Indulge in the rich flavors of buttery goodness and crunchy pecans with this delightful Butter Pecan Bundt Cake. Made with a moist and tender yellow cake mix, sour cream, and a generous amount of chopped pecans, this cake is a true delight for any occasion. Topped with a sweet and nutty glaze, every bite is a heavenly experience.
Ingredients:
For the Butter Pecan Cake:
- 15.25 oz yellow cake mix (such as Duncan Hines butter golden)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Water, if needed
Directions:
To Make the Cake:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 325°F and liberally grease a 10-inch bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to beat at medium speed for 2 minutes until well combined and smooth. Stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
3. Bake the Cake:
Pour the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before flipping.
To Make the Glaze:
1. Toast the Pecans:
In a medium skillet, heat ¼ cup of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and cook until toasted, stirring often.
2. Prepare the Glaze:
In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, and water. Whisk together until smooth. Pour in the toasted pecans and stir to distribute. If the glaze is too thick, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Glaze the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, carefully flip it over onto a cake plate or stand. Pour the glaze evenly over the top of the cake.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice and serve this delicious Butter Pecan Bundt Cake to enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (+ cooling time) | Servings: 16
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
1. Presentation:
For an elegant presentation, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the visual appeal.
2. Garnish:
For an extra flourish, top each slice of cake with a whole pecan or a sprinkle of chopped pecans. This adds texture and visual interest to each serving.
3. Pairing Suggestions:
Serve slices of Butter Pecan Bundt Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a deliciously indulgent treat.
4. Beverage Pairings:
Pair this decadent cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a hot mug of tea for a delightful afternoon indulgence. Alternatively, serve with a glass of milk for a classic combination.
Storage Tips:
1. Room Temperature:
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. Be sure to use an airtight container or cover the cake with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
2. Refrigeration:
If you need to store the cake for longer than 3 days, you can refrigerate it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
3. Freezing:
Butter Pecan Bundt Cake can also be frozen for longer-term storage. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
4. Reheating:
To refresh the cake before serving, you can lightly warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a low oven until just heated through. This helps restore the cake’s moisture and brings out its flavors.
Follow these serving and storage tips to ensure that your Butter Pecan Bundt Cake stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavors and crunchy pecans whenever the craving strikes.
Variations:
1. Chocolate Drizzle: Add a decadent touch by drizzling melted chocolate over the glazed cake. Use dark, milk, or white chocolate, depending on your preference, and let it set before slicing and serving.
2. Maple Glaze: For a Canadian-inspired twist, substitute the vanilla extract in the glaze with maple extract or use real maple syrup instead. This adds a delightful maple flavor that complements the buttery richness of the cake.
3. Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of a glaze, top the cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and sprinkle with chopped pecans for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
4. Spiced Pecan Cake: Infuse the cake batter with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a cozy, autumn-inspired treat. These spices add depth of flavor and pair beautifully with the buttery pecans.
5. Bourbon Soaked Pecans: For an adult twist, soak the chopped pecans in bourbon for a few hours before adding them to the cake batter. This adds a subtle boozy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake.
6. Apple Butter Swirl: Add a ribbon of apple butter to the cake batter before baking for a deliciously fruity twist. Simply dollop spoonfuls of apple butter over the batter in the bundt pan, then use a knife to gently swirl it into the cake for a marbled effect.
7. Citrus Zest: Enhance the flavor of the cake by adding citrus zest to the batter. Lemon, orange, or even lime zest adds a bright, refreshing note that balances the richness of the pecans and butter.
8. Coconut Pecan Cake: Incorporate shredded coconut into the cake batter for a tropical twist. The coconut adds texture and flavor, while the pecans provide a satisfying crunch.
9. Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a buttery streusel topping over the cake batter before baking for added texture and flavor. Combine flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped pecans until crumbly, then sprinkle over the batter in the bundt pan.
10. Espresso Glaze: Infuse the glaze with espresso powder or brewed espresso for a rich, coffee-flavored finish. The hint of coffee enhances the chocolate and pecan flavors for a truly indulgent experience.
These variations offer creative ways to customize your Butter Pecan Bundt Cake and make it your own. Whether you prefer a classic glaze or want to experiment with different flavors and textures, there’s a variation to suit every taste preference.
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe? Yes, you can use a different flavor of cake mix if you prefer. However, keep in mind that it will alter the overall flavor of the cake. A butter or vanilla cake mix works best to complement the pecan flavor.
2. Can I use low-fat or non-fat sour cream? Using low-fat or non-fat sour cream may affect the texture and moisture of the cake. It’s best to use full-fat sour cream for optimal results and flavor.
3. Can I substitute the pecans with another type of nut? Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts if preferred. Keep in mind that different nuts may alter the flavor profile slightly.
4. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the bundt pan? Ensure the bundt pan is well-greased with butter or non-stick spray before pouring in the cake batter. You can also lightly flour the pan after greasing to further prevent sticking.
5. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. Store it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer storage. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
6. Can I omit the glaze or use a different topping? Yes, you can omit the glaze or use a different topping if desired. A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream would also pair well with this cake.
7. Can I freeze Butter Pecan Bundt Cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
8. How do I know when the cake is done baking? The cake is done baking when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.
These FAQs address common questions and concerns about making Butter Pecan Bundt Cake, helping ensure a successful baking experience every time!
Treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible Butter Pecan Bundt Cake, perfect for any gathering or dessert table.
