Butter Pecan Cake

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Butter Pecan Cake 😍🤤🍰

Don’t LOSE this recipe – it’s pure Southern comfort in every slice!

Rich, buttery, nutty, and perfectly sweet… Butter Pecan Cake is one of those timeless desserts that feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen. The toasted pecans caramelized in brown sugar create deep flavor, while the soft vanilla butter cake melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for Sunday dinner, birthdays, holidays, or just because you deserve something special — this cake never disappoints.

🌰 The History of Butter Pecan

Butter pecan flavors became popular in the Southern United States, especially in ice cream and baked goods. Pecans are native to North America and have long been a staple in Southern baking. Combining butter, brown sugar, and toasted pecans created a rich, caramel-like flavor that quickly became a favorite for cakes, pies, and frostings.

Today, Butter Pecan Cake remains a beloved classic at family gatherings, church potlucks, and holiday tables.

🧾 Ingredients

🥜 Butter Pecan Mixture

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar

🍰 Cake Batter

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk (room temperature)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment paper for easier release).

Step 2: Make the Butter Pecan Mixture

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt ½ cup butter.
  2. Add chopped pecans and brown sugar.
  3. Stir constantly for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and lightly toasted.
  4. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

This step deepens the nutty flavor and creates that signature caramelized richness.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl:

  1. Beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract.

Creaming properly adds air, making your cake soft and tender.

Step 5: Combine Everything

  1. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk.
    (Start and end with flour mixture.)
  2. Mix until just combined — do not overmix.
  3. Fold in half of the cooled butter pecan mixture.

Step 6: Bake

  1. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
  2. Sprinkle remaining pecan mixture over the tops.
  3. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Let cakes cool in pans for 10–15 minutes.
Turn out onto wire racks and cool completely before frosting or serving.

🧁 Optional Frosting Ideas

You can enjoy this cake plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or try:

  • Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Classic Vanilla Buttercream
  • Caramel Drizzle + Toasted Pecans
  • Whipped Cream Frosting for lighter texture

🔬 Methods Behind the Magic (Formation)

✔ Toasting Pecans enhances natural oils and intensifies flavor.
✔ Creaming Butter & Sugar incorporates air for a fluffy crumb.
✔ Alternating Dry & Wet Ingredients prevents overmixing and keeps texture tender.
✔ Room Temperature Ingredients ensure smooth batter and even baking.

These small techniques are what transform simple ingredients into bakery-quality cake.

❤️ Why People LOVE Butter Pecan Cake

  • Perfect balance of sweet & nutty
  • Soft, buttery crumb
  • Nostalgic Southern flavor
  • Ideal for holidays & celebrations
  • Smells absolutely AMAZING while baking

It’s the kind of cake that makes people close their eyes after the first bite.

🥰 Butter Pecan Lovers Tip

If you truly love butter pecan flavor:

  • Add ½ teaspoon butter extract for extra richness
  • Toast extra pecans for garnish
  • Brush layers lightly with caramel sauce before frosting

🎉 Conclusion

Butter Pecan Cake is more than just dessert — it’s tradition, comfort, and indulgence all in one slice. The caramelized pecans, soft vanilla crumb, and buttery richness make it unforgettable.

Save it. Share it. Bake it often.
Because once you taste it… you’ll understand why nobody wants to lose this recipe 😍🍰🌰

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