Pecan Pie Layer Cake
Ingredients:
Pecan Pie Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup of dark corn syrup
- 3/4 cup of dark brown sugar (108g)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups of chopped pecans
Cake Layers:
- 3/4 cup of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups of packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 3/4 cup of sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 6 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 3/4 cup of milk, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup of water, at room temperature
Frosting:
- 1 1/4 cups of salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups of shortening
- 10 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 5–6 tablespoons of water or milk
Additional:
- Pecan halves, for decorating
Instructions:
For the Pecan Pie Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine all filling ingredients except pecans. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until it begins to boil.
- Add chopped pecans and allow to boil for 30 seconds.
- Remove from heat and refrigerate until cool and thickened.
For the Cake Layers:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add egg whites, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk mixture to the batter, mixing until well combined.
- Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for 21-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
For the Frosting and Assembling the Cake:
- In a large mixer bowl, combine butter and shortening until smooth.
- Gradually add half of the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
- Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and 3-4 tablespoons of water or milk, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add remaining powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
- Adjust consistency with additional water or milk as needed.
- Level cake layers, then place one layer on a serving plate. Pipe a dam of frosting around the edge.
- Spread 1/3 of the pecan pie filling inside the dam, then smooth out the frosting.
- Repeat layering with remaining cake layers and filling.
- Frost the outside of the cake, then pipe a border around the top edge.
- Fill border with remaining pecan pie filling and decorate with pecan halves.
- Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve.
- Enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors in this Pecan Pie Layer Cake!