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Butter Pecan Cake


  • Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of our Butter Pecan Cake—a decadent treat that combines the nutty goodness of pecans with creamy buttery goodness. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress with its moist layers and luscious icing.


Ingredients

Prepare for baking bliss with these ingredients:

 

  • For the Cake:
    • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
    • 3 cups (333g) cake flour
    • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
    • 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 ½ cups (354ml) buttermilk, room temperature preferred
    • 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred
    • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 1 ½ cups (160g) pecan halves, very finely chopped
  • For the Icing:
    • 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
    • 6 oz cream cheese, softened
    • ⅓ cup (66g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
    • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 4 ½ cups (562g) powdered sugar
    • 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
    • ⅓ cup (35g) pecan halves, very finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

Here’s how to bake up a storm:

  1. Brown the Butter: Begin by melting butter over medium-low heat until golden brown specks appear. Let it cool completely.
  2. Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line three 8-inch round baking pans.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
  4. Combine with Butter: Add the cooled browned butter to the dry ingredients and mix until incorporated.
  5. Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the finely chopped pecans.
  6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
  7. Make the Icing: For the icing, beat together softened butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating until fluffy.
  8. Assemble the Cake: If needed, level the cakes. Stack the cake layers with icing between each layer and frost the outside. Optionally, decorate with additional chopped pecans and piped frosting swirls for a beautiful finish.

Additional Information:

 

  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Calories: Approximately 975 kcal per serving
  • Servings: 12 servings

Notes

Serving Tips:

Enhance your enjoyment of the Butter Pecan Cake with these serving tips:

  1. Room Temperature: For the best texture and flavor, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving. This allows the flavors to develop fully and ensures a moist cake.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle extra finely chopped pecans on top of the frosted cake for added crunch and visual appeal.
  3. Pairings: Serve slices of Butter Pecan Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience.
  4. Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice with your favorite hot beverage, such as coffee or tea, to complement the rich flavors of the cake.
  5. Special Occasions: This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion where you want to impress guests with a homemade treat.

Storage Tips :

Keep your Butter Pecan Cake fresh and delicious with these storage recommendations:

 

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This helps maintain its moisture and prevents the icing from melting.
  2. Freezing: If you need to store the cake for longer, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake can be stored for up to 1 month.
  3. Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen cake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
  4. Icing Sensitivity: Note that cream cheese icing can become softer when stored in the fridge. To firm it up before serving, briefly chill the frosted cake in the fridge.
  5. Freshness Check: Before serving leftover cake, check for any signs of spoilage or changes in texture. Freshly baked cakes are best enjoyed within a few days of baking