I-45 Cake
A rich, creamy pecan-topped cake blending moist yellow cake with a sweet cream cheese layer, perfect for gatherings and dessert lovers seeking indulgence and texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine melted butter, 1 beaten egg, and the yellow cake mix; spread this mixture evenly in a buttered 13 x 9-inch pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add 2 beaten eggs, brown sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to the cream cheese; mix well.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer in the pan.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes or until set and golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using salted butter instead of unsalted. If you're out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans or replace them with chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the I-45 Cake warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Baked Creamed Corn And Peas for a heartier meal. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit for a balanced dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover I-45 Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds or place the entire cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of I-45 Cake contains roughly 462 calories, with 5g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 787mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
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 type of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or vanilla, to create variations of the I-45 Cake. Just ensure that the mix you choose complements the cream cheese filling for the best results.
Is it possible to make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The I-45 Cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving, or gently reheat it in the oven for optimal taste.
Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?
Yes, if you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal substitute (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) to replace each egg in the recipe, making it suitable for vegetarian recipes.
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).