Homemade Butter Pecan Cake Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Baking a delectable butter pecan cake recipe brings pure comfort to any dessert table.

Nutty pecans dance through soft, moist layers of sweet goodness.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic treat with its rich, golden crumb.

Warm spices and toasted pecans create an irresistible aroma that fills the entire kitchen.

Each slice promises a delightful blend of buttery smoothness and crunchy pecan texture.

The cake stands as a testament to classic Southern baking traditions.

Prepare to indulge in a slice of pure, homemade happiness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Great Pairings for Pecan Cake

• Pair Toasted Pecans with Bourbon Cocktail: Elevate the cake's nutty profile by serving a smooth bourbon old fashioned, which complements the browned butter and pecan flavors with its warm, caramel undertones.
• Serve with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Create a delightful contrast by adding a scoop of salted caramel ice cream alongside the cake, enhancing the richness and providing a cool, creamy texture against the warm cake.
• Match with Dark Roast Coffee: Brew a strong, robust dark roast coffee to cut through the cake's sweetness, bringing out the deeper, nuttier notes of the pecans and browned butter.
• Accompany with Spiced Chai Latte: Offer a spiced chai latte that introduces warm cinnamon and cardamom notes, which beautifully harmonize with the cake's nutty and caramel-like characteristics.

Flavor Spins for Butter Pecan Recipes

• Gluten-Free Pecan Cake: Replace cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the same texture and flavor while accommodating wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Butter Pecan Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives, and select dairy-free milk to create a completely plant-based version of this classic cake.
• Low-Sugar Nutty Cake: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's rich pecan profile.
• Keto-Friendly Pecan Cake: Use almond flour instead of cake flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and incorporate coconut cream for a low-carb, high-fat version that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

FAQs

• Why brown the butter for this cake?

Browning butter develops a deeper, nuttier flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cake. The golden-brown specks create a rich, caramel-like note that elevates the entire dessert.

• Can I use regular flour instead of cake flour?

Cake flour is recommended because it has a lower protein content, which creates a more tender and delicate cake texture. Regular all-purpose flour might make the cake slightly denser and less soft.

• How do I know if I've mixed the batter correctly?

The batter should look slightly crumbly after adding browned butter, and when you add wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and result in a tough cake texture.

• What makes pecans special in this recipe?

Pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the browned butter. They’re chopped finely to distribute evenly throughout the cake, ensuring a consistent texture in every bite.

What Makes Butter Pecan Cake So Rich

• Browning butter transforms this cake into a gourmet experience, creating deep, complex taste notes that elevate the entire dessert beyond ordinary recipes.
• This cake delivers professional-level results with surprisingly manageable steps, making bakers feel like culinary experts without overwhelming technical skills.
• Combining finely chopped pecans and creamy frosting creates a perfect balance of crunch and smoothness that appeals to both texture lovers and sweet tooth enthusiasts.
• Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, family gatherings, or potlucks, this cake impresses guests while feeling warmly familiar and comforting.

Ingredients for Classic Butter Pecan Cake

• Cake Flour: A fine, soft flour that creates a tender and delicate cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cake's structure.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel-like flavor to the cake.

• Buttermilk, Eggs, Vanilla Extract: A classic combination that ensures a moist and flavorful cake with rich undertones.

• Butter, Pecans: Brown the butter to develop a deep, nutty flavor and add chopped pecans for a delightful crunch.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Essential ingredients that help the cake rise and balance the overall flavor.

• Butter, Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Heavy Cream: Create a smooth, creamy frosting with a perfect balance of sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract, Salt: Enhance the frosting's flavor and balance the sweetness.

• Chopped Pecans: Add extra texture and nutty flavor to the finished cake.

Steps for Moist Butter Pecan Cake

Step 1: Brown The Butter

Heat butter in a skillet over medium-low temperature.

Watch carefully as it melts and transforms.

Gradually increase heat and continue cooking until golden brown specks appear.

Remove from heat once butter reaches a beautiful amber color and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Pans

Heat oven to 350F (175C).

Grease three 8-inch round cake pans.

Line each pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

• Cake flour
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined for consistent cake texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Browned Butter

Pour cooled browned butter into dry ingredients.

Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and butter is fully integrated.

Step 5: Mix Wet Components

• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Gently pour wet ingredients into dry mixture.

Stir until just combined.

Fold in finely chopped pecans.

Step 6: Bake Cake Layers

Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans.

Bake for approximately 30 minutes.

Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into cake center.

Let cakes cool completely in pans before removing.

Step 7: Create Cream Cheese Frosting

• Softened butter
• Cream cheese
• Light brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream.

Continue beating until frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 8: Construct Cake

Level cake layers if needed.

Place first layer on serving plate.

Spread frosting between each layer.

Cover entire cake with remaining frosting.

Garnish with additional chopped pecans and optional decorative frosting swirls.

Tips for Better Texture and Flavor

• Watch the butter closely while browning to avoid bitter, burnt flavors. Remove from heat the moment golden specks appear for perfect nutty essence.
• Use room temperature buttermilk and eggs to create a smooth, even batter that results in a tender, moist cake texture.
• Toast pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their natural nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cake's overall taste.
• Let cream cheese and butter soften naturally at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free frosting.
• Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness and flavor.

Storing Your Butter Pecan Cake the Right Way

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the entire frosted cake securely in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Wrap each cake slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. For best texture, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore moisture and softness.

Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent butter pecan cake delivers southern comfort in each heavenly slice, promising rich nutty flavor and creamy texture. Sweet memories merge with classic dessert tradition, inviting you to savor this irresistible homemade treat that celebrates pure baking magic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (333g) cake flour
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
• 1 12 cups (160g) pecan halves, very finely chopped

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 12 cups (354ml) buttermilk, room temperature preferred
• 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred
• 1 12 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 12 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 14 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 12 cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 13 cup (66g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 12 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 12 cups (562g) powdered sugar
• 13 cup (35g) pecan halves, very finely chopped, optional

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Instructions

1. Transform butter into a nutty essence by melting over medium-low heat, watching carefully until golden brown specks appear. Remove from heat and cool completely.
2. Heat oven to 350F (175C). Grease and line three 8-inch round baking pans with parchment paper for smooth cake release.
3. Combine cake flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
4. Pour cooled browned butter into dry ingredients, mixing until the texture becomes crumbly and butter is fully integrated.
5. Whisk buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Gently incorporate into dry ingredient mixture, stirring minimally. Fold in finely chopped pecans.
6. Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick. Allow cakes to cool completely in their pans before removing.
7. Create frosting by beating softened butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, whipping until light and fluffy.
8. Level cake layers if needed. Stack layers on serving plate, spreading frosting between each. Cover entire cake with remaining frosting. Garnish with additional chopped pecans and optional decorative frosting swirls.

Notes

• Brown the butter with care, watching closely to prevent burning and achieve a deep, nutty flavor without bitter undertones.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their natural oils and intensify the nutty taste throughout the cake.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap cake flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain cake structure and prevent crumbling.
• Keep ingredients at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and consistent cake texture, helping ingredients blend more evenly and preventing potential lumps.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 456
• Sugar: 43g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 85mg