Butter Pecan Cake Recipe – Moist, Buttery & Loaded with Pecans 🍰

 

Welcome to the delicious world of baking! Today, we are diving into a delightful treat that is sure to please anyone’s sweet tooth: the Butter Pecan Cake. This cake is not just any dessert; it is a moist, buttery masterpiece filled with crunchy, toasted pecans and topped with creamy frosting. If you love the rich and nutty flavors of pecans combined with a soft cake, then you’re in for a treat. This recipe is simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to wow your family and friends.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why this Butter Pecan Cake will become one of your favorite recipes. First and foremost, the combination of the moist cake and crunchy pecans creates the perfect textural experience. Each bite is a balance of fluffy cake and nutty goodness, making it truly enjoyable.

Additionally, the cake is easy to prepare. You don’t need to be a professional baker to make this delicious dessert. With some basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this cake in no time.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can serve this cake for various occasions, whether it’s a birthday party, a family gathering, or simply a cozy afternoon tea. It also pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, enhancing your relaxation time.

Lastly, the beautiful presentation of the butter pecan cake will impress your guests. The creamy frosting and toasted pecans on top create an inviting look that is hard to resist. Once you serve this cake, everyone will be asking for the recipe!

How to Prepare Butter Pecan Cake

Let’s get started on this delicious creation! Below are the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to help you make your very own Butter Pecan Cake.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your cake bakes evenly.

2. Prepare Your Pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the sides of the pans during baking.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This can take about 4 to 5 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps in the flour.

6. Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients while alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix your batter.

7. Fold in the Pecans: Finally, gently fold in the toasted pecans. This adds the nutty flavor we all love in our butter pecan cake.

8. Pour and Bake: Divide the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cool the Cakes: Once baked, remove them from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are fully cooled, you can frost them with your favorite buttercream frosting. Spread a layer of frosting in between the two layers and then cover the top and sides of the cake. You can also sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top for decoration.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Cake

Serving Butter Pecan Cake is easy and enjoyable. You can slice the cake into even pieces and serve it on dessert plates. It is perfect for any gathering and can be enjoyed as a standalone treat or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a lovely afternoon break. This cake also works wonderfully for special occasions like birthdays or holidays. Just make sure to have enough cake to share, as everyone will want a second slice!

How to Store Butter Pecan Cake

To keep your Butter Pecan Cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you would like to keep the cake for a longer period, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure it is covered well so it doesn’t dry out.

If you want to store the cake for months, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, leave the layers in the refrigerator overnight to thaw, then frost and serve.

Tips for Preparing Butter Pecan Cake

• Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This allows it to incorporate air when creamed with the sugars, resulting in a fluffy cake.

• Toasting Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor. You can do this by placing the chopped pecans on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until they are fragrant. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly.

• Check Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature. The best way to check if your cake is done is to insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best mixing results, use room-temperature eggs and buttermilk. This helps the ingredients blend more smoothly.

• Frosting Options: Feel free to customize your frosting. A cream cheese frosting or even a simple powdered sugar glaze can work wonderfully with this cake.

Variations

While this Butter Pecan Cake is scrumptious on its own, you can always make variations to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Brown Sugar Frosting: Consider using a brown sugar frosting instead of the classic buttercream for a richer flavor that complements the cake.

• Chocolate Butter Pecan Cake: Want to add some chocolate? You can create a chocolate version of this cake by mixing in cocoa powder into the batter for a delightful twist.

• Pecan Pie Layer Cake: Make a more decadent dessert by adding pecan pie filling between the layers or as a topping.

• Gluten-Free Option: You can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make this cake gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! This Butter Pecan Cake can be made in advance. You can bake the cake layers a day or two before you plan to serve them. Just store them covered at room temperature. Frost them just before serving for the best results.

2. Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional in this recipe, you can substitute them with walnuts or even almonds if you prefer. Just remember to toast them for added flavor.

3. What can I do if I don’t have buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute. Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly, and then use it in your recipe.

In conclusion, the Butter Pecan Cake is a fantastic dessert that is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. With its moist texture, buttery flavor, and crunchy pecans, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion. Follow this recipe, and you’ll have a delightful cake that everyone will adore! Happy baking!