Sure, here’s a complete and detailed recipe for Southern Butter Pecan Layer Cake, including the ingredients, instructions, a bit of history, and a conclusion. This cake is a rich, nutty, and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, especially if you love Southern desserts. Let’s dive in!
Southern Butter Pecan Layer Cake Recipe
Introduction:
A Southern classic, the Butter Pecan Layer Cake brings together the warmth of roasted pecans and the richness of butter in every bite. This cake is a celebration of Southern hospitality, known for its moist texture, toasted pecan flavor, and smooth buttercream frosting. Whether it’s a family gathering or a special occasion, this cake has a way of making any event feel like a celebration.
The recipe below combines fluffy layers of cake with the crunch of toasted pecans, and it’s finished off with a luscious buttercream frosting. The result? A stunning dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) cake flour (make sure it’s sifted)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans (see below for instructions on toasting)
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp buttermilk (adjust to desired consistency)
- Pinch of salt
For the Pecan Garnish:
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
Instructions:
1. Toasting the Pecans:
Before you begin baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped pecans in an even layer on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they don’t burn. Once toasted, set them aside to cool.
2. Making the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, vegetable oil, and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition until just combined.
- Gently fold in the toasted pecans.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
3. Preparing the Buttercream Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, and add buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Beat the frosting for an additional 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
4. Assembling the Cake:
- Once the cakes have cooled completely, place the first layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a generous layer of buttercream frosting over the top of the first cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.
- Garnish the top and sides of the cake with the remaining chopped toasted pecans.
5. Serving:
- Let the cake set for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to firm up before slicing and serving.
- This cake is best served at room temperature, so be sure to remove it from the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving.
History and Formation:
The butter pecan flavor is a beloved Southern staple, particularly in desserts like ice cream and cakes. Pecans are native to the Southern United States, and the rich, nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with the buttery, vanilla-scented cake base.
The origins of the Butter Pecan Layer Cake are not definitively documented, but pecans have long been a hallmark of Southern cooking, dating back to Native American times. In the South, pecans were cultivated widely during the 19th century, and their rich, distinctive taste quickly became a favorite addition to both savory and sweet dishes. The butter pecan flavor soon found its way into many Southern desserts, becoming a hallmark of the region’s culinary identity.
The combination of toasted pecans and a rich buttercream frosting in this cake showcases the simplicity and elegance of Southern baking, which emphasizes using local, fresh ingredients to create indulgent yet comforting flavors.
Conclusion:
This Southern Butter Pecan Layer Cake is a perfect treat for anyone who loves rich, nutty flavors with a touch of Southern charm. The cake layers are light and fluffy, while the buttercream frosting is decadently creamy. Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch, making each bite a balance of smooth and textured goodness. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a birthday party, or any festive occasion, this cake will surely impress your guests.
Lovers of this cake:
If you’re a fan of Southern desserts, buttercream cakes, or pecan-based treats, this cake will be a dream come true. Lovers of rich, indulgent cakes will appreciate the moist texture of the layers and the comforting pecan flavor. This is also a great dessert for those who enjoy the combination of sweet and nutty flavors. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a family dinner or a holiday meal with a show-stopping dessert.
Methods (Key Takeaways for Lovers):
- Use cake flour for a lighter, softer crumb.
- Toast the pecans to bring out their nutty, rich flavor.
- Beat the buttercream until fluffy to get the right smooth texture for frosting.
- Let the cake layers cool completely before assembling to avoid melting the frosting.
- Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Enjoy baking and sharing this Southern favorite with your friends and family! 😊