There’s something truly magical about a butter pecan cake recipe that captures the essence of Southern hospitality and transforms any ordinary day into a special occasion. This beloved dessert combines the rich, nutty flavor of toasted pecans with the luxurious taste of butter, creating a cake that’s both sophisticated enough for elegant dinner parties and comforting enough for family gatherings. The butter pecan cake recipe has been passed down through generations of bakers who understood that some flavors are simply timeless.
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What makes this particular butter pecan cake recipe so extraordinary is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cake itself is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the generous amount of butter and the careful incorporation of ingredients. The pecans aren’t just an afterthought they’re toasted to perfection, bringing out their natural oils and creating a deep, complex flavor that permeates every bite. When you bite into this cake, you’ll experience layers of taste that unfold gradually, from the initial buttery sweetness to the satisfying crunch of perfectly prepared pecans.
This butter pecan cake recipe is also remarkably versatile, making it an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re preparing for a birthday celebration, holiday gathering, or simply want to treat your family to something special, this recipe delivers consistent, impressive results. The ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, and the techniques used are straightforward enough for beginners while still producing a cake that looks and tastes professionally made. Once you master this butter pecan cake recipe, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again, perhaps even making it your signature dessert that friends and family will request for every special occasion.
Easy Homemade Butter Pecan Cake Recipe
This butter pecan cake recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen with simple techniques and readily available ingredients. The combination of toasted pecans and rich butter creates an irresistible flavor profile that makes this cake perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence. What sets this butter pecan cake recipe apart is its incredibly moist texture and the way the nutty pecans complement the sweet, buttery base. You’ll discover that this recipe produces consistent results every time, making it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced bakers who want to create something truly special.
Storage Options
Store your butter pecan cake recipe creation at room temperature for up to 3 days when covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 1 week, bringing it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. This butter pecan cake recipe also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Individual slices can be frozen separately for convenient single servings.
Summary
This butter pecan cake recipe creates a moist, flavorful cake featuring toasted pecans and rich butter flavors. The recipe serves 12 people and takes approximately 2 hours from start to finish, including baking and cooling time. Perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to enjoy a classic Southern dessert.
Equipment
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
- Large mixing bowls
- Medium saucepan
- Wire cooling racks
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Offset spatula for frosting
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups chopped pecans, toasted
For the Butter Pecan Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Fold in the toasted pecans using a rubber spatula, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with an offset spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, then fold in toasted pecans.
- Place one cake layer on serving plate, spread frosting on top, add second layer, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Notes
Room temperature ingredients are crucial for this butter pecan cake recipe success. Cold eggs and buttermilk can cause the batter to curdle, affecting the final texture. Take ingredients out of the refrigerator 1-2 hours before baking. Toasting the pecans is essential for developing the deep, nutty flavor that makes this butter pecan cake recipe so special. Don’t skip this step, as raw pecans won’t provide the same flavor intensity.
Tips for Success
The key to perfecting this butter pecan cake recipe lies in proper preparation and attention to detail. Ensure your butter is properly softened by pressing it with your finger it should give slightly but not be melted. When creaming butter and sugar, don’t rush the process; proper creaming creates the cake’s tender texture. Measure flour correctly by spooning it into measuring cups and leveling off, as too much flour will make your butter pecan cake recipe result dense and dry.
Additional Tips and Variations
This versatile butter pecan cake recipe can be adapted in numerous ways to suit different preferences and occasions. For a more intense pecan flavor, try browning the butter before incorporating it into the frosting. You can also add a tablespoon of bourbon to the cake batter for a sophisticated twist that enhances the nutty flavors. For chocolate lovers, consider adding ½ cup of mini chocolate chips along with the pecans, creating a delightful butter pecan chocolate variation of this classic butter pecan cake recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this butter pecan cake recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. The frosted cake can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated.
What if I don’t have buttermilk for this butter pecan cake recipe? You can substitute regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar added per cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I use a different type of nut in this butter pecan cake recipe? While pecans are traditional, you can substitute walnuts or a mix of nuts. Toast them the same way to develop maximum flavor.
Why is my butter pecan cake recipe result dry? Overbaking is the most common cause. Check for doneness at the minimum baking time and avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking.
Conclusion
This butter pecan cake recipe represents the perfect marriage of simplicity and sophistication, delivering a dessert that’s both impressive and achievable for home bakers. The rich, buttery flavor combined with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans creates a memorable eating experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something extraordinary, this butter pecan cake recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time. The techniques you’ll learn while making this cake will serve you well in other baking endeavors, making this recipe not just a delicious treat but also a valuable addition to your culinary skills.