A whole pecan pie baked inside a chocolate cake, then topped with chocolate frosting? YES! This dessert sounds complicated but it’s surprisingly easy. The chocolate pecan piecaken is a delicious easy holiday dessert.
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Welcome to My Kitchen Serenity! If you’re wanting a simple yet decadent dessert, then this chocolate pecan piecaken will not let you down.
The recipe couldn’t be simpler. Everybody knows that I am all about EASY recipes and I believe this may be the easiest dessert recipe on my blog!
If you love pecan pie and you also love chocolate cake, you’re going to love this chocolate pecan piecaken! It’s the best of both worlds.
Plus, it’s super simple to make. Simply purchase a pecan pie, a box of chocolate cake mix, and a container of chocolate frosting. The pecan pie can be fresh or frozen. If you purchase a frozen pecan pie, let it thaw first.
The chocolate cake mix can be your favorite brand (I prefer to use the cake mix with pudding mix in it). The container of chocolate frosting can be your favorite flavor (milk chocolate, fudge, etc.). So simple!
Take it up another notch and add a drizzle of jarred caramel sauce on top of the frosting. Now THIS is a seriously decadent dessert!
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The piecaken makes any occasion special especially since it’s so unusual; a pie inside a cake is a conversation piece, no doubt. I don’t think many people have ever heard of it so people will definitely be surprised when they see it.
Whether it’s a Christmas dessert recipe or an easy Thanksgiving dessert, this pecan piecaken is a worthy addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.
Could this be the best dessert recipe because it’s so easy and incredibly rich?! You be the judge of that!
Ingredients
1 2-lb pecan pie, fresh or frozen (thawed)
1 15.25-ox box Devil’s Food chocolate cake mix with pudding in the mix (make sure you have the ingredients for the cake: eggs, oil, etc.)
1 cup milk chocolate chips (semi-sweet is fine, too)
1 16-oz container chocolate fudge frosting
Chopped pecans and extra chocolate chips for topping/garnish, optional
Instructions
STEP 1: If you bought a frozen pecan pie, let it thaw. Remove the pecan pie from the pan. Set aside.
STEP 2: Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 10-inch springform pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.
STEP 3: Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the directions on the box. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips.
STEP 4: Pour about 2 cups of the cake batter into the springform pan.
STEP 5: Place the pecan pie on top of the batter. I used a couple of spatulas to help me lower the pie into the pan.
STEP 6: Pour the remaining batter on top of the pie.
STEP 7: Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
STEP 8: Remove the piecaken from the springform pan and place onto a cake platter. Open the container of chocolate frosting and remove the sealed top. Place the open container in the microwave and cook on high for 20-30 seconds. Remove from the microwave and stir with a spoon (I prefer to use a butter knife to stir the frosting). Check for consistency – the frosting should be the consistency of honey so that you can pour it onto the cake.
STEP 9: Pour or drizzle the frosting on top of the piecaken. Spread on top and let the frosting go down the sides. Top with chopped pecans, if desired. At this point, the piecaken will still be a little warm, and ooey gooey. However, it slices neater when it’s completely cooled. Delicious!
NOTES: (A) For an extra treat, serve with vanilla ice cream. (B) Store the piecaken covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat a slice, serve it cold or microwave it for a few seconds.
Honorable Mention: I did not create the magnificent piecaken. The piecaken was created by Chef Zac Young several years ago. Read more about him here. Since then, people have come up with all kinds of variations of piecaken.
Check out this handy Holiday Menu Planner from Organizedhome.com. Great for those people who like to print a hard copy and fill out by hand.
I love this article from holidappy.com 18 Ideas to Decorate Your Home for Christmas on a Budget! It’s full of some really great ideas that I just love.
Looking for some simple DIY Christmas centerpiece ideas? I like this article from Better Homes and Gardens 25+ Simple Christmas Centerpieces.
Chocolate Pecan PieCaken
Ingredients
- 1 2-lb pecan pie, fresh or frozen (thawed)
- 1 15.25-ox box Devil's Food chocolate cake mix with pudding in the mix (make sure you have the ingredients for the cake: eggs, oil, etc.)
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips (semi-sweet is fine, too)
- 1 16-oz container chocolate fudge frosting
- Chopped pecans and extra chocolate chips for topping/garnish, optional
Instructions
- If you bought a frozen pecan pie, let it thaw. Remove the pecan pie from the pan. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 10-inch springform pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the directions on the box. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips.
- Pour about 2 cups of the cake batter into the springform pan.
- Place the pecan pie on top of the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter on top of the pie.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
- Remove the piecaken from the springform pan and place onto a cake platter. Open the container of chocolate frosting and remove the sealed top. Place the open container in the microwave and cook on high for 20-30 seconds. Remove from the microwave and stir with a spoon (I prefer to use a butter knife to stir the frosting). Check for consistency - the frosting should be the consistency of honey so that you can pour it onto the cake.
- Pour or drizzle the frosting on top of the piecaken. Spread on top and let the frosting go down the sides. Top with chopped pecans, if desired.
Notes
Freezing
Cakes freeze well and often makes them even moister than before you froze them! Be sure the cake is completely cooled. Then wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of tin foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat the cake, remove the plastic wrap and foil, then let the cake thaw on the countertop for 2-3 hours. Enjoy!
You May Want to Try Some of my other Dessert Recipes:
Brownie Trifle with Toffee Bits
Italian Cream Cake Cookie Bars
For delicious entree recipes, please check out these easy recipes:
One Pan Yogurt Marinated Chicken and Potatoes
Red Beans and Rice with Sausage
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
Ultimate Blue Cheese Stuffed Hamburgers
Please leave me a comment if you make this recipe. I’d love to hear from you.
Hi. I’m Anne and I’m happy to share with you my easy, family friendly recipes. I’ve been cooking for my family for 30 years, and what I’ve learned is that most busy families appreciate easy, homemade meals. Now that the kids are grown, my passion is creating and sharing flavorful food for you and your family to enjoy as well. If you ever have any questions, feel free to send me an email at
This is fabulous! I’m linking to your recipe in my Friday Gazette. Thank you!
Thanks, Christy! I’m honored. The PieCaken was a huge hit at the office this year. It’s crazy good and super easy.