Butter Pecan Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of toasted pecans and buttery cake, topped with a creamy frosting and a touch of white chocolate. Perfect for special occasions or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 tablespoon baking powder 🥄
- ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar 🍚
- 4 large eggs 🥚
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🍦
- 1 cup whole milk 🥛
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans, toasted 🌰
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 4 cups powdered sugar 🍚
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦
- ¼ cup heavy cream 🥛
- ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted 🌰
For the Topping:
- ½ cup whole pecan halves, toasted 🌰
- ½ cup white chocolate chips, melted 🍫
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. 🌡️
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. 🌾🥄🧂
- Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. 🧈🍚
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract. 🥚🍦
- Combine Dry Ingredients with Milk: Gradually add flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. 🌾🥛
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in toasted, chopped pecans. 🌰
- Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. 🕒🌡️
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream until light and fluffy. 🧈🍚🍦🥛
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in toasted, chopped pecans. 🌰
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a portion of the frosting over the top. Repeat with the second and third layers, frosting the top and sides of the cake. 🍰
- Drizzle with White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle over the top of the cake. 🍫
- Add Pecan Halves: Arrange toasted pecan halves on top of the cake as shown in the picture. 🌰
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and enjoy your delicious Butter Pecan Cake! 🎂
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Notes and FAQs
Notes:
- Toasting Pecans: To toast pecans, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the best results. This helps in achieving a smooth and well-incorporated batter.
- Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
FAQs:
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon to avoid an overly salty cake.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. Frost the cake the next day.
- How should I store the cake? Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Let the cake come to room temperature before serving if refrigerated.
Conclusion
Butter Pecan Cake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for any celebration or simply as a treat. With its rich, buttery taste and crunchy toasted pecans, this cake is bound to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite of this decadent dessert!
