Butter Pecan Cake

Butter Pecan Cake is a delight that’s become a cherished staple in my kitchen. With its warm, nutty flavor and moist, buttery crumb, this cake is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s an afternoon tea, a family gathering, or a special celebration. The combination of pecans, rich cream cheese frosting, and that distinctive browned butter adds a level of sophistication that truly sets it apart from your typical cake. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it a favorite for those who seek comfort in dessert.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

This Butter Pecan Cake deserves a spot in your dessert repertoire for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, it’s not just a treat; it’s an experience, boasting layers of flavor from the beautifully browned butter and the velvety richness of cream cheese frosting. It’s deceptively simple to make, yet it impresses everyone at the table—a true crowd-pleaser that requires nothing but basic ingredients.

Imagine serving this cake at your next family gathering or birthday party. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it versatile enough for various occasions. You’ll be the star baker without spending all day in the kitchen.

“This Butter Pecan Cake is one of those rare recipes that leave everyone asking for seconds. The flavors burst with every bite!” – Satisfied Baker

Preparing Butter Pecan Cake

To create this delicious Butter Pecan Cake, you’ll follow a few straightforward steps. You’ll begin by browning that butter—this elevates the flavor to another level! After preparing your pans and mixing the batter, it’s simply a matter of baking and frosting.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its layers. With a moist and flavorful cake, along with a creamy, luscious frosting, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. Here’s a quick look into the process before diving into the ingredients.

What You’ll Need

To whip up this delectable Butter Pecan Cake, be sure to gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
• 3 cups (333g) cake flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups (354ml) buttermilk, room temperature preferred
• 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (160g) pecan halves, very finely chopped
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup (66g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 ½ cups (562g) powdered sugar
• 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
• ⅓ cup (35g) pecan halves, very finely chopped, optional as a garnish

Feel free to use unsalted margarine in place of butter if you need a dairy-free option, or substitute any nut for the pecans based on your preference!

Step-by-Step Directions

Now, let’s get into the cooking process. Follow these easy steps to create your Butter Pecan Cake:

1. Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Increase the heat and cook until it turns a golden-brown color and specks form. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round baking pans to prepare them.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Once the butter is browned, pour it into your bowl of dry ingredients and mix until well incorporated.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually combine this mixture with the dry ingredients until everything is just combined.
6. Fold in the finely chopped pecans.
7. Evenly divide the batter among the prepared pans. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
9. In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, continuing to mix until fluffy.
10. If necessary, level your cakes. Begin stacking the layers with frosting in between, then frost the exterior of the cake. Optionally, top with additional chopped pecans and decorative frosting swirls.
    

Perfect Pairings for Butter Pecan Cake

This Butter Pecan Cake shines on its own, but there are many fantastic ways to serve it. Pair it with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience. A strong cup of coffee or an herbal tea can complement its flavors beautifully, making it an ideal dessert for afternoon gatherings or after a hearty meal.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider serving it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a warm pecan pie filling for an even cozier dessert experience.

Best Way to Store Butter Pecan Cake

To keep your Butter Pecan Cake fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to keep it longer, refrigerate it, where it can last for up to a week.

For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before indulging. Always practice safe food handling to ensure freshness.

Helpful Hints

• For a richer flavor, consider browning the cream cheese before incorporating it into the frosting. This little change makes a significant impact!
• Ensure your butter is at room temperature before mixing it with the cream cheese to create a smoother frosting.
• If you want a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans. You can even add chocolate chips for a variation that caters to different tastes.

Creative Twists

Feel free to get creative with this Butter Pecan Cake! Consider using different nuts like walnuts or almonds, or introducing spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist. You could also experiment with different frostings like a chocolate ganache or a maple cream cheese frosting.

If you’re looking to make it gluten-free, substitute the cake flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and you can still enjoy this delightful cake!

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make Butter Pecan Cake?
The total time to prepare and bake the cake is around 1.5 to 2 hours, including cooling time.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with a mix of milk and vinegar (1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar) or yogurt diluted with a little water.

Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! This cake pairs wonderfully with cream cheese, buttercream, or even whipped cream toppings, so feel free to experiment.

This Butter Pecan Cake is not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to make delicious memories. Get baking and let the warm, nutty aromas fill your kitchen!

Butter Pecan Cake

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• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful Butter Pecan Cake with a warm, nutty flavor and rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
• 3 cups (333g) cake flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups (354ml) buttermilk, room temperature preferred
• 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (160g) pecan halves, very finely chopped
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup (66g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 ½ cups (562g) powdered sugar
• 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
• ⅓ cup (35g) pecan halves, very finely chopped, optional as a garnish

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Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook until it turns a golden-brown color, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round baking pans.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Pour the browned butter into the bowl of dry ingredients and mix until well incorporated.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually combine this mixture with the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Fold in the finely chopped pecans.
7. Evenly divide the batter among the prepared pans. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
9. In a clean bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until fluffy.
10. If necessary, level your cakes. Begin stacking the layers with frosting in between, then frost the exterior of the cake. Optionally, top with additional chopped pecans.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider browning the cream cheese before incorporating it into the frosting. Ensure butter is at room temperature for a smoother frosting. For nut-free, omit pecans or add chocolate chips.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: butter pecan cake, dessert recipe, easy cake recipe