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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare cake pans by greasing and lining with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.
- 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.
- Gently combine dry ingredients with buttermilk, alternating to maintain a silky batter consistency. Mix until just incorporated to prevent overmixing.
- Carefully fold toasted, chopped pecans throughout the batter, distributing them evenly for a consistent nutty texture in every slice.
- Divide the pecan-studded batter equally between prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops to ensure even baking.
- 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.
- Allow cakes to cool completely on wire racks, releasing them from pans after 10 minutes to prevent moisture retention.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla, whipping until the frosting reaches a light, spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the cake by layering frosting between cake layers and covering the entire exterior with a generous, even coating.
- 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