Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step in creating magic in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful cake:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs, divided
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional, but highly recommended for that Southern touch!)
If you’re feeling adventurous or need to make a substitution, you can swap the yellow cake mix for a white or butter cake mix, and the pecans could be replaced with walnuts if you prefer. Remember, cooking is about making it your own!
Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the fun part: bringing this cake to life!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is a step my abuela always emphasized—preparing your tools makes the cooking process smoother.
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until the mixture is well combined and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This forms the buttery base.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining three eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen with a comforting warmth, reminiscent of family gatherings.
- Once done, let the cake cool completely before slicing. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture, so patience is key!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International