Pecan Crunch Cake
A rich pecan crunch cake featuring a buttery cake base topped with chopped pecans and a creamy cheese layer, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking pan by buttering it.
- Mix the Duncan Hines butter cake mix, softened butter, and 1 egg until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form the first layer.
- Bake the crust until lightly golden, then set aside to cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the 3 eggs and continue beating until well blended.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the cream cheese layer.
- Bake the assembled cake until the filling is set and lightly browned on top.
- Allow the cake to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of the stick butter. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. Toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their flavor. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds can work well too.
Serving Suggestions
This Pecan Crunch Cake is delightful on its own but can be elevated with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, serve it as a dessert at gatherings, especially alongside Thanksgiving Apple Cake or during holiday celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Pecan Crunch Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, cut a slice and warm it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until just warmed through. This cake can also be enjoyed cold, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Crunch Cake contains roughly 654 calories, with 5g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Pecan Crunch Cake gluten-free, substitute the Duncan Hines butter cake mix with a gluten-free all-purpose baking mix. Ensure all other ingredients, like the confectioners sugar, are gluten-free as well. Always check labels to avoid cross-contamination.
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).