The Best Red Velvet Cake with Brown Butter Pecan Frosting Recipe

Rich layers of red velvet cake dance with brown butter pecan frosting, creating a dessert that whispers southern charm and sweet indulgence.

Nutty pecans caramelize beneath golden butter, releasing an aroma that draws everyone near the kitchen.

Soft crimson cake crumbs melt against creamy frosting, promising a delectable experience with each delicate slice.

Warm notes of toasted nuts complement the classic red velvet subtle cocoa undertones.

Delicate yet robust, this recipe transforms an elegant classic into something extraordinary.

Bakers who embrace culinary adventure will find pure magic in these unexpected flavor combinations.

Prepare to transform your dessert table with this irresistible southern-inspired masterpiece.

FAQs

• What gives red velvet cake its distinctive color?

The unique red color comes from food coloring combined with cocoa powder, creating the cake’s signature vibrant red appearance.

• Why does the recipe use vinegar in the cake batter?

Vinegar helps activate the baking soda, creating a tender and light cake texture by breaking down the gluten in the flour.

• What makes brown butter different from regular butter in the frosting?

Brown butter develops a rich, nutty flavor through caramelization, adding depth and complexity to the traditional cream cheese frosting.

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

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

Red Velvet Cake with Brown Butter Pecan Frosting Delicious Details

• Elevate Your Baking Skills: Master a gourmet red velvet cake with an unexpected brown butter pecan frosting that transforms an ordinary dessert into a sophisticated culinary experience.
• Impress Guests Instantly: Craft a showstopping dessert that combines classic red velvet richness with nutty, caramelized brown butter undertones, guaranteed to wow friends and family.
• Create Memorable Moments: Perfect for special celebrations like birthdays, holidays, or weekend gatherings where you want to serve something uniquely delicious and homemade.
• Customize Your Dessert: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting pecan quantities or adding creative garnishes to make this cake truly your own signature sweet treat.

Gathering Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake and Frosting

• Flour: A key dry ingredient that provides structure and texture to the red velvet cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: Provides leavening to help the cake rise and become light.
• Cocoa Powder: Contributes to the classic red velvet flavor and deep color.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Vegetable Oil, Buttermilk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates the signature vibrant red color of the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the cake's flavor.
• Vinegar: Helps activate the baking soda and contributes to the cake's texture.

• Butter, Cream Cheese: Create a rich and creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Pecans: Add a nutty crunch and complementary flavor to the brown butter frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor of the frosting.

How to Bake Red Velvet Cake with Pecan Frosting

Step 1: Create Cake Base

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F and lovingly coat two 9-inch cake pans with a light grease.

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking soda
• Cocoa powder
• Salt

• Vegetable oil
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Red food coloring
• Vanilla extract
• White vinegar

Slowly marry the wet and dry mixtures until they form a smooth, vibrant batter.

Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared pans and slide them into the oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Craft Luxurious Frosting

Place butter in a skillet and melt over medium heat, watching carefully as it transforms into a golden-brown delight.

Allow the browned butter to cool.

In a mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until silky smooth.

Fold in the cooled browned butter and vanilla.

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a dreamy consistency.

Gently fold in chopped pecans for a delightful crunch.

Step 3: Bring Cake to Life

Generously spread frosting between cake layers, covering the top and sides with smooth, even strokes.

Sprinkle additional chopped pecans around the edges for a beautiful finishing touch.

Slice and serve this decadent red velvet masterpiece.

Tips for Brown Butter Pecan Frosting Perfection

• Use gel food coloring for a deeper, more vibrant red without altering the cake's liquid ratio.
• Don't overmix batter to prevent a dense, tough cake; mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
• Watch browned butter carefully, removing from heat when it turns golden amber with nutty aroma to avoid bitter taste.
• Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easier blending and silky-smooth texture.
• Lightly toast pecans before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the frosting.

Unique Spins for Red Velvet Cake Recipes

• Gluten-Free Velvet Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Red Cake: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, dairy-free cream cheese, and coconut oil instead of butter for a completely animal-product-free version.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining the cake's rich flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Frosting Option: Remove pecans and replace with toasted coconut flakes or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch and nutty undertone.

Suggestions for Serving Red Velvet Cake

• Decadent Date Night Delight: Create a romantic evening by serving this luxurious red velvet cake as the grand finale to a special dinner.
• Pecan Crunch Topping: Sprinkle extra toasted pecans around the cake's edge for a delightful textural contrast and elegant presentation.
• Coffee Companion: Pair each slice with a rich espresso or smooth cappuccino to complement the cake's deep flavors and nutty frosting.
• Southern Charm Plating: Serve on a vintage cake stand with a few fresh mint leaves for a classic Southern-inspired dessert display.

Best Ways to Store Frosted Red Velvet Cake

• Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap unfrosted cake layers individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Carefully wrap the entire frosted cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. For a slightly warm slice, microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds on low power.

Red Velvet Cake Brown Butter Pecan Frosting Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Luscious red velvet cake meets brown butter pecan frosting in a Southern-inspired dessert that whispers classic comfort. Rich crimson layers paired with nutty, caramelized frosting create a delectable harmony you’ll savor with pure delight.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 2 large eggs

Leavening and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Sweetening and Topping Ingredients:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat two 9-inch cake pans with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Sift the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform powder-like mixture.
3. Whisk the wet ingredients in a separate bowl, ensuring complete integration of food coloring and liquid components.
4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth, consistent batter forms without overmixing.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans, spreading to create level surfaces.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and cake springs back when lightly touched.
7. Remove from oven and allow cakes to cool completely on wire racks, which prevents moisture accumulation.
8. For frosting, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma.
9. Allow browned butter to cool to room temperature, preventing potential separation of frosting ingredients.
10. Cream the cream cheese until silky smooth, then incorporate cooled browned butter and vanilla extract.
11. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until frosting reaches desired consistency and sweetness.
12. Fold chopped pecans into the frosting, distributing them evenly throughout.
13. Once cakes are completely cool, apply frosting between layers, over the top, and along the sides.
14. Garnish with additional chopped pecans for visual appeal and added crunch.

Notes

• Customize Color Intensity carefully control the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired vibrant red hue without affecting the cake’s flavor.
• Enhance Moisture levels by adding a simple syrup soak to the cake layers before frosting, which prevents dryness and intensifies the cake’s richness.
• Toast Pecans beforehand to unlock deeper, nuttier flavors that will complement the brown butter frosting and add extra depth to the overall dessert profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation substitute regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, ensuring you maintain the cake’s tender texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 422 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 4.5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg