If you’re looking to impress at your next gathering or simply want to indulge in something special, this Pecan Pie Layer Cake truly delivers on all fronts. Imagine the luscious layers of a classic Southern pecan pie, reimagined into a towering, buttery cake stacked high with creamy frosting and gooey pecan filling. Each forkful hits you with toasted nutty crunch, rich vanilla cake, and a dreamy cream cheese swirl—delivering a showstopping dessert experience you’ll crave again and again. If you love classic holiday flavors with a twist, you need to try Pecan Pie Layer Cake!

Pecan Pie Layer Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The building blocks for a memorable Pecan Pie Layer Cake are surprisingly simple but each is essential. These time-tested ingredients combine to provide the moist crumb, signature pie filling, and dreamy frosting that set this cake apart—each bite is a true celebration of texture and flavor.

All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its structure while keeping it tender and soft.
Baking powder & baking soda: Work together to ensure your cake rises perfectly, with a light, fluffy texture.
Salt: Just a pinch wakes up every flavor in the cake and filling—don’t skip it!
Unsalted butter (softened): The backbone of both the cake and frosting, providing unmatched richness and flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake layers and lends a slight caramel undertone.
Eggs: Help bind the cake and the filling, making everything moist and cohesive.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and brings comforting warmth to each bite.
Whole milk: Moistens the batter and lends a classic creamy mouthfeel.
Sour cream: Adds tang and tenderness for slices that melt in your mouth.
Chopped pecans (toasted): The star ingredient—give them a quick toast to boost their flavor and crunch.
Light brown sugar (for filling): Mellows into a deep, molasses-y sweetness reminiscent of true pecan pie.
Light corn syrup (for filling): Creates that classic glossy texture you’d expect from a traditional pie filling.
Egg yolks (for filling): Thicken the filling and make it sumptuously rich.
Cream cheese (softened, for frosting): Combined with butter, this takes the frosting to cloud-like levels of creamy.
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Ensures your frosting stays smooth and easily spreadable.
Heavy cream (for frosting): Just a splash makes your frosting super fluffy and luxurious.

How to Make Pecan Pie Layer Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Cake Pans & Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your three 8-inch round cake pans ready. Grease them well and line the bottoms with parchment paper for super easy cake removal—nobody likes a stuck layer!

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This simple step ensures even distribution and gives the cake a uniform rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and deliciously buttery. This aerates the batter, setting you up for soft and tender layers in your Pecan Pie Layer Cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for a smooth, cohesive batter. Mix in the vanilla extract and creamy sour cream, which adds depth and ensures your cake stays wonderfully moist.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture in three parts, alternating with whole milk. This method, beginning and ending with flour, prevents overmixing—you’ll be rewarded with a light and melt-in-your-mouth crumb.

Step 6: Fold in Toasted Pecans

With a gentle hand, fold the toasted chopped pecans into the batter. Their rich aroma and satisfying crunch are integral to every slice of Pecan Pie Layer Cake.

Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the prepared batter evenly among your three cake pans. Smooth the tops, then bake at 350°F for 22–26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in their pans before turning out onto a rack.

Step 8: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling

While your cakes are cooling, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, whisk in egg yolks quickly (so they don’t scramble!). Add vanilla, a pinch of salt, and the chopped pecans, then cook for a few minutes until thickened. Cool the filling completely before layering so it sets up beautifully.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, then a splash of heavy cream to reach that cloud-like consistency every great layer cake deserves.

Step 10: Assemble the Pecan Pie Layer Cake

Place your first cake layer on a serving plate and spread with a generous layer of frosting. Top with a thin layer of cooled pecan pie filling. Repeat with the remaining cake layers, then frost the outside of the cake and decorate as your heart desires—with a ring of pecans, extra filling, or even just a rustic swirl. Chill before slicing for the cleanest layers!

How to Serve Pecan Pie Layer Cake

Garnishes

This cake truly shines with a few thoughtfully chosen toppings. Sprinkle toasted pecan halves on top for crunch and eye-catching beauty, or drizzle the crown with a swirl of extra pecan pie filling for a show-stopping finish. A dusting of powdered sugar or a few dollops of whipped cream also bring a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

Pecan Pie Layer Cake is exceptionally rich, so pairing it with lighter sides makes every bite shine brighter. Offer fresh, juicy berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the sweetness. A steaming mug of coffee or cold glass of milk will round out the experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with presentation! Serve the cake as generous slices for a classic celebration, or cut them into petite squares for a modern dessert tray. For parties, individual mini cakes assembled in mason jars make charming, portable treats that capture all the layers of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover slices of Pecan Pie Layer Cake tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge, where the cake will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit after a night’s rest!

Freezing

If you want to get ahead or save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or even whole cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your slice on the warmer side, just zap it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This gentle warm-up brings out the gooeyness of the pecan filling and makes the frosting extra creamy, almost like a just-baked treat!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pecan pie filling for this cake?

For best flavor and texture, homemade filling is worth the extra step—it melds seamlessly with the cake and really captures the Southern charm of a true Pecan Pie Layer Cake. But in a pinch, a thick, high-quality store-bought filling can substitute.

Do the cake layers have to be fully cool before assembling?

Yes—absolutely let your cake layers and pecan pie filling cool completely. If they’re still warm when assembling, your frosting can melt and the lovely layers may slip and slide.

Can I make this cake a day ahead?

Yes! In fact, making your Pecan Pie Layer Cake the day before lets the flavors meld and gives you picture-perfect slices. Just keep it chilled and covered until you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?

Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, stirring halfway. Keep a close eye—golden and fragrant is perfect; any darker, and they can get bitter fast.

Is this recipe easy to halve or double?

Definitely! You can halve the recipe for a smaller celebration, or double it to make an epic centerpiece for larger gatherings. Adjust baking times and pan sizes as needed for best results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a dessert that wraps up Southern comfort and festive celebration in every slice, look no further than this incredible Pecan Pie Layer Cake. It’s the kind of bake that’s destined to become a family favorite, and the perfect excuse to bring together the people you love. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend to help, and savor every glorious bite—you’re in for a real treat!

Pecan Pie Layer Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of pecan pie layered between moist, vanilla-scented cake and decadent cream cheese frosting with this show-stopping Pecan Pie Layer Cake. Perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (toasted)

Pecan Pie Filling:

3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 cup chopped pecans

Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed)

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Instructions

Cake: Preheat oven. Prepare pans. Whisk dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix in sour cream. Alternate dry ingredients and milk. Fold in pecans. Bake and cool.
Pecan Pie Filling: Combine ingredients in saucepan. Cook and cool.
Frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese. Add sugar, vanilla, and cream. Beat until fluffy.
Assembly: Layer cake, frosting, and pecan pie filling. Chill before serving.