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Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Toffee Glaze Recipe

4.7 from 73 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Incorporate the Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts to build flavor.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.
  4. 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.
  5. Fold in the Pecans: Gently fold the toasted chopped pecans into the batter ensuring they are evenly distributed without overworking the batter.
  6. Prepare the Loaf Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
  7. Pour Batter into Pan: Evenly pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top for uniform baking.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Melt the Butter (Glaze): In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter carefully to avoid browning.
  11. 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.
  12. Remove from Heat (Glaze): Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
  13. Add Powdered Sugar (Glaze): Gradually whisk in the sifted powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
  14. 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.
  15. Garnish with Pecans: Immediately sprinkle the toasted chopped pecans evenly over the glazed cake for added texture and flavor.
  16. 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.
  17. 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