Description
A delightful Butter Pecan Cake with a warm, nutty flavor and rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook until it turns a golden-brown color, about 5-7 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round baking pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour the browned butter into the bowl of dry ingredients and mix until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually combine this mixture with the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the finely chopped pecans.
- Evenly divide the batter among the prepared pans. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
- 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.
- 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