The Butter Pecan Cake is a sublime dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with a moist, buttery cake base, all topped off with a creamy, slightly tangy frosting. This cake is not only a delight to the senses but also a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe promises to impress with its exquisite taste and elegant presentation.
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
Directions:
Brown the Butter: Melt butter over medium-low heat, then increase heat and cook until golden brown specks form. Cool completely.
Prepare the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round baking pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine with Butter: Add browned butter to dry ingredients and mix until incorporated.
Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in chopped pecans.
Bake: Divide batter among prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Make the Icing: Beat butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating until fluffy.
Assemble the Cake: Level cakes if necessary. Stack layers with icing between each and frost the outside. Decorate with chopped pecans and piped frosting swirls if desired.
Prep Time: 1 hour | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Kcal: 975 per serving | Servings: 12 servings
Notes
- Butter Browning: Browning the butter is a key step as it enhances the cake with a deep, nutty flavor. Be careful to watch the butter closely during this process to prevent burning.
- Cake Flour: Using cake flour is crucial for a tender crumb. Do not substitute with all-purpose flour as the results will vary.
- Pecan Preparation: Very finely chopping the pecans ensures they are distributed evenly throughout the cake and icing, providing a consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
- Temperature Matters: Room temperature ingredients such as buttermilk, eggs, and cream cheese blend more smoothly, avoiding lumps in your batter and icing.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this cake in advance?
A1: Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. Assemble and frost the cake the day you plan to serve it for the best flavor and texture.
Q2: How should I store the leftover cake?
A2: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese in the frosting. The cake will keep well for up to 5 days.
Q3: Can I use a different type of nut?
A3: While pecans are traditional for this recipe, walnuts could be a suitable alternative if you prefer their flavor or have them on hand.
Q4: What if I don’t have three 8-inch pans?
A4: If you don’t have three pans, you can bake the cake in batches. Just be sure to cover and refrigerate any batter waiting to be baked.
Q5: Is there a dairy-free alternative for this cake?
A5: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, use a plant-based milk mixed with a little vinegar in place of buttermilk, and choose a vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
Conclusion
The Butter Pecan Cake is truly a luxurious treat that’s perfect for anyone who loves the rich flavor of butter and pecans. Its elegant appearance and delectable taste make it ideal for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or as a sophisticated addition to any dessert table. This cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors in every slice. Enjoy the process of baking this exquisite cake and the pleasure of sharing it with friends and family.
