Pecan Pie Pudding Cake Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a dessert that delivers pure comfort with every gooey, nutty bite, look no further than this Pecan Pie Pudding Cake. Imagine the best of both worlds: a buttery, soft cake that bakes up into a molten bed of pecan-studded caramel sauce, all with the signature aroma and taste of classic pecan pie. This self-saucing wonder is simple to make and guaranteed to wow anyone who takes a spoonful.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this recipe works double-duty—balancing flavors and creating the lush, saucy texture that makes Pecan Pie Pudding Cake so unforgettable. You likely have most of these ingredients on hand, so let’s talk about why each is essential!

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its soft, tender base.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps brown the crust beautifully.
• Baking powder: Ensures the cake puffs up perfectly as it bakes.
• Salt: Enhances all the rich, sweet flavors without overpowering.
• Milk: Brings everything together for a smooth, velvety batter.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and buttery flavor to both the cake and the gooey sauce.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses aromatic warmth throughout the whole dessert.
• Chopped pecans: Star of the show—bringing crunch, nutty flavor, and beautiful texture.
• Brown sugar (for the topping): Dissolves into the sauce, creating a decadent caramel layer as it bakes.
• Hot water (for the topping): Magically transforms the topping ingredients into that irresistible molten sauce.
• More melted butter (for the topping): Lends an extra layer of richness to the self-saucing effect.
• Vanilla extract (for the topping): Deepens the dessert’s aroma and ties all the elements together.

How to Make Pecan Pie Pudding Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish—this ensures your Pecan Pie Pudding Cake releases easily and you won’t miss a morsel of that gooey sauce.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and stir until you have a smooth batter. Gently fold in the chopped pecans so every bite is studded with nutty bits.

Step 3: Layer the Batter

Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, taking care to smooth out the top. Don’t worry if the batter seems thick—the magic happens in the next step!

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, hot water, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This mixture will look thin, but that’s exactly what creates the dreamy pudding sauce beneath the cake.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Carefully pour the topping mixture over the batter—do not stir. While baking, the cake rises and the topping sinks, forming layers of fluffy cake and molten caramel-pecan sauce. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top turns golden brown and the edges bubble invitingly.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

Take the Pecan Pie Pudding Cake out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This gives the sauce time to thicken a bit while keeping its warm, luscious texture. Serve right from the baking dish for maximum coziness.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Pudding Cake

Garnishes

Dress up each serving with a swirl of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream—the contrast of cold and warm is absolute bliss. For special occasions, sprinkle a few toasted pecans on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This dessert does not need much accompaniment, but a mug of hot coffee or spiced tea pairs perfectly with the sweet, nutty flavors. For festive menus, a citrus fruit salad on the side adds a refreshing note that balances the cake’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, try baking individual servings of Pecan Pie Pudding Cake in ramekins for a refined touch. Or, serve in mason jars layered with ice cream for a playful, portable treat. A drizzle of warm maple syrup or caramel sauce before serving truly takes this cake over the top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Pecan Pie Pudding Cake can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to three days. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools, but the flavors deepen and meld together beautifully overnight.

Freezing

To freeze, let your Pecan Pie Pudding Cake cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator; the sauce may become a bit thicker but will still taste amazing.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in the microwave in short bursts, or gently reheat the baking dish in a 300°F oven until heated through. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of milk or water before reheating to bring back some of that irresistible pudding texture.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans create that classic Southern flavor, walnuts or even hazelnuts work nicely. Just chop them and measure as you would the pecans for a fun twist on the original.

Why do I pour the topping over the batter without stirring?

This is the secret to Pecan Pie Pudding Cake! As it bakes, the cake rises through the topping, leaving a self-saucing caramel layer underneath. Stirring would prevent the sauce from forming and disrupt the luscious texture.

Can I make Pecan Pie Pudding Cake ahead of time?

You can prep the batter and topping separately, store them covered in the refrigerator (up to overnight), then combine and bake just before serving for the freshest, warmest flavor.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The top should be golden and set, while the edges are bubbly with sauce underneath. A toothpick inserted into the cake portion (not the sauce) should come out with moist crumbs.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, Pecan Pie Pudding Cake is naturally vegetarian as written. Just be sure to use plant-based milk and butter alternatives to make it completely dairy free if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, decadent, and utterly drool-worthy, there’s nothing quite like Pecan Pie Pudding Cake. One taste of this gooey, nutty classic might just make it your new go-to dessert—so don’t wait, grab your baking dish and experience this simple indulgence for yourself!

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