Description
Butter Pecan Cake is a rich, moist, and nutty Southern-style dessert filled with buttery toasted pecans and covered in a creamy brown butter or cream cheese frosting. It’s elegant enough for holidays and special occasions yet easy enough for everyday baking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
- 2 tbsp butter (for toasting pecans)
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and toast pecans over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in toasted pecans gently.
- Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla and heavy cream until fluffy.
- Frost cooled cake layers, stacking them evenly. Garnish top with chopped toasted pecans.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, brown the butter before toasting the pecans.
- Store cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- This cake also freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern