Here’s a classic Butter Pecan Cake recipe—moist, buttery, and loaded with toasted pecans for a nutty, indulgent treat.
Butter Pecan Cake
Servings: 10–12
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Toast pecans:
- Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
- Make the cake batter:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in toasted pecans.
- Bake:
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
- Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the frosting:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in brown sugar and milk, and bring to a gentle boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble the cake:
- Spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
- Sprinkle remaining toasted pecans on top for garnish.
- Serve:
- Slice and enjoy!
✅ Tips:
- For extra richness, you can use half butter and half browned butter in the cake batter.
- This cake keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the frosting can enhance the nutty flavor.
I can also give you a single-layer sheet cake version that’s quicker to make but still buttery and nutty.
Do you want me to provide that version?
