Majestic Pecan Cake

Total Time

Prep: 1-1/2 hours Bake: 20 min. + cooling

Makes

16 servings

Updated: Aug. 23, 2023
This recipe truly lives up to its name. The pecan-dotted cake is stacked in three layers, and made-from-scratch frosting is the crowning touch.—Karen R. Jones, Claypool, Indiana
Majestic Pecan Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 2 cups sugar, divided
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups cake flour
  • 5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/3 cups 2% milk
  • 6 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • FILLING:
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 large egg yolks, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • FROSTING:
  • 1-3/4 cups sugar
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Grease and flour three 9-in. round baking pans; set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and 1-3/4 cups sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.
  2. In a large bowl with clean beaters, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter. Fold in nuts.
  3. Transfer to prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  4. For filling, in a small heavy saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; gradually stir in milk until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir 2 minutes longer.
  5. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Cool.
  6. For frosting, in a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, egg whites, water and cream of tartar over low heat. With a hand mixer, beat on low speed for 1 minute. Continue beating on low over low heat until frosting reaches 160°, about 8-10 minutes. Pour into a large bowl; add vanilla. Beat on high until stiff peaks form, about 7 minutes.
  7. Spread filling between cake layers. Frost cake. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 486 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 301mg sodium, 76g carbohydrate (54g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.