Name: Butter Pecan Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups sugar; 1 cup finely chopped pecans; 5 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Butter Pecan Cake: A Slice of Heaven

Picture this: a warm kitchen filled with the sweet, nutty aroma of roasted pecans and vanilla wafting through the air. The golden-brown crust of a freshly baked Butter Pecan Cake, with its moist, tender crumb, delicately cradles the crunch of toasted nuts, creating an irresistible combination. This delightful dessert is both easy to make and utterly fantastic for any occasion—be it a cozy weeknight dinner or a delightful gathering with family and friends. The gorgeous sight of this cake, lavishly topped with a creamy icing, is sure to captivate everyone at the table. You’ll be glad to know that indulging in this slice of heaven is just moments away—let’s dive into this sweet adventure!

Understanding this recipe

Butter Pecan Cake, with its southern roots, draws inspiration from the classic butter pecan ice cream flavor that many of us adore. This cake embodies the same richness and that nutty undertone that makes it utterly scrumptious. Traditionally, this dessert is served during holidays or special occasions, but its cozy flavor profile makes it perfect for regular weeknight treats too. With the use of brown butter to enhance the flavor, each bite transports you to dessert nirvana.

The convenience of making this cake in a bundt pan allows the edges to caramelize beautifully while keeping the inside soft and moist, hiding a surprise of pecans that burst forth with flavor when you take that first bite. Whether enjoyed plain or drizzled with glaze, this cake is a crowd-pleaser, often taking center stage on dessert tables. And did you know that pecans are a great source of healthy fats? So, indulging in this cake might even be a little good for you!

Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Cake

This Butter Pecan Cake has plenty of reasons to win your heart and stay in your recipe rotation.

Ease of preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and can be made in under an hour.
Flavor complexity: The combination of brown butter and toasted pecans provides a depth of flavor, with hints of caramel and nuttiness that dance on your palate.
Family-friendly or kid-approved: Most kids love the sweet and nutty flavor, making it an excellent dessert for family meals or gatherings.
Budget-friendly or ingredient flexibility: Using staple ingredients commonly found in your pantry, this cake won’t break the bank, and you can easily substitute pecans with walnuts for variety.

Your Guide to Making Butter Pecan Cake at Home

To create this lovely Butter Pecan Cake, we’ll be preparing the batter from scratch and baking it to golden perfection. Just imagine the taste of the moist cake combined with the buttery complement of pecans. We will focus on using a bundt pan, and you can expect the process to take about 30 minutes prep, plus a bit of baking time.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter: The star of the recipe, bringing richness and depth to the cake.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake, lending it structure.
2 cups sugar: Sweetens the cake and aids in the caramelization during baking.
1 cup finely chopped pecans: Adds crunch and that signature nutty flavor. Toast them for added depth.
5 large eggs: Provides moisture and helps the cake to rise beautifully.
1 cup buttermilk: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that complements the sweetness.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise and remain fluffy.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds a lovely aroma.

Directions

Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This is crucial for ensuring that your cake releases perfectly.
Toast the Pecans: In a small skillet, toast the chopped pecans over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring often. This step enhances their flavor, making your cake even more delicious.
Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5-6 minutes. Be sure to stir it frequently to prevent burning; this creates a rich flavor foundation for your cake.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This will ensure an even distribution of the leavening agent throughout the batter, producing a consistent rise.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and browned butter until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the buttermilk and vanilla, mixing until thoroughly combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so stop as soon as no flour streaks remain—this creates a light and fluffy cake.
Incorporate Pecans and Bake: Fold in the toasted pecans, then pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your home as it bakes!

What to Serve With Butter Pecan Cake

This Butter Pecan Cake can be served as the star of your dessert spread, but pairing it with complementary flavors creates a wonderful dining experience.

Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream contrasts beautifully with the cake’s dense texture, adding an extra layer of sweetness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy vanilla ice cream helps to balance out the richness of the cake and adds a refreshing chill on a warm day.
Coffee: A strong cup of coffee enhances the nutty flavor in the cake, making for an elegant treat any time of the day.
Fruit Compote: A tangy fruit compote, such as blueberry or raspberry, provides a burst of acidity that brightens up the rich, buttery cake.

Top Tips for Perfecting Butter Pecan Cake

Perfecting your Butter Pecan Cake lies in the details.

Ingredient swaps or upgrades: Swap in dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor or add a dash of bourbon to intensify the cake’s richness.
Spice adjustments: Consider incorporating cinnamon or nutmeg to add warmth and complexity.
Equipment advice: A quality bundt pan ensures an even bake; consider using a silicone one for easier release.
Storage tips: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Mistakes to avoid: Avoid over-mixing after adding the flour to prevent a dense cake; less is more when combining ingredients.

Variations & Add-Ins

For those looking to customize their Butter Pecan Cake experience, here are a few delightful variations you might consider:

Chocolate Swirl: Incorporate melted chocolate into the batter for a rich chocolate and pecan combination that adds a decadent touch.
Coconut Bliss: Flake coconut before mixing it into the batter gives your cake an island twist and additional chewiness.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring to follow the packaging guidelines to maintain texture.
Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest into the batter for a delightful citrus note that lifts the flavors.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To ensure your Butter Pecan Cake remains fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Once it has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. The cake should ideally be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to prolong its shelf life, refrigerating it will keep it fresh for about a week. However, be mindful of moisture; use a container with good seals to prevent the cake from drying out.

When it comes to reheating, you have several options to choose from. For the best texture, reheating your cake in the oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes will restore its freshly-baked warmth and soft crust. If you’re short on time, the microwave can work too; simply warm a slice for 10-15 seconds. You can also freeze your cake slices if needed—just ensure they are wrapped tightly and stored in a freezer-safe container. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance and stored properly. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
What can I substitute for the buttermilk?
You can create a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar and letting it sit for about 10 minutes.
Can I use other nuts?
Yes! While pecans are traditional, feel free to experiment with walnuts or even almonds for a different flavor profile.
How long does this cake last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this cake lasts around 3 days. In the fridge, it can stay fresh for a whole week.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

This Butter Pecan Cake: A Slice of Heaven is a dessert that unites family and friends with its delightful flavors and comforting aroma. Each bite transports you to a place of warmth and happiness, making it perfect for any occasion or simply to brighten your day. So go ahead, give this recipe a try tonight and let me know how it turned out!

Butter Pecan Cake

Print Recipe

A moist and tender cake infused with the rich flavors of brown butter and toasted pecans, perfect for any occasion.

Author: hannah-reed
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup finely chopped pecans
5 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan with cooking spray.
Toast the chopped pecans in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
Melt the butter in a saucepan until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
In a large bowl, beat sugar and browned butter until creamy, then mix in eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the toasted pecans and pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, consider swapping in dark brown sugar or adding a dash of bourbon. Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.