Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to culinary success. Here’s what you’ll need to create this sumptuous cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or your favorite homemade equivalent)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional, but highly recommended for that nutty crunch)
If you find yourself out of pecans, walnuts make a great substitute! And remember, real butter will give you the best flavor, reminiscent of those buttery tortillas I used to roll out with my abuela.
Instructions
Now, let’s get to the heart of cooking — the process itself! Follow these steps for a delightful cake that captures the essence of comfort and indulgence:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until the mixture resembles a thick dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. I find that using slightly damp hands helps to spread it out smoothly.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, remaining eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the dough layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top if you’re using them.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. A little jiggle in the center is okay — it will firm up as it cools.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. This patience is much like the one I learned while watching my grandmother patiently stir her soups.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International