Description
Butter Pecan Cake is a classic Southern dessert featuring rich, buttery cake infused with toasted pecans. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for special occasions, topped with a luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or cake flour for a lighter texture)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp butter (for toasting pecans)
- For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Toast the Pecans: In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and toast chopped pecans over medium heat until fragrant. Let them cool.
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Flavoring: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently mix in the toasted pecans.
- Bake: Divide batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, and brown sugar until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until desired consistency is reached.
- Assemble & Frost: Spread frosting between cake layers and over the top and sides. Garnish with extra toasted pecans.
Notes
- Use cake flour for a lighter, more tender crumb.
- Substitute buttermilk by adding 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of bourbon or maple syrup to the batter.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes per layer
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
