Coconut Pecan Buttermilk Cake Recipe

Here’s a big, complete recipe for your Coconut Pecan Buttermilk Cake with everything you asked for: introduction, ingredients, instructions, methods, history, benefits, formation, conclusion, lovers, and nutrition.


🌴🥥 Coconut Pecan Buttermilk Cake Recipe 🥮🌰

📖 Introduction

The Coconut Pecan Buttermilk Cake is a timeless Southern-inspired dessert that combines the richness of buttery cake, the tang of buttermilk, the nutty crunch of pecans, and the tropical sweetness of coconut. It is soft, moist, and flavorful, often baked for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or festive occasions. The buttermilk ensures a tender crumb, while the coconut and pecans create a wonderful texture that makes this cake stand out among traditional Southern cakes.


📝 Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

For the Frosting (Optional Cream Cheese Frosting):

  • 1 (8 oz / 225 g) block cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup shredded coconut (for topping)
  • ½ cup chopped pecans (for topping)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven & Pan
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or one 9×13-inch pan).
  2. Cream Butter & Sugar
    In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
  3. Add Eggs
    Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients
    In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Combine Wet & Dry
    Add flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
  6. Add Coconut & Pecans
    Gently fold in shredded coconut and toasted pecans.
  7. Bake
    Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes (round pans) or 40–45 minutes (rectangular pan) until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool & Frost
    Let cakes cool completely on a wire rack. Spread cream cheese frosting between layers and on top. Garnish with coconut and pecans.

🥣 Methods

  • Creaming Method: Ensures light and fluffy texture.
  • Folding Method: Preserves airiness when adding coconut and pecans.
  • Buttermilk Method: Acidic buttermilk reacts with baking soda for moistness.
  • Frosting Method: Smooth cream cheese frosting balances sweetness and richness.

📜 History

The Coconut Pecan Buttermilk Cake has Southern roots, inspired by traditional buttermilk cakes and Hummingbird cake variations. Coconut became popular in American desserts in the late 19th century, and pecans have always been a staple nut in Southern baking. This cake represents a blend of Southern comfort and tropical flair.


💎 Benefits

  • Pecans: Rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and minerals.
  • Coconut: Provides fiber, energy, and natural sweetness.
  • Buttermilk: Helps digestion and gives the cake a light texture.
  • Homemade baking: Avoids preservatives and offers a fresher, healthier dessert.

🏗️ Formation

This cake forms a soft, tender crumb with crunchy pecan bites and chewy coconut flakes. The frosting adds creaminess, and the layered effect makes it visually stunning.


❤️ Lovers of This Cake

  • Southern dessert lovers who enjoy rich, buttery flavors.
  • Coconut fans who crave tropical sweetness.
  • Nut lovers who enjoy pecans in desserts.
  • Family bakers who love comforting, homemade recipes.

🍽️ Nutrition (per serving – 1 slice of 12)

  • Calories: ~420
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Fiber: 2 g

(Nutrition varies depending on frosting and portion size.)


🏁 Conclusion

The Coconut Pecan Buttermilk Cake is a delightful blend of textures and flavors — moist, nutty, and sweet. It’s more than just dessert; it’s a cake full of tradition, love, and Southern charm. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or simply as a weekend treat.

🌸 For lovers of coconut and pecans, this cake is pure happiness baked into every bite!


Would you like me to also give you a variation guide (like how to make it as cupcakes, loaf cake, or bundt)?

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