Butter Pecan Cake

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The Ultimate Butter Pecan Cake: A Sweet Memory in Every Bite

Comfort food conjures memories of laughter-filled kitchens and family gatherings, and for me, nothing evokes that warmth quite like a rich Butter Pecan Cake. Picture this: the aroma of toasty pecans mingling with the sweet scent of vanilla wafting through the air as I pull a luscious cake out of the oven. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a celebration of love, tradition, and the simple joy of baking. As a child, I would stand by my mother’s side, eagerly waiting for the first slice, trapped in the blissful moment of simplicity and sweetness.

What makes this Butter Pecan Cake stand out from all the others is the way it harmonizes flavors and textures; the moist, buttery cake is elevated by the delightful crunch of finely chopped pecans. Plus, this recipe boasts an impressive cream cheese frosting that wraps the layers in a luxurious embrace. You’ll find connections to your own cherished memories with every bite, making this not just a dessert, but a delightful experience you can recreate for your family.

Ready to dive into the world of Butter Pecan Cake? In this post, I promise you’ll learn the secrets to achieving the perfect moist cake, tips for decorating, and why homemade truly shines over store-bought versions.

What Are Butter Pecan Cakes?

Originating from the Southern United States, Butter Pecan Cake is a delectable dessert often enjoyed for special occasions or cozy family gatherings. At its core, this cake combines creamy butter with the nutty crunch of pecans, creating a balance that’s both satisfying and inviting. The flavor profile leans toward sweet and buttery, while the texture is moist yet subtly dense, allowing each piece to melt in your mouth.

What makes this cake unique is not only its rich flavor but also the versatility it offers for customization—add layers, frostings, or even a layer of caramel to match your occasion perfectly. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply savoring a cozy evening at home, a Butter Pecan Cake fits the bill, turning any moment into a sweet occasion worthy of celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unmatched Flavor: This Butter Pecan Cake recipe uses browned butter, which adds a depth of flavor you simply can’t find in store-bought cakes. The caramel notes from browning the butter enrich the cake, resulting in an irresistible treat.
Cost-Effective: Making your Butter Pecan Cake at home is not just an enjoyable experience; it’s a way to save on those premium bakery prices! With just a handful of readily available ingredients, you can whip up this delight for a fraction of the cost.
Customization Galore: This recipe is a blank canvas awaiting your artistic touch! Whether you want to add chocolate chips, a splash of bourbon, or switch up the nuts, the possibilities are endless.
Ease of Preparation: Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned baker; this Butter Pecan Cake comes together in a breeze. I suggest breaking it down into straightforward steps, so you can enjoy the process with confidence.
Family Favorite: You’ll be amazed at how quickly your loved ones will fall head over heels for this recipe. After sharing it with family and friends, I received countless requests for repeat bake-offs, and I bet you will too!

Ingredients

To make this absolutely scrumptious Butter Pecan Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 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
For the Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup (66g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 ½ cups (562g) powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
- ⅓ cup (35g) pecan halves, very finely chopped (optional for decoration)

Notes on Ingredients:

Butter: Always use unsalted butter for baking; it gives you better control over the saltiness of your cake.
Pecans: Fresh pecans make a world of difference; I personally recommend sourcing locally if possible, or try brands like Planters for quality.
Buttermilk: Using room temperature ingredients ensures better mixing and creates a lighter cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar and letting it sit for 10 minutes.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Brown the Butter: In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, increase the heat slightly and cook until you see golden brown specks forming at the bottom—this will take about 5-7 minutes. The nutty aroma will fill your kitchen; it’s divine!
Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round baking pans with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Add Browned Butter: Pour the browned butter (and all those lovely specks) into the dry ingredients and mix until incorporated.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the finely chopped pecans.
Divide Batter: Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared pans and give them a gentle shake to settle. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 ½ cups of softened butter and 6 oz of cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 4 ½ cups of powdered sugar, ⅓ cup of light brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream and mix until fluffy.
Assemble the Cake: If needed, level the tops of the cooled cakes. Stack the layers with frosting between each, then frost the outside generously. Decorate with additional chopped pecans and piped frosting swirls if you’re feeling extra fancy!

Chef’s Tips:

Check the doneness of your cake by gently pressing the surface; it should spring back slightly.
If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk for a creamier consistency.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Storage Recommendations: Your Butter Pecan Cake can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days, but for longer freshness, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
Make-Ahead Instructions: You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature until you’re ready to frost and serve.
Troubleshooting Common Problems: If your cake doesn’t rise properly, it may be due to expired baking powder or baking soda; always check the expiration dates!
Variations: Swap out half the pecans for chocolate chips if you want to indulge your sweet tooth even further!
For the Best Texture: Don’t overmix the batter after adding the wet ingredients; mix until just combined for that soft cake crumb!

Serving Suggestions

This Butter Pecan Cake shines solo, but pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent dessert. As for presentation, a simple serving plate with a rustic cake stand elevates its charm effortlessly. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a cozy Friday night with family—I guarantee your loved ones will rave about it.

Variations & Substitutions

Flavor Combinations: Experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or hazelnuts, to create your custom flavor profile.
Dietary Changes: Need it gluten-free? Substitute the cake flour with a good gluten-free blend and double-check all other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Seasonal Variations: Around fall, try adding pumpkin spice to the batter for an autumn twist.

Nutrition & Storage Info

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings
Estimated Calories: Approximately 450 calories per slice
Storage Instructions: Keep it at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to a week and freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months).

FAQ Section

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but you’ll want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cake.
What should I do if the cake domes in the center?
Use a serrated knife to level the cake once it cools completely for a perfect presentation.
Can I use a bundt pan instead of round pans?
Absolutely! Just remember to adjust the baking time; it may require 10-15 more minutes.
How can I make my butter pecan cake richer?
You can enhance the flavor with a splash of bourbon or rum in either the cake batter or frosting.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, this cake freezes beautifully! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then store it in a freezer bag.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
How do I know if the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is done!
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
You can reduce it, but be aware that the texture and flavor may be affected; it’s best to limit reductions to ¼ cup.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make buttermilk by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 10 minutes.
How can I make the frosting stiff enough for decorating?
You can add more powdered sugar to thicken the consistency, or chill it for a bit before spreading.

Conclusion

This Butter Pecan Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of home, a dash of love, and a sprinkle of cherished memories in every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, it’s bound to create smiles and spark conversations. I’d love to hear how your baking adventure goes, so feel free to share your experiences or any variations you try! For more delicious ideas, don’t forget to check out other recipes on my blog—let’s keep the baking joy alive!

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