As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet scent of browned butter began to waft through the air, instantly transporting me to my grandmother’s baking days. It was the perfect moment to whip up a Butter Pecan Cake, a delightful twist on a treasured Southern classic. This cake boasts a moist, tender crumb layered with creamy brown sugar frosting, promising to enchant everyone at your table. With its quick prep and impressive presentation, it’s the ideal choice for any celebration or simply to satisfy that sweet craving. Packed with nutty pecans and a swirl of luscious frosting, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready to unlock the secrets behind this delectable dessert? Let’s dive in!
Why is Butter Pecan Cake a Must-Try?
Decadence at Its Finest: This Butter Pecan Cake pairs the comforts of nostalgia with a modern twist, perfect for any occasion.
Nutty Goodness: With the rich flavor of brown butter and finely chopped pecans, each bite is a delicious adventure that will have everyone coming back for more!
Effortlessly Impressive: Its stunning layers and creamy frosting make it a showstopper at any gathering, easily impressing your guests without hours of fuss.
Versatile Delight: Whether served at a birthday party or cozy family dinner, this cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that captivates all ages.
Perfectly Preparatory: You can whip this up ahead of time—bake the layers the day before and frost when you’re ready—making it a smart choice for busy bakers.
For more delightful pecan-infused desserts, check out my Butter Pecan Cake or these delicious Pecan Pie Bars.
Butter Pecan Cake Ingredients
• Get ready to create something truly delightful!
For the Cake
- Unsalted Butter (226 g) – Brown it for added depth and nutty notes.
- Cake Flour (333 g) – Essential for a moist, tender crumb; substitute with all-purpose flour minus two tablespoons plus cornstarch.
- Granulated Sugar (200 g) – Provides sweetness and moisture to elevate the cake’s flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar (200 g, firmly packed) – Infuses the cake with caramel notes and additional moisture.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon) – Helps achieve the perfect rise for a fluffy texture.
- Baking Soda (0.5 teaspoon) – Works with baking powder to ensure a well-leavened cake.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) – Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Buttermilk (354 ml, at room temperature) – Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake.
- Large Eggs (2, at room temperature) – Binds the ingredients and provides structure to the cake.
- Vanilla Extract (1.5 teaspoons) – Enhances flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
- Pecans (160 g, very finely chopped) – Gives a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor; toasting them adds richness.
For the Frosting
- Softened Unsalted Butter (340 g) – The base for frosting, helping achieve a creamy texture.
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese (170 g, softened) – Creates a rich, velvety frosting.
- Light Brown Sugar (66 g, firmly packed) – Sweetens the frosting and gives it a delightful caramel essence.
- Confectioners’ Sugar (562 g, sifted) – Adds sweetness and helps thicken the frosting for easy spreading.
- Heavy Cream (1 tablespoon, plus more as needed) – Adjusts the frosting’s texture for a smooth finish.
For Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped Pecan Halves (35 g) – Enhances presentation and adds an extra crunch to each slice.
With this lineup, you’re just a few steps away from baking an impressive Butter Pecan Cake that’s sure to steal the show!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Butter Pecan Cake
Step 1: Brown the Butter
In a light-colored saucepan, melt 226 grams of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the butter turns a deep amber-brown color and releases a nutty aroma, about 5–7 minutes. Once browned, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature, which is crucial for achieving the rich flavor in your Butter Pecan Cake.
Step 2: Prep Cake Pans
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). While the oven warms up, grease and line the bottoms of three 20-cm round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy release after baking. This prep will set the stage for your cake layers to bake evenly and maintain a perfect texture.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, whisk together 333 grams of cake flour, 200 grams of granulated sugar, 200 grams of light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 0.5 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Ensure the ingredients are well combined and the mixture appears light and fluffy, creating a solid base for the Butter Pecan Cake.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the cooled browned butter to the dry ingredients, mixing until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Gradually incorporate 354 milliliters of buttermilk and the 2 room-temperature large eggs, stirring gently until just smooth. Finally, fold in 160 grams of finely chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution for delightful nutty flavor throughout your cake.
Step 5: Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and gently spread it to level the tops. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 15-20 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together 340 grams of softened unsalted butter, 170 grams of softened cream cheese, 66 grams of light brown sugar, and 1.5 teaspoons of vanilla extract until creamy and smooth, about 5 minutes. Gradually add 562 grams of sifted confectioners’ sugar, mixing on low speed, and adjust the frosting texture with 1 tablespoon of heavy cream until it’s spreadable and fluffy.
Step 7: Assemble Cake
Once the cake layers have completely cooled, carefully level the tops with a serrated knife if needed. Layer the cakes with a generous amount of frosting between each layer, ensuring even coverage. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake uniformly, creating a beautiful finish. Optionally, garnish with 35 grams of chopped pecan halves for an attractive presentation.
Step 8: Chill
Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to firm up the frosting, making it easier to slice while enhancing the flavors. After chilling, slice and serve your exquisite Butter Pecan Cake at cool room temperature, inviting everyone to savor this delightful homemade dessert.
How to Store and Freeze Butter Pecan Cake
Fridge: Store leftover Butter Pecan Cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps it moist and allows the flavors to continue developing.
Freezer: To freeze, slice the cake and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: For a warm slice, microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds until just warmed through. Enjoy the delightful taste of this cake as if it were just baked!
Make Ahead Options
This Butter Pecan Cake is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can bake the cake layers up to 3 days in advance; simply let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. The frosting can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. To maintain the rich flavors and quality, avoid assembling the cake until you’re ready to serve—this ensures the layers stay moist and the frosting remains creamy. When you’re ready to impress your guests, just frost and slice the cake, and you’ll have an exquisite dessert with minimal effort—just as delicious as if it were freshly made!
Butter Pecan Cake Variations
Feel free to personalize your Butter Pecan Cake and elevate its delightful flavors with these fun ideas!
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Nut-Free: Substitute chopped pecans with sunflower seeds for a tasty, nut-free alternative. The slight crunch will still satisfy your texture cravings!
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Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese in the frosting for an equally indulgent dairy-free version. Keep in mind that it might have a slightly different taste profile, but deliciousness remains!
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Flavor Boost: Explore different flavored extracts like almond or maple to create a unique twist on the classic. Just a few drops can bring a whole new dimension to your cake!
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Chocolate Lovers: Swirl in cocoa powder (about 1/2 cup) into the batter for a decadent chocolate-pecan hybrid. Rich and delightful, this twist is perfect for sweet-tooth cravings.
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Fruit Infusion: Add a layer of caramelized bananas between the cake layers for a fruity surprise! The sweetness of bananas pairs beautifully with the rich frosting.
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Spiced Wonder: Introduce a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon into the cake batter. This adds warmth and depth, making it perfect for fall gatherings.
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Caramel Drizzle: Finish your cake with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce atop the frosting to enjoy that extra decadence. Each slice will look stunning and taste heavenly!
For more irresistible desserts featuring pecans, check out my Chocolate Pecan Turtle and these delightful Pecan Pie Bars. You’re bound to find endless inspiration!
What to Serve with Butter Pecan Cake?
As you plan a delightful occasion, consider these pairings to elevate your Butter Pecan Cake experience.
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Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream creates a creamy contrast against the nutty cake, making each bite an indulgent treat.
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Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream enhances the sweetness while providing a lovely texture to balance the cake’s richness.
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Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Adding a warm caramel sauce brings a luxurious sweetness that intensifies the cake’s buttery flavor and adds a beautiful presentation.
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Coffee: A rich cup of coffee complements the cake’s sweetness while enhancing the depth of flavors, creating the perfect pairing for dessert lovers.
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Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices in apple cider harmonize beautifully with the pecans, providing a cozy touch that’s perfect for fall celebrations.
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Chilled Milk: A classic companion, milk provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cake and is a hit with both kids and adults alike.
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Chocolate Ganache: Drizzled over the cake, it gives an extra layer of decadence, creating a delightful contrast with the pecans and brown sugar frosting.
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Pecan Pie Bars: Continue the pecan theme with these bars, offering a delicious, chewy texture that perfectly complements the cake’s moist crumb.
Pairing your Butter Pecan Cake with any of these suggestions will turn your dessert into a memorable culinary experience!
Expert Tips for the Best Butter Pecan Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and buttermilk to warm up before mixing; this helps create a smoother batter and improves cake texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine ingredients when preparing your Butter Pecan Cake. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, which we want to avoid!
- Toast Your Pecans: For enhanced flavor, toast pecans lightly before adding them to your cake batter. This adds a rich, nutty taste that complements the butter beautifully.
- Cool Completely: Make sure your cake layers are completely cool before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures your layers stay intact and look gorgeous.
- Chill for Perfect Slices: Let the finished cake chill in the fridge before slicing. This firms up the frosting and makes for cleaner, neater slices when serving.
Butter Pecan Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right pecans for my Butter Pecan Cake?
Absolutely! When selecting pecans, look for whole nuts that are plump and free of dark spots or signs of mold. Fresh pecans will have a rich, nutty aroma and a firm texture. If possible, opt for raw pecans that you can toast at home for extra flavor before adding—toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
What is the best way to store leftover Butter Pecan Cake?
Very good question! Store your leftover Butter Pecan Cake in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 4 days. This ensures it stays moist and delicious. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it—cut the cake into slices, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and place them in an airtight container, which should be good for up to 3 months.
How should I freeze my Butter Pecan Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze your Butter Pecan Cake, follow these steps:
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Slice the cake, if desired, for easier serving later.
- Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn.
- Place wrapped slices in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag labeled with the date.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving!
What should I do if my Butter Pecan Cake is too dense?
If your cake turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing or using cold ingredients. For next time, remember to mix until just combined, and ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature to achieve that lovely tender crumb. If your cake does turn out dense, a light soak in simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, heated until dissolved) can help add moisture—just use a pastry brush to drizzle it on the layers.
Can I make Butter Pecan Cake dairy-free?
Very much so! To create a dairy-free version, substitute unsalted butter with plant-based butter and use vegan cream cheese in the frosting. It’s good to note that while the flavor may vary slightly, you can enhance it with extra vanilla or a dash of almond extract to maintain that delightful richness.
Irresistible Butter Pecan Cake Perfect for Any Celebration
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium-low heat for 5–7 minutes until deep amber-brown.
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and prepare three 20-cm round cake pans.
- Whisk together cake flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix in the cooled browned butter, then gradually add buttermilk and eggs until smooth. Fold in chopped pecans.
- Divide the batter among the pans and bake for about 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Beat together butter, cream cheese, light brown sugar, and vanilla. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and heavy cream to achieve frosting consistency.
- Layer the cooled cake with frosting in between and cover the entire cake with frosting, garnishing with pecan halves.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes before serving.
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