Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Toffee Glaze Recipe
A rich and moist Butter Pecan Cake Loaf featuring toasted pecans folded into a tender cake batter, topped with a luscious homemade butter pecan glaze and garnished with crunchy toasted pecans. This delicious loaf cake is perfect for any occasion, delivering buttery, nutty flavors with a soft crumb and sweet glaze.
- Author: Amy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cake
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Butter Pecan Glaze
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (for garnish)
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Occasionally scrape down the bowl sides for even mixing.
- Incorporate the Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts to build flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in alternating batches with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry. Mix just until combined after each addition to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the Pecans: Gently fold the toasted chopped pecans into the batter ensuring they are evenly distributed without overworking the batter.
- Prepare the Loaf Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Evenly pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top for uniform baking.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a wooden skewer in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Melt the Butter (Glaze): In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter carefully to avoid browning.
- Add Brown Sugar and Milk (Glaze): Stir in the brown sugar and milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer while stirring constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from Heat (Glaze): Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Add Powdered Sugar (Glaze): Gradually whisk in the sifted powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Glaze the Cake: Place the completely cooled cake on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to catch drips, then pour the butter pecan glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Garnish with Pecans: Immediately sprinkle the toasted chopped pecans evenly over the glazed cake for added texture and flavor.
- Let the Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to set at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before slicing, so it firms up nicely.
- Slice and Serve: Once the glaze is set, slice the cake and serve to enjoy the perfect balance of buttery pecan flavors.
Notes
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes before adding to enhance their flavor.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
- The glaze sets best if the cake is completely cooled before applying.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Keywords: Butter Pecan Cake Loaf, pecan loaf cake, butter pecan glaze, moist loaf cake, nutty cake recipe