Butter Pecan Cake
Butter Pecan Cake is an irresistible dessert that brings a delightful blend of flavors and textures to any occasion. This cake features moist layers infused with rich browned butter and crunchy pecans, topped with a creamy frosting that elevates it to a showstopper. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, family gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this Butter Pecan Cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of browned butter and pecans creates a rich, nutty flavor that is hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With simple instructions, even novice bakers can master this delightful cake.
- Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual gatherings—it’s suitable for any event.
- Decadent Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy texture that complements the cake beautifully.
- Nutty Crunch: Finely chopped pecans throughout the cake provide delightful bites of crunch.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience in making this Butter Pecan Cake.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 8-inch round baking pans
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills and mess.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by incorporating air into your mixture.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring all ingredients are mixed well.
- Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly without retaining moisture at the bottom.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 3 cups (333g) cake flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (354ml) buttermilk, room temperature preferred
- 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (160g) pecan halves, very finely chopped
For the Frosting
- 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup (66g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 ½ cups (562g) powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
- ⅓ cup (35g) pecan halves, very finely chopped, optional
How to Make Butter Pecan Cake
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, increase the heat slightly and cook until golden brown specks form. This step enhances the flavor of the butter.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round baking pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
cake flour
granulated sugar
light brown sugar
baking powder
baking soda
salt
This mixture forms the base of your cake.
Step 4: Mix in Browned Butter
Add the browned butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
buttermilk
eggs
vanilla extract
Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined and stir in finely chopped pecans.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely on a cooling rack.
Step 7: Prepare Frosting
Beat together:
softened butter
cream cheese
light brown sugar
vanilla extract
salt
Once smooth, gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream. Beat until fluffy.
Step 8: Assemble & Decorate
If necessary, level cooled cakes with a knife. Stack layers with icing between each layer. Frost the outside of the cake generously. For decoration, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top and create piped frosting swirls if desired. Enjoy your delicious Butter Pecan Cake!
How to Serve Butter Pecan Cake
Butter Pecan Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy dessert at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
Classic Slice
- Serve a generous slice of Butter Pecan Cake on its own to appreciate the rich flavors and textures.
With Ice Cream
- Pair a slice with vanilla or caramel ice cream for a creamy contrast to the cake’s buttery goodness.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Enhance the sweetness by drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for an airy addition that complements the dense cake.
Garnished with Pecans
- Sprinkle additional finely chopped pecans on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
How to Perfect Butter Pecan Cake
To achieve the best results with your Butter Pecan Cake, consider these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your buttermilk, eggs, and butter are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily into a smooth batter.
- Brown the butter correctly: Cook the butter until it has golden brown specks. This adds depth of flavor to your cake.
- Do not overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to prevent a dense texture.
- Cool layers completely: Allow your cakes to cool fully before frosting. This prevents melting and sliding of the icing.
- Level layers for stacking: If necessary, trim the tops of your cakes to create even layers. This ensures stability when stacking.
- Store properly: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Butter Pecan Cake
Butter Pecan Cake can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Coffee or Espresso: A cup of rich coffee enhances the buttery notes in the cake while providing a nice contrast.
- Chocolate Mousse: The creamy chocolate texture pairs beautifully with the nutty flavors of pecans.
- Cheese Platter: Include varieties like brie or sharp cheddar for an interesting sweet and savory combination.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tanginess of coleslaw can offset the richness of the cake.
- Homemade Chai Latte: The spices in chai will add warmth and complexity alongside your dessert.
- Baked Apples: Warm baked apples with cinnamon create a comforting side that complements the cake’s nutty profile.
- Pecan Pie Bars: For those who love pecan desserts, these bars echo similar flavors while offering variety in texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a Butter Pecan Cake can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or buttermilk can affect the texture. Always let your ingredients come to room temperature before mixing.
- Overmixing the batter: This leads to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one. Mix until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- Not measuring flour accurately: Too much flour can ruin your cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
- Skipping the cooling step: Frosting a warm cake will cause the icing to melt. Ensure your cakes are completely cool before frosting them.
- Not lining the pans: This can result in cakes sticking and breaking. Always grease and line your baking pans for easy release.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Butter Pecan Cake in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Butter Pecan Cake
- Wrap individual slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil.
- Properly stored, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Butter Pecan Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per slice, checking to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Butter Pecan Cake.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! While pecans are traditional, walnuts or almonds can be great alternatives for varied flavors.
How do I make Butter Pecan Cake gluten-free?
Substitute cake flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Is Butter Pecan Cake suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration where you want something special and delicious.
What can I serve with Butter Pecan Cake?
This cake pairs well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
How long does it take to bake Butter Pecan Cake?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, but always check with a toothpick to ensure it’s done.
Final Thoughts
The Butter Pecan Cake is not only rich and flavorful but also versatile. You can customize it by adding chocolate chips or varying the nuts according to your taste. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress!
Butter Pecan Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Butter Pecan Cake, a delightful dessert that transforms any gathering into a memorable celebration. With its moist layers infused with nutty browned butter and crunchy pecans, this cake is topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting that takes it to the next level. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply as a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress and leave everyone craving more. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, Butter Pecan Cake is the ultimate sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 3 cups (333g) cake flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (354ml) buttermilk, room temperature preferred
- 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (160g) pecan halves, very finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup (66g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 ½ cups (562g) powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
- ⅓ cup (35g) pecan halves, very finely chopped, optional
Instructions
- Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium-low heat until golden brown specks form. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round baking pans.
- In one bowl, whisk together 3 cups cake flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Combine the browned butter with the dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix together 1½ cups buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients along with 1½ cups finely chopped pecans.
- Divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cooling completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
