This Easy Pecan Pie Cake is everything you love about pecan pie but baked into a soft, gooey cake form. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Prep - No rolling out pie crust or fussing with pie dough-just mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Perfectly Sweet - Brown sugar and pecans create that classic pecan pie flavor without being overwhelming.
- Texture Heaven - A soft, gooey filling meets a tender cake base for the best of both worlds.
- Crowd-Friendly - The sheet cake style makes it easy to slice and serve for gatherings.
I've shared some tasty pecan pie treats in the past, including pecan pie brownies, pecan pie cookies, and even mini pecan pie tarts, but this cake is one of my favorites! It is so simple and comes together so fast that you will love it!
Using a variation of my old-fashioned pecan pie filling, this cake is loaded with all the things you love about the pie but in cake form!
What This Recipe Needs
Yellow Cake Mix - Acts as the base, saving time while providing a soft, fluffy texture.
Eggs - Bind the filling together and give the cake structure.
Pecans - The star ingredient, providing crunch and nutty sweetness.
Butter - Adds richness and flavor to the pecan filling.
Corn Syrup - Key for creating that gooey pecan pie-style filling.
Brown Sugar - Brings depth and caramel-like sweetness.
Vanilla Extract - Enhances all the warm flavors in the cake.
Topping- Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting (store bought or homemade), Cool Whip, Whipped Cream Frosting, or No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream
Substitutions
- Spice Cake Mix for Yellow - Adds a cozy, spiced twist.
- Maple Syrup for Corn Syrup - A natural swap for a slightly different sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Cake Mix - Works just as well for a gluten-free version.
- Coconut Sugar for Brown Sugar - A less refined sugar option with similar caramel notes.
If you like this recipe, make sure to check out my tasty pumpkin fluff dip!
How to Make Pecan Pie Cake?
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350F°. Place chopped pecans on the prepared baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. They should be fragrant but not burned. Prep a baking dish with nonstick spray and flour (like Baker's Joy).
- Step 2: In a saucepan, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Heat and stir until it thickens. It's thick enough when it coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 3: Then stir in the chopped pecans and set aside.
- Step 4: Mix cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Then, pour cake mix into the prepared baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
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- Step 5: Remove from oven (partially baked) and gently spread the pecan pie filling over the top. Bake for an additional 18-20 minutes, or until the cake is fully cooked.
- Step 6: Remove from oven, allow to cool before frosting, and enjoy!
Variations:
- Caramel - Use my filling from my caramel pecan pie for extra sweetness!
- Chocolate Chip - Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a rich surprise.
- Bourbon - Add a splash of bourbon to the filling for a grown-up twist.
- Cranberry - Stir in ½ cup dried cranberries for sweet-tart pops of flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice - Add 1 tablespoon of pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-5 days.
Yes-spice, butter, or even chocolate cake mix all work for fun variations.
Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Yes. Simply separate the batter into two cake pans and bake as instructed in the recipe.
More Related Recipes
If you like this recipe make sure to check out my other fall favorite treats like sweet potato cupcakes, caramel pear pie, sweet potato pudding, sweet potato souffle, chocolate pudding pie french silk pie, pumpkin pie cookies, cinnamon toast crunch bars, and cheesecake cookies!
If you like this recipe make sure to give it a 5-star review and leave a comment down below!
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Video
Easy Pecan Pie Cake
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix* or vanilla, or yellow, or spiced cake mix
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Pecan Pie Filling
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups Pecan roughly chopped
Topping
- Serve with a dollop of cream cheese frosting cool whip, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of brown sugar or cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Coarsely chop your pecans and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Toast the pecans in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. They should be fragrant but not burned. Once toasted, set aside. Decrease oven temperature to 325°F.2 cups Pecan
- Spray a 9x13 pan with nonstick cooking spray with flour (like Baker's Joy) or grease with butter or PAM and coat with flour.
- In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, ~10 minutes. Stir in toasted pecans and cook for another 3-5 minutes. * Then set aside.1 cup light corn syrup, 1 cup brown sugar, 3 large eggs, ¼ cup unsalted butter, 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mix the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs.1 box butter pecan cake mix*, 1 cup water, ½ cup vegetable oil, 3 large eggs
- Pour cake mix into prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, remove half-baked cake from oven, gently spread pecan pie filling over cake, and return to oven. Bake for an additional 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven, allow to cool, then serve with a dollop of cream cheese frosting, Cool Whip, whipped cream, or ice cream!Serve with a dollop of cream cheese frosting, Garnish with a sprinkle of brown sugar or cinnamon
Notes
- *Vanilla Cake mix is a good alternative if you can't find a butter pecan option.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Top with cream cheese frosting or serve with ice cream!
Lisa says
This cake is so delicious! I can't wait to bring it for Thanksgiving dinner!
Karen Balli says
Pecan Pie Cake