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Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 117 reviews

This Butter Pecan Cake recipe features a rich, moist cake layered with toasted pecans and a luscious brown sugar frosting studded with more pecans. Perfectly balanced between buttery sweetness and nutty crunch, this classic Southern dessert is baked to perfection and frosted with a creamy, pecan-packed glaze for a decadent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

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

For the Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to blend the flavors.
  4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk with an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract (if desired, as vanilla is already added in previous step) to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.
  5. Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
  6. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can lead to a dense cake.
  7. Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter for a nutty texture in every bite.
  8. Divide Batter and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
  10. Prepare Frosting: While the cakes cool, make the frosting. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in packed brown sugar and milk, then bring the mixture to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes while stirring constantly to thicken and develop flavor.
  11. Cool and Mix Frosting: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Gradually beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Stir in the toasted chopped pecans thoroughly.
  12. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting over the top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the entire cake evenly.
  13. Serve: Slice and serve the Butter Pecan Cake to enjoy its rich buttery flavor combined with the delightful crunch of pecans.

Notes

  • Be sure to toast the pecans lightly beforehand to enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
  • Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Butter Pecan Cake, pecan cake, butter cake, nutty cake, homemade cake, Southern dessert

Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/butter-pecan-cake-recipe/