The Perfect Butter Pecan Cake Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Butter pecan cake with cream cheese frosting celebrates Southern baking with its rich, nutty flavor and tender texture.

Toasted pecans blend with creamy butter, creating a depth of sweetness that feels both warm and inviting.

Every slice has a soft crumb that balances buttery richness with gentle spice.

The recipe is straightforward, yet the result feels like a dessert worthy of any gathering.

Loved for generations, it remains a timeless cake that highlights the charm of simple ingredients.

Placing this cake on the table instantly adds comfort and sweetness to family meals, holidays, or casual get-togethers.

Butter Pecan Cake Cream Cheese Frosting Treats

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This butter pecan cake brings everyone together, making it perfect for family gatherings and special celebrations.
• Master Simple Baking: Straightforward steps and basic ingredients mean experienced bakers can successfully create a delicious dessert without stress.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like extra pecans, different frosting variations, or adjusting sweetness to suit individual preferences.
• Decadent Texture Sensation: Toasted pecans provide delightful crunch while cream cheese frosting adds luxurious smoothness, creating a multi-dimensional taste experience that delights every bite.

Ingredients for Butter Pecan Cake with Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: A staple baking ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add richness and caramel-like flavor to the cake.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture and rich flavor to the cake batter.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
• Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and helps create a soft, moist cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Pecans: Toasted and chopped nuts that add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.

• Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter: Creamy base ingredients that create a smooth and rich frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the frosting’s flavor.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cake removal from the pan.
• Cooking Spray or Additional Butter: Helps grease the cake pans and prevent sticking.

How to Make Butter Pecan Cake at Home

Tips for Cream Cheese Frosted Cake Success

• Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350F for 8-10 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent sogginess in the cake.
• Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with milk and let sit for 5 minutes to create a quick homemade version.
• Do not overmix the batter and check cake doneness early to avoid overbaking, which can lead to a dry texture.

Flavorful Twists for Butter Pecan Cake Fans

• Gluten-Free Pecan Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend. Use xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan Butter Pecan Delight: Swap butter for coconut oil, eggs for flax eggs, and cream cheese frosting with cashew-based cream. Use maple syrup as sweetener.
• Low-Sugar Nutty Cake: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk for reduced calories.
• Maple Bourbon Pecan Variation: Add 2 tablespoons bourbon to batter. Replace some sugar with pure maple syrup for deeper, richer flavor profile.

Serving Butter Pecan Cake with Style

• Nutty Dessert Centerpiece: Create an elegant cake display by arranging slices on a rustic wooden board with scattered whole and chopped pecans around the edges.
• Southern Brunch Delight: Serve alongside strong coffee or sweet tea for a classic Southern-style breakfast or brunch gathering with friends and family.
• Seasonal Celebration Treat: Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream during holiday gatherings or special occasions to elevate the dessert experience.
• Pecan Lover’s Dream: Garnish each slice with extra toasted pecans and a light dusting of powdered sugar for added texture and visual appeal.

Storage for Butter Pecan Cake Slices

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the frosting from getting smudged or picking up other food odors.
• Let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften the cream cheese frosting and enhance its creamy texture.
• Wrap individual cake layers or the entire frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep extra toasted pecans in a separate sealed container at room temperature. Sprinkle fresh nuts on top just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and prevent sogginess.

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Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent butter pecan cake promises a slice of Southern comfort with rich, caramelized nutty goodness. Warm spices and velvety texture invite you to savor each delectable bite of this classic dessert.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup toasted pecans (chopped)

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Extra toasted pecans (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare cake pans by greasing and lining with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.
2. Cream butter and sugars until light and airy, creating a smooth base for the cake. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
3. Gently combine dry ingredients with buttermilk, alternating to maintain a silky batter consistency. Mix until just incorporated to prevent overmixing.
4. Carefully fold toasted, chopped pecans throughout the batter, distributing them evenly for a consistent nutty texture in every slice.
5. Divide the pecan-studded batter equally between prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops to ensure even baking.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating pans halfway through. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick, which should come out clean when the cakes are fully baked.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely on wire racks, releasing them from pans after 10 minutes to prevent moisture retention.
8. Prepare cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until completely smooth and free of lumps.
9. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla, whipping until the frosting reaches a light, spreadable consistency.
10. Assemble the cake by layering frosting between cake layers and covering the entire exterior with a generous, even coating.
11. Garnish the top and sides with additional toasted pecans, creating an attractive and crunchy decoration that complements the cake’s flavor profile.

Notes

• Toast pecans thoroughly beforehand to enhance their nutty, rich flavor and prevent sogginess in the cake.
• Bring all ingredients to room temperature to ensure smoother mixing and more even baking results.
• Use buttermilk at room temperature for better cake texture and more tender crumb structure.
• Consider using gluten-free flour blend as a simple swap for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the cake’s delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 434
• Sugar: 41 g
• Sodium: 234 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 89 mg