Lastly, if your pecan pie filling won't easily spread, use a spatula to 'work it' in the bowl to loosen it up and make it more malleable. When browning your butter, be sure and immediately pour it into a small glass bowl to prevent the butter from becoming too dark and burning in the pan. To make the filling, in a bowl, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, bourbon, orange zest, vanilla, salt, pecan halves and chopped pecans. The egg whites help make the cake layers light and tender. When making your cake batter, beat the egg whites only until stiff peaks form - don't overbeat. It is commonly served at holiday meals in the United States and is considered a specialty of Southern U.S. Here are some tips from the Test Kitchen that will help you create a dessert that will have your guests begging for a second slice.

Tart and creamy buttermilk, the secret ingredient in many baked goods, helps create the tender cake layers which are filled and topped with a rich pecan pie filling, then enveloped with a creamy browned butter frosting. You'll dream of next Thanksgiving just so you can make it again. It's simple enough, but the effect is stunning. The fragrance and taste of this pecan pie cake will transport you back to Grandma's kitchen. To craft this elegant tart, begin with a toasted pecan crust, layer with cream cheese and a classic pumpkin filling, and then gild the lily with a creamy meringue. For those who have a hard time choosing between a frosted layer cake and a pecan pie, this dessert has your name on it.

Southern living pecan tart recipe