Delicious Butter Pecan Cake topped with crushed pecans and creamy frosting

Butter Pecan Cake

Why make this recipe

Butter Pecan Cake is a delicious dessert that combines the rich flavor of buttery cake with crunchy toasted pecans. It’s perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or just when you want to treat yourself to something special. This cake is moist and flavorful, and it pairs beautifully with cream cheese or buttercream frosting.

How to make Butter Pecan Cake

Ingredients :

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped

Directions :

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk and mixing until just combined.
  6. Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
  10. Frost with cream cheese or buttercream frosting as desired and serve.

How to serve Butter Pecan Cake

Serve Butter Pecan Cake at room temperature or slightly chilled. You can add a generous layer of cream cheese or buttercream frosting on top of the cake. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted pecans on top for decoration. This cake is perfect for birthday parties, holidays, or just a sweet treat with your coffee.

How to store Butter Pecan Cake

After serving, store any leftover pieces of Butter Pecan Cake in an airtight container. You can keep the cake at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you would like to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to make Butter Pecan Cake

  • To enhance the flavor, you can toast the pecans in the oven before adding them to the batter.
  • Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture in your cake.
  • Avoid over-mixing the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Variation

You can add chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious chocolate twist. Another option is to replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but it may alter the flavor slightly, so you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake, let it cool completely, and then wrap it tightly. It can be stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for later use. Just frost it once you’re ready to serve.

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Butter Pecan Cake

A deliciously moist cake featuring buttery flavors and crunchy toasted pecans, perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it is softened but not melted.
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Consider reducing if using salted butter.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk Can substitute with milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar.
  • 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped Toasting enhances the flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined.
  6. Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Serving
  1. Frost with cream cheese or buttercream frosting as desired and serve.

Notes

Store leftover cake in an airtight container. At room temperature, it lasts up to 2 days, in the fridge up to a week, and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Wrap well to prevent freezer burn.

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