Pecan Pie Layer Cake has a a thick layer of pecan pie filling sandwiched between two layers of brown sugar cake, covered in lots of brown sugar icing.
Course Dessert
Cuisine Southern
Prep Time 2 hourshours
Cook Time 32 minutesminutes
Total Time 2 hourshours32 minutesminutes
Servings 18
Author Christin Mahrlig
Ingredients
1 1/2cupschopped toasted pecans
1 1/2cupsunsalted butter, softened
2 1/2cupsfirmly packed dark brown sugar
4largeeggs
3cupsall-purpose flour
2teaspoonsbaking powder
1teaspoonsalt
1 1/4cupswhole milk
2teaspoonsvanilla extract
Pecan Pie Filling
1 cupchopped pecans
2/3cupgranulated sugar
1/2cupdark corn syrup
3tablespoonsunsalted butter, melted
1largeegg
1largeegg yolk
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1/8teaspoonsalt
Brown Sugar Frosting
3/4cupfirmly packed dark brown sugar
1/4cupwater
1/2teaspoonsalt
1 1/2cupsunsalted butter, softened and divided
4 1/2 to 5cupspowdered sugar
1tablespoonmilk
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 (9-inch) cake pans with cooking spray with flour. Line bottom of pans with parchment paper and lightly spray parchment paper.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans in the bottoms of the pans.
Using an electric mixer, beat butter and dark brown sugar at medium speed until fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to evenly mix everything.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add flour mixture, alternating with milk, beating just until combined after each addition. (Add flour mixture in 3 additions and milk in 2).
Beat in vanilla.
Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
Bake 32 to 36 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans 10 minutes and then remove from pans to cool completely.
Make Filling
In a medium saucepan, stir together pecans, sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and salt.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Simmer and stir for about 3 minutes.
Pour into a bowl and let cool to room temperature.
Spread pecan filling on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top.
Make Brown Sugar Frosting
In a small saucepan, bring brown sugar, water, and salt to a boil. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add 1/2 cup butter, stirring until melted. Let cool to room temperature.
Combine cooled brown sugar mixture and remaining butter in a mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
Gradually beat in powdered sugar.
Beat in milk. Spread frosting on top and sides of cake.