Easy Pecan Pie Snack Cake With Maple Buttercream Recipe

Dessert enthusiasts will adore this pecan pie snack cake with maple buttercream that combines classic Southern comfort with modern baking flair.

Warm, nutty pecans dance through a tender cake base, creating layers of irresistible flavor.

The maple buttercream adds a luxurious sweetness that perfectly complements the rich pecan notes.

Each slice promises a decadent experience that bridges traditional pie nostalgia with contemporary cake elegance.

Crumbly, moist, and utterly delectable, this dessert brings together beloved ingredients in a stunning new format.

Weekend bakers and dessert lovers will find this recipe both approachable and impressive.

Prepare to indulge in a slice of pure culinary bliss that celebrates the best of homestyle baking.

Why Pecan Snack Cake Is a Hit

• No advanced pastry skills needed – this recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that even novice bakers can master with confidence.
• Swap out spices, adjust sweetness levels, or modify toppings to make this cake uniquely yours, creating a flexible dessert that adapts to personal taste preferences.
• Experience a delightful combination of moist cake, creamy maple buttercream, and crunchy pecan topping that delivers multiple sensory layers in every single bite.

Pecan Snack Cake Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add depth of flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the cake together and provides richness.

• Vegetable Oil, Applesauce: Ingredients that contribute to the cake's tender and moist texture.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft crumb in the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor throughout the cake.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spices that create a cozy flavor profile in the cake.
• Butter, Brown Sugar, Honey, Heavy Cream: Ingredients for creating the rich pecan pie topping.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add texture and nutty flavor to the topping.
• Powdered Sugar, Maple Syrup: Components of the creamy maple buttercream frosting.

Steps for Pecan Snack Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, making sure to grease it well for an effortless cake release.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger

Blend these ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices throughout the cake.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Applesauce
• Buttermilk
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.

Mix gently to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake tough.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the cake into the preheated oven.

Bake for 36-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Craft Pecan Pie Topping

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

Allow the mixture to bubble and thicken.

Fold in chopped pecans and let cool slightly.

Step 7: Whip Up Maple Buttercream

Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter until smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar and maple syrup.

Continue beating until the frosting becomes creamy and spreadable.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, spread a generous layer of maple buttercream across the top.

Carefully spoon the pecan pie topping over the frosting, distributing it evenly.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake into squares.

Revel in the delightful combination of spiced cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy pecan topping.

Tips for Baking Pecan Snack Cake

• Use exact measurements for flour and spices to ensure the cake's perfect texture and balanced flavor profile.
• Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients carefully to prevent overmixing, which can result in a tough, dense cake.
• Allow the cake to cool entirely before frosting to prevent buttercream from melting and maintain a clean, smooth finish.
• Lightly toast pecans before adding to the topping for enhanced nutty flavor and increased crunchiness.
• Refrigerate leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days, bringing to room temperature before serving to maintain moisture and taste.

How to Store Pecan Snack Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the entire cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut individual pieces, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. This method allows you to defrost only the portions you want to enjoy.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and bring out the cake's flavors.

What Pairs with Pecan Snack Cake

• Pair with Warming Bourbon: Sip a smooth, aged bourbon that complements the rich, nutty flavors of the pecan pie snack cake. The caramel and vanilla notes in bourbon beautifully enhance the maple buttercream and spiced cake.
• Serve with Cinnamon Coffee: Brew a hot cup of medium-roast coffee with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. The warm, aromatic coffee cuts through the cake's sweetness and echoes the cake's warm spice profile.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a dollop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake. The cold, smooth texture contrasts wonderfully with the warm, crunchy pecan topping, creating a delightful sensory experience.
• Accompany with Spiced Chai Latte: Prepare a creamy chai latte with hints of cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg. These spices mirror the cake's warm spice blend and provide a comforting, complementary beverage.

Fun Variations on Pecan Snack Cake

• Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Snack Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this recipe safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Maple Buttercream Version: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk, and substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Pecan Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated and brown sugars to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining a delicious flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Eliminate pecans and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, keeping the cake's texture and taste similar to the original recipe.

FAQs

• What are the key spices used in this cake?

The cake features a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, which give the cake a rich, cozy flavor profile that complements the pecan topping.

• Why does this recipe use both applesauce and oil?

Applesauce and oil work together to create an incredibly moist cake, with the applesauce adding moisture and reducing the total fat content while the oil ensures a tender, soft crumb.

• Can I make this cake without buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using, which creates a similar tangy, acidic effect.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The baking time is typically 36-40 minutes at 350°F.

Pecan Pie Snack Cake With Maple Buttercream Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade pecan pie snack cake with maple buttercream delivers southern comfort in one delightful dessert. Rich nutty layers and silky frosting combine for an irresistible sweet experience you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 177 g (1 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 67 g (1/3 cup) brown sugar
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) buttermilk, room temperature
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil
• 79 ml (1/3 cup) applesauce
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract

Spice Ingredients:

• 5 g (1 teaspoon) baking powder
• 2.5 g (1/2 teaspoon) baking soda
• 3 g (1 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
• 1 g (1/2 teaspoon) ground nutmeg
• 1 g (1/4 teaspoon) ground ginger

Pecan Pie Topping and Frosting Ingredients:

• 85 g (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 100 g (1/2 cup) light brown sugar
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) honey
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons) heavy cream
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
• 125 g (1 cup) chopped pecans
• 226 g (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 438 g (3 1/2 cups) powdered sugar
• 79 ml (1/3 cup) maple syrup

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish with greased parchment paper for effortless cake removal.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger) in a medium bowl, ensuring even spice distribution.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugars, eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth, creating a moist base.
4. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing minimally to maintain a tender texture. Transfer batter to prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 36-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cake to cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
6. Create pecan topping by melting butter over medium heat. Incorporate brown sugar, honey, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Simmer until slightly thickened, then fold in chopped pecans. Let cool and thicken.
7. Prepare maple buttercream by beating softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and maple syrup, mixing until creamy and spreadable.
8. Once cake is completely cooled, generously spread maple buttercream across the surface. Evenly distribute pecan pie topping over frosting.
9. Slice into squares and serve, enjoying the harmonious blend of spiced cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy pecan topping.

Notes

• Swap out all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals to make the cake universally enjoyable.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for those monitoring carbohydrate intake, maintaining the cake’s delightful flavor profile.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to topping to enhance their nutty flavor and provide an extra layer of depth and crunchiness.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother mixing and more consistent cake texture, preventing potential lumps or uneven baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg