Dreamy Butter Pecan Cake Recipe: A Luscious Southern Treat

Crafting a decadent butter pecan cake brings pure comfort to any dessert table.

Nutty aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising something special.

Sweet layers promise indulgence with every delicate crumb.

Southern bakers understand the magic of combining rich pecans and creamy butter.

Warm hints of caramel dance between tender cake layers.

Perfectly balanced flavors create a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Must-Have Ingredients For Butter Pecan Cake

• Cake Flour: A soft, fine flour that creates a tender and delicate cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cake structure.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a rich caramel-like flavor to the cake.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Buttermilk, Milk: Provide moisture and contribute to the cake's tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic sweet flavor to the cake.

• Pecans: Bring a rich, toasted nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the cake.

• Butter: Creates a nutty, browned butter base for the frosting.
• Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy, creamy texture to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the frosting.

Baking Butter Pecan Cake With Confidence

Step 1: Toast Pecans

In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and add chopped pecans. Cook until golden and fragrant, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Cake flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk ingredients until well blended.

Step 3: Create Cake Batter

• Buttermilk
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs

Beat with mixer until smooth and fully incorporated. Gently fold in cooled toasted pecans.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Pans

Grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Preheat oven to 350F.

Step 5: Bake Cake

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes until cake springs back when touched. Remove and cool completely.

Step 6: Brown Butter

Heat butter in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Transfer to heat-proof bowl and cool.

Step 7: Create Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add cooled browned butter and mix thoroughly. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed. Increase speed and beat until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and beat for additional 3 minutes.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Spread frosting over completely cooled cake layers. Garnish with additional toasted pecans.

Tips For Perfect Butter Pecan Cake Every Time

• Toast Pecans to Perfection: Heat butter slowly and stir pecans constantly to achieve a rich, golden-brown color without burning, releasing maximum nutty flavor.
• Create Smooth Cake Batter: Use room temperature ingredients and mix just until combined to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake tough and dense.
• Brown Butter Carefully: Watch browned butter closely while stirring, removing from heat the moment it turns golden and smells nutty to prevent burning.
• Achieve Fluffy Frosting: Beat cream cheese and browned butter thoroughly, then gradually add powdered sugar to create a light, smooth texture without lumps.
• Store Cake Smartly: Keep cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days, bringing to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

Butter Pecan Cake Variations To Try

• Gluten-Free Pecan Cake: Replace cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and moisture. Use xanthan gum for better binding and structure.
• Dairy-Free Variation: Swap buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk. Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter for the frosting. Replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce.
• Maple Pecan Cake: Substitute granulated sugar with maple syrup. Add maple extract to enhance the flavor. Top the frosting with candied pecans for extra crunch and sweetness.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use almond flour instead of cake flour. Replace sugar with erythritol or stevia. Incorporate cream cheese and butter for a low-carb, high-fat alternative that maintains the rich pecan flavor.

Pairing Ideas For Butter Pecan Cake

• Pair Pecan Nutty Dessert Wine: Select a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or late harvest Riesling to complement the cake's rich, buttery pecan flavors. These wines offer honeyed notes that beautifully enhance the nutty, caramelized undertones.
• Brew Warm Spiced Coffee: Prepare a medium-roast coffee with hints of cinnamon or vanilla to match the cake's warm, toasty pecan profile. The coffee's aromatic warmth will perfectly balance the cake's creamy frosting and nutty texture.
• Create Caramel Whiskey Companion: Serve a smooth caramel-infused whiskey or bourbon alongside the cake. The whiskey's deep, smooth character will highlight the browned butter's nuttiness and provide a luxurious adult pairing that elevates the dessert experience.

Best Storage Tips For Butter Pecan Cake

• Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the frosting from sticking.
• Wrap unfrosted cake layers individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place under a cake dome or cover with a large bowl to maintain moisture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For best texture, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.

Butter Pecan Cake FAQ

• What makes browned butter different from regular butter?

Browned butter has a deeper, nuttier flavor because the milk solids caramelize when heated, creating a rich, toasted taste that adds complexity to the frosting.

• Can I use different types of nuts in this cake?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can swap them with walnuts or toasted almonds to create your own unique flavor profile.

• How do I know if I've successfully browned the butter?

Look for a golden amber color and a nutty, caramel-like aroma. The butter will stop foaming and develop small brown specks at the bottom of the pan, which indicates it’s perfectly browned.

Butter Pecan Cake To Swoon Over

• Savor Toasted Pecan Perfection: A delightful cake that brings out the rich, nutty flavors of perfectly toasted pecans in every bite.
• Craft Gourmet Frosting Magic: The browned butter cream cheese frosting elevates this cake from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a luxurious and complex flavor profile that will impress even seasoned bakers.
• Customize Your Cake Adventure: Easily adaptable for special occasions, from birthday celebrations to elegant dinner parties, with a versatile recipe that allows for personal touches and creative decorations.
• Master Baking Techniques: Learn professional baking skills like browning butter and toasting pecans, which add depth and sophistication to your home baking repertoire.

Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent butter pecan cake delivers Southern charm with each rich, moist slice brimming with nutty warmth. Crisp pecan topping and creamy frosting elevate this classic dessert, promising pure comfort in every delectable bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups cake flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients and Fats:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 12 ounces (340 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• Toasted pecans (for decorating)

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Instructions

1. Carefully toast pecans in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
2. Combine all dry cake ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flour, sugars, leavening agents, and salt.
3. Incorporate wet ingredients into the dry mixture, using an electric mixer to create a smooth, homogeneous batter. Mix thoroughly until no lumps remain.
4. Gently fold the toasted pecans into the cake batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by generously greasing the surfaces to prevent sticking.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the center for consistent heat circulation.
7. Divide the pecan-studded batter equally between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops for even baking.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, checking for doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back when fully cooked.
9. Allow cake layers to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
10. For the frosting, brown butter in a medium pan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until it develops a rich golden color and nutty aroma.
11. Transfer browned butter to a heat-proof bowl and refrigerate until thoroughly cooled.
12. Beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy, then incorporate the cooled browned butter.
13. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to prevent sugar clouds.
14. Increase mixer speed and beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
15. Add vanilla extract and continue beating for an additional 3 minutes to achieve optimal texture.
16. Generously frost the cooled cake layers, using toasted pecans for decorative garnish.

Notes

• Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning, ensuring a rich, deep taste in every bite.
• Brown butter slowly and attentively, watching for a golden color and nutty aroma to develop complex, caramel-like undertones in the frosting.
• Bring all ingredients to room temperature before mixing to guarantee smooth batter and consistent cake texture.
• Substitute gluten-free flour blend for cake flour to make the recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining similar texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg