Dreamy Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

My latest butter pecan cake loaf with cream cheese icing sparkles like a sweet afternoon dream waiting to happen.

Nutty aromas promise delectable moments of pure comfort.

Southern baking traditions inspire this delightful treat that combines rich, toasted pecans with silky cream cheese frosting.

Warm kitchen memories emerge with each slice of this nostalgic dessert.

Careful mixing creates a tender crumb that melts softly on your tongue.

Sophisticated yet homey, this cake delivers pure indulgence without complexity.

Bake this recipe and savor every luxurious bite.

Butter Pecan Cake Loaf—Rich With Cream Cheese Icing

• Savor Nutty Richness: Toasted pecans bring a deep, warm flavor that transforms this cake from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a delightful crunch in every bite.
• Master Foolproof Baking: The straightforward recipe guides even novice bakers through simple steps, ensuring a professional-looking dessert with minimal kitchen stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This butter pecan cake loaf offers a perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treats.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Adaptable for multiple occasions, from casual afternoon snacks to elegant dinner parties, this cake impresses with its cream cheese icing and gorgeous texture.

The Ingredient Rundown for Butter Pecan Cake Loaf

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender texture.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.

• Pecans: Adds a nutty crunch and depth of flavor to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract, Butter Extract: Enhance the overall taste profile with warm, sweet notes.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the cake's flavors.
• Buttermilk: Provides moisture and helps activate the leavening agents.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, rich base for the icing.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic vanilla flavor to the icing.
• Milk: Adjusts the icing's consistency for easy spreading.

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Pecan Cake Loaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat your oven to 350F and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring the inside to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Enhance the Pecans

Carefully toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat.

Stir them gently for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden and release a delightful nutty aroma.

Set the toasted pecans aside to cool.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition.

Introduce vanilla and butter extracts for extra flavor depth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Elements

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk.

Mix until just combined, then gently fold in the toasted pecans.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for an even surface.

Bake for 55-65 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 6: Whip Up the Icing

Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until silky smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly.

Stir in vanilla extract.

Adjust the consistency by adding milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the perfect spreading texture.

Step 7: Final Touches

Once the cake has cooled completely, generously spread the cream cheese icing over the top.

Sprinkle with additional chopped pecans for an extra crunch if desired.

Tricks for Fluffy Cake and Sweet Icing Perfection

• Gently stir pecans while toasting to prevent burning and ensure even, golden-brown color with a rich, nutty aroma.
• Avoid overmixing batter and check oven temperature accuracy to maintain a perfectly risen, fluffy cake texture.
• Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for lump-free, silky-smooth cream cheese frosting that spreads easily.
• Use room-temperature ingredients and measure buttermilk precisely to achieve a moist, tender cake without becoming dense or dry.
• Fold toasted pecans gently into batter at the last moment to maintain their crisp texture and prevent sinking to the bottom.

Pecan Cake Loaf Twists and Flavor Add-Ins

• Gluten-Free Pecan Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring same rich flavor and tender texture.
• Maple Walnut Alternative: Swap pecans for walnuts and use maple extract instead of butter extract, creating a different nutty profile with woodland sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace cream cheese icing with vegan cream cheese alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar and reduce overall sugar content, perfect for diabetic-friendly dietary needs.

Plating Butter Pecan Cake Loaf With Extra Icing

• Nutty Breakfast Companion: Slice this cake loaf and pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Sweet Afternoon Indulgence: Serve as a rich dessert after lunch, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.
• Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that's sure to impress friends and family.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Present the whole loaf on a rustic wooden board with some fresh berries and whipped cream on the side for an elegant brunch offering.

Best Storage Advice for Butter Pecan Cake Loaf

• Store the cake in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the icing separate if possible to maintain the cake's texture.
• Wrap the uniced cake completely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding fresh cream cheese icing.
• Cut cake into individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months for quick single-serving defrosting.

FAQs

• What makes pecans special in this cake loaf?

Toasting pecans brings out their rich, nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the cake, enhancing its overall taste and texture.

• Can I substitute buttermilk if I don't have it?

You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

Butter Pecan Cake Loaf Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent butter pecan cake loaf whispers southern comfort with each heavenly slice. Cream cheese icing crowns this moist, nutty dessert, promising pure bliss for anyone craving a sweet, nostalgic treat you’ll savor down to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
• 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon butter extract (optional)

Leavening Agents:

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

Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and lightly dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Create a rich, nutty flavor by toasting pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until they become golden and release a fragrant aroma. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. Blend in vanilla and butter extracts for enhanced flavor depth.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to eliminate potential lumps. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, gently folding until just combined. Carefully fold in the toasted pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for even baking. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
6. Prepare the cream cheese icing by whipping softened cream cheese and butter until completely smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly. Add vanilla extract and adjust consistency by introducing milk one tablespoon at a time until reaching the desired spreadable texture.
7. Once the cake has cooled completely, generously spread the cream cheese icing across the top. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped pecans for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

• Perfectly toast pecans by watching closely and stirring constantly to prevent burning, which releases their rich, nutty flavor and enhances the cake’s overall taste.
• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more uniform cake texture that prevents lumpy batter and promotes even baking.
• Use buttermilk for extra moisture and tenderness, creating a softer crumb that keeps the cake deliciously soft and prevents dryness.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the cake’s original texture and flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 471
• Sugar: 44 g
• Sodium: 129 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 1.3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg