Butter Pecan Cake
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Butter Pecan Cake! This cake beautifully combines the rich, buttery flavor of a classic cake with the nutty crunch of toasted pecans. Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a special treat for yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress with its moist texture and delightful flavor.
Baking this cake is a breeze, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in the kitchen. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a delicious Butter Pecan Cake from scratch that will have everyone asking for seconds!
What You’ll Need to Prepare Butter Pecan Cake
Before we get baking, let’s gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer will make mixing a breeze.
- Cake Pans: Choose round or square pans based on your preference.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the cake after baking.
- Spatula: Perfect for spreading the batter and mixing ingredients.
- Whisk: To blend dry ingredients smoothly.
Ingredients for Butter Pecan Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon butter extract (optional, for an extra buttery flavor)
- ½ cup sour cream (or buttermilk for a tangier taste)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted)
- ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
How to Make Easy Butter Pecan Cake – Step-by-Step
Ready to create this delicious cake? Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning! Once toasted, chop the pecans into smaller pieces and set aside.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients before mixing with the wet ones.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and butter extract (if using), and continue mixing until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture in small batches, alternating with the milk. Start with a third of the dry mix, followed by half of the milk, and repeat until everything is combined. Stir gently with a spatula to avoid over-mixing.
Step 7: Add the Pecans
Fold in the chopped toasted pecans until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pans, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn the cakes out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Frost the Cake (Optional)
You can enjoy the cake as is, but if you’d like, frost it with a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting. For an extra touch, toast some additional pecans and sprinkle them on top of the frosting.
Variations on Butter Pecan Cake
While the classic Butter Pecan Cake is simply divine, feel free to mix things up with these fun variations:
- Butter Pecan Cake with Caramel Frosting: Swap out the regular frosting for a rich caramel frosting to elevate the nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Butter Pecan Cake: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent chocolate-pecan twist.
- Butter Pecan Cupcakes: Bake the batter in cupcake tins for individual servings that are perfect for parties or gatherings.
- Buttermilk Butter Pecan Cake: Replace the sour cream with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and even moister texture.
- Gluten-Free Butter Pecan Cake: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Just ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Cake
To ensure your Butter Pecan Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps the ingredients blend more evenly for a smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix only until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake.
- Pecan Toasting: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and helps them retain a bit of crunch, adding to the overall texture of the cake.
- Proper Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or serving. This helps it set and prevents the frosting from melting off.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cake during the last few minutes of baking. Oven temperatures can vary, so check for doneness with a toothpick.
Serving Suggestions
This Butter Pecan Cake is perfect for any occasion! Here are some delightful ways to serve it:
- With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: The rich, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea—perfect for an afternoon treat.
- Serve with Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, top slices of cake with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. The creaminess complements the richness of the cake.
- Topped with Fresh Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a lovely contrast to the buttery texture.
- With Fruit Compote: Serve the cake with a dollop of fruit compote, like fresh berries or peaches, for a light and fruity addition.
Storage Tips
- Check for Doneness: Always insert a toothpick into the center of the cake towards the end of the baking time. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready!
- Proper Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance, as it actually tastes better after the flavors meld together overnight.
- Frosting Variations: For a different twist, try a cream cheese frosting or a lighter whipped cream frosting.
- Pecan Substitutes: If you’re out of pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used, though the flavor will vary slightly.
Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 22g (Saturated: 7g)
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 20g
FAQs
Can I make this cake without pecans?
Absolutely! You can leave out the pecans if you’re allergic or simply don’t enjoy nuts. The flavor will still be delicious, though the texture will differ.
Can I use a cake mix instead?
While you can use a cake mix as a shortcut, homemade ingredients like butter and fresh eggs will provide a richer flavor and better texture.
How do I store Butter Pecan Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.
Can I freeze Butter Pecan Cake?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
This Butter Pecan Cake is a delightful dessert that beautifully marries the richness of butter with the crunchy, nutty goodness of toasted pecans. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or treating yourself, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Follow this simple recipe, and you’ll have a moist, delicious cake ready in no time.
Enjoy it on its own or with your favorite frosting, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family! Happy baking! 🍰🥜
