Description
This Pecan Pie Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with a moist, tender cake base. A luscious hot butter and sugar topping creates a pudding-like sauce beneath a golden crust, making it an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture just until the batter comes together; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Pour Batter Into Dish: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Add Pecans and Brown Sugar: Sprinkle the chopped pecans and brown sugar evenly over the surface of the batter for a crunchy, sweet topping.
- Pour Hot Water and Butter: Carefully and slowly pour the hot water combined with melted butter over the top of the batter without stirring. This liquid will seep down through the batter during baking, creating the pudding-like layer.
- Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake feels firm to the touch.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the pudding layer to set slightly and make serving easier.
- Serve Warm: Spoon the warm pudding cake into individual bowls for the best texture and flavor.
- Optional Serving Suggestions: Enhance the dessert by topping with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- Do not stir after pouring the hot water and melted butter, as this creates the signature pudding effect beneath the cake.
- The optional cinnamon adds warm spice but can be omitted if preferred.
- This dessert is best served warm and is perfect for cozy gatherings or holidays.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Using hot water is key to forming the pudding layer; do not substitute with cold water.
