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