Don'T Know Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Cuisine: American

A rich, indulgent dessert combining a moist yellow cake with creamy cheese filling and crunchy pecans, perfect for celebrations or satisfying sweet cravings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 yellow cake mix
  • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
  • 1 package powdered sugar
  • 1 stick butter
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup pecans

Instructions

  1. Combine butter and 2 eggs and mix with the cake mix; spread the mixture evenly in a greased cake pan.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
  3. Add powdered sugar and remaining eggs to the cream cheese; mix well to form the filling.
  4. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in the pan.
  5. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the filling.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine and adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can skip the pecans or substitute them with chocolate chips. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. For a fun twist, add a hint of lemon zest to the filling.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat. For a festive touch, serve it alongside slices of Lemon Poppyseed Cake or other American recipes for a delightful dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Don'T Know Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy it cold. If you want to serve it warm, heat the whole cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Don'T Know Cake contains roughly 1444 calories, with 11g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 99g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 557mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).

1444 kcal 72% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.1g 22% DV
Total Fat 99g 100% DV
Carbs 135.7g 49% DV
Fiber 5.6g 20% DV
Sugar 58.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 557mg 24% DV
Potassium 411.8mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 239.9mg 80% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 105mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 0.7mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 205.6mg 16% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or lemon, to create a unique twist on this dessert. Just be sure to adjust the filling ingredients if necessary to complement the new flavor.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of Don'T Know Cake, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Additionally, check that your powdered sugar is gluten-free and use gluten-free pecans. This way, you can enjoy this delicious cake without gluten.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. After baking and cooling, store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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