Pecan Pie Layer Cake ahead of time. It’s best to assemble the cake and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in an even more delicious dessert.
  2. Can I use store-bought cake mix for this recipe?
    • While you can use store-bought cake mix if you’re short on time, we highly recommend making the cake layers from scratch for the best flavor and texture. However, if you choose to use a cake mix, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adjust the baking time accordingly.
  3. How do I prevent the cake layers from sticking to the pan?
    • To prevent the cake layers from sticking to the pan, it’s essential to properly grease and flour the cake pans before pouring in the batter. You can also line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper for added insurance. Additionally, allowing the cakes to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pans can help prevent sticking.
  4. Can I customize the flavors of the Pecan Pie Layer Cake?
    • Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different cake flavors, such as chocolate or spice, to complement the pecan filling. You can also add other mix-ins to the filling, such as chocolate chips or dried fruit, to create your own unique twist on this classic dessert.
  5. How should I store leftover Pecan Pie Layer Cake?
    • Leftover Pecan Pie Layer Cake can be stored in an airtight container or cake dome at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its freshness. If you need to store it for longer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving to restore its texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can freeze individual slices for up to 2-3 months for future enjoyment.

Conclusion:

The Pecan Pie Layer Cake is more than just a dessert – it’s a culinary masterpiece that embodies the spirit of indulgence and creativity. With its rich flavors, luxurious textures, and eye-catching presentation, it’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates. So why wait? Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a journey to dessert nirvana with this irresistible confection.

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