Easy Homemade Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when a butter pecan cake with cream cheese icing emerges from the oven.

Generations of bakers have cherished this decadent dessert that marries rich, toasted pecans with silky cream cheese frosting.

Every slice promises a symphony of nutty warmth and sweet comfort.

Butter-kissed layers promise a delightful crunch from perfectly roasted pecans scattered throughout the cake.

The cream cheese icing adds a luxurious, tangy finish that cuts through the dessert’s richness.

Each forkful delivers a nostalgic taste of Southern hospitality.

Prepare to experience a cake that celebrates pure, unapologetic indulgence.

What Makes Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Special

• Bake with Ease: Perfect for Baking Beginners
• Novice bakers will breeze through this straightforward recipe with simple step-by-step instructions and minimal technical skills required.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dessert
• Guaranteed to win hearts with its rich, buttery flavor and classic southern-style taste that appeals to all age groups and gathering styles.
• Versatile Party-Ready Showstopper
• Adaptable for multiple occasions like birthdays, potlucks, family reunions, or casual weekend dessert that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Make-Ahead Magic Dessert
• Prepare cake layers in advance, store them properly, and frost when ready, allowing stress-free entertaining and convenient dessert planning.

Key Ingredients for Butter Pecan Cake and Icing

Cake Ingredients:

• Butter: A creamy base that adds rich flavor.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet companions that help create a tender texture.

• Eggs: Binding agents that provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: A magical touch of warm flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy foundation of the cake.
• Baking Powder, Salt: Helpers that ensure perfect rise and balance.

• Buttermilk, Pecans: Liquid gold and nutty friends that make the cake moist and interesting.

Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients:

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Smooth partners that create a luxurious spread.

• Powdered Sugar: The silky sweetener that brings everything together.

• Vanilla Extract, Milk: A dash of flavor and creamy helper for perfect icing.

Baking Steps for Butter Pecan Cake with Icing

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F.

Grease two round cake pans or one rectangular pan generously with butter and dust with flour.

Step 2: Create Cake Base

In a big mixing bowl, whip softened butter with white and brown sugars until super fluffy.

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each.

Pour in vanilla extract and blend smoothly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk.

Start and end with dry ingredients.

Gently fold in chopped pecans.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into prepared pans.

• Round pans: 25-30 minutes
• Rectangular pan: 35-40 minutes

Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 5: Cool Down

Let cake rest in pans for 10 minutes.

Transfer to wire racks and allow to cool completely.

Step 6: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar.

Mix in vanilla extract and milk until reaching desired consistency.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve

Spread frosting generously over cooled cake.

Sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top if desired.

Slice and enjoy your delectable creation!

Pro Tips for Smooth Icing and Rich Cake Flavor

• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Allow butter, eggs, and cream cheese to sit at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother, more consistent cake texture.
• Buttermilk helps create a tender, moist cake by breaking down gluten and adding subtle tanginess to the overall flavor.
• Line cake pans with parchment paper after greasing and flouring to guarantee easy cake removal and perfect cake shape.
• Refrigerate cream cheese icing for 10-15 minutes before frosting to achieve a more stable and easier-to-spread consistency.

Keeping Butter Pecan Cake Fresh for Days

• Store covered cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent cream cheese icing from spoiling.
• Let cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften icing and enhance flavor.
• Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before frosting.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and serve warm.

Delicious Pairings for Butter Pecan Cake

• Pair with Sweet Southern Sippers: Bourbon-based cocktails like an Old Fashioned complement the cake's nutty richness perfectly.
• Enhance with Dessert Wines: Late harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti offer sweet notes that dance beautifully with the pecan and cream cheese flavors.
• Match with Coffee Companions: Smooth caramel macchiato or hazelnut latte create a delightful contrast to the cake's buttery texture.
• Highlight with Nutty Liqueurs: Frangelico or amaretto provide a sophisticated alcohol-based pairing that amplifies the pecan's warm, toasted character.

Fun Icing and Nut Options for Butter Pecan Cake

• Gluten-Free Pecan Cake: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Butter Pecan Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter alternatives, swap buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar, and create dairy-free cream cheese frosting using cashew-based cream cheese.
• Low-Sugar Pecan Cake: Replace granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content, and use sugar-free cream cheese for the frosting to make a diabetic-friendly version.
• Keto-Friendly Pecan Cake: Use almond flour instead of wheat flour, replace sugar with erythritol or stevia, incorporate coconut flour for density, and make a cream cheese frosting using heavy cream and sugar-free sweeteners to maintain low-carb requirements.

FAQs

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cake from becoming too salty.

• What if I don't have buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

• How do I know if my pecans are fresh?

Fresh pecans should have a crisp texture and nutty aroma. Check for any rancid smell or off-color appearance, which indicates they’re no longer good to use.

• Can I toast the pecans before adding them to the cake batter?

Absolutely! Toasting pecans enhances their flavor. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Butter Pecan Cake With Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Butter pecan cake delights Southern dessert enthusiasts with rich, nutty flavors and creamy frosting. Sweet comfort meets culinary craftsmanship in this irresistible treat you’ll savor down to the last delectable crumb.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar

Wet Ingredients and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, meticulously coating two round cake pans or a rectangular pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Combine softened butter with granulated and brown sugars in a large mixing bowl, whipping until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a fluffy foundation.
3. Introduce eggs individually into the sugar mixture, thoroughly blending after each addition to ensure a uniform texture and optimal incorporation.
4. Gently fold in vanilla extract, infusing the batter with a rich aromatic essence.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, creating a light and even dry ingredient blend.
6. Gradually integrate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk to maintain a smooth, lump-free consistency.
7. Delicately fold chopped pecans throughout the batter, distributing them evenly for maximum flavor and texture.
8. Transfer the batter into prepared pans, ensuring an equal distribution to promote uniform baking.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes in round pans or 35-40 minutes in a rectangular pan, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted.
10. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling racks for complete cooling.
11. Whip cream cheese and butter together until silky and well-combined, creating a luxurious base for the icing.
12. Incrementally add powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
13. Incorporate vanilla extract and adjust milk quantity to reach the desired icing consistency.
14. Once the cake has cooled completely, generously spread the cream cheese icing across the top and sides.
15. Optionally garnish with additional pecans for enhanced visual appeal and nutty crunch.
16. Slice and serve, revealing the decadent layers of this indulgent butter pecan cake.

Notes

• Toast pecans beforehand to intensify their nutty flavor and create a more robust, aromatic profile for the cake.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs, butter, and buttermilk to ensure smoother batter and more even baking.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the cake’s delicate texture.
• Enhance moisture by adding a light simple syrup brush over the cake layers before frosting, preventing potential dryness and boosting overall cake richness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg