This Pecan Pie Pudding Cake is the ultimate fusion of gooey pecan pie and warm, comforting cake. It features a soft, buttery cake layer that magically creates its own caramel-like sauce underneath, packed with toasted pecans for crunch.
The best part? This easy, no-fuss dessert is baked in one dish and requires no complicated steps!
Ingredients for Pecan Pie Pudding Cake
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (120ml) hot water
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (90g) chopped pecans
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Make the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
3. Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping
- In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, hot water, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until dissolved.
- Gently pour the mixture over the cake batter (do not stir).
- Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top.
4. Bake the Cake
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and bubbling around the edges.
- The cake will rise to the top while the rich pecan caramel sauce forms underneath.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the cake cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Expert Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Pudding Cake
Pour the topping gently – It will sink as it bakes, creating the gooey sauce.
Use fresh, toasted pecans – Enhances the nutty flavor.
Don’t overbake – The sauce should be thick but still gooey.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Stirring the topping into the batter – It needs to stay separate for the pudding effect.
Skipping the cream – Adds richness to the sauce.
Using cold water instead of hot – The topping won’t blend properly.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve in individual bowls with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or extra pecans for a fancy touch.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea.
How to Store & Make Ahead
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Freezing:
- Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it dairy-free – Use coconut milk and vegan butter.
- Add a hint of spice – Mix in ½ teaspoon cinnamon for warmth.
- Try different nuts – Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
What to Serve with Pecan Pie Pudding Cake
- A scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream or crème fraîche
- A drizzle of maple syrup or caramel sauce
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this in a larger pan?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark?
Yes! Dark brown sugar gives a richer caramel flavor, but light brown sugar works too.
Why is my cake too runny?
It may need 5 more minutes in the oven to thicken the sauce.
Conclusion
This Pecan Pie Pudding Cake is rich, gooey, and packed with buttery caramelized pecan flavor, making it the ultimate cozy dessert! With a soft cake layer on top and a deliciously sweet sauce underneath, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting homemade treat.
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more indulgent dessert recipes!
Calories Per Serving
Approximate Calories: 350 kcal per serving (based on 8 servings).
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 8
PrintPecan Pie Pudding Cake – Gooey, Buttery & Irresistible!
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
This Pecan Pie Pudding Cake is warm, gooey, and packed with caramelized pecans! A rich, self-saucing dessert perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (120ml) hot water
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (90g) chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Make the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
3. Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping
- In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, hot water, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until dissolved.
- Gently pour the mixture over the cake batter (do not stir).
- Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top.
4. Bake the Cake
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and bubbling around the edges.
- The cake will rise to the top while the rich pecan caramel sauce forms underneath.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the cake cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Notes
✔ Pour the topping gently – It will sink as it bakes, creating the gooey sauce.
✔ Use fresh, toasted pecans – Enhances the nutty flavor.
✔ Don’t overbake – The sauce should be thick but still gooey.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350