Butter Pecan Dream Cake
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave something that tastes like a warm hug? This Butter Pecan Cake is exactly that. It's got that nutty, buttery flavour that just screams comfort food.
Brief Overview
This Pecan Cake is inspired by Southern baking. It's a medium difficulty recipe that takes about an hour and a half, start to finish.
This Yummy Butter Pecan Cake yields 10-12 servings, perfect for sharing.
Main Benefits
Pecans are packed with antioxidants, so this cake is practically a health food. Okay, maybe not really , but it's delicious.
Serve this Butter Pecan Cake at your next birthday party. What makes this Homemade Butter Pecan Cake special? The brown butter frosting, hands down!
What Makes this Pecan Cake a Showstopper?
Let's be honest, there are a lot of cake recipes out there. But this Butter Pecan Layer Cake stands out.
That rich, buttery flavour, the crunch of toasted pecans, the melt-in-your mouth texture... Honestly, what's not to love?
I remember the first time I made this. Oh my gosh! I accidentally slightly burnt the butter. My first thought was "OMG, that's a disaster! ".
But you know what? The slightly burnt butter added a nutty depth. That's just something I learnt along the way, you know?.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Pecan Topping:
- 4 ounces pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Brown Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped
Ready to get baking? I'm so excited for you to try this Southern Butter Pecan Cake Recipe !
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Alright, friend, let’s talk about what you'll need for this show stopping Butter Pecan Cake . Don't worry, it's not as intimidating as it sounds! Honestly, the yummy Butter Pecan Cake is all about those simple, quality ingredients and a few trusty tools.
Main Ingredients
Here's the lowdown. Good ingredients are key for an amazing Southern Butter Pecan Cake recipe .
- Pecan Topping:
- 4 ounces (113g) chopped pecan halves. Look for pecans that are plump and smell nutty, not musty.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) melted unsalted butter.
- 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) softened unsalted butter. The butter must be softened or you will have trouble creaming it!
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar.
- 3 large eggs.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk. If you don't have any, adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to regular milk works fine.
- Brown Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) unsalted butter.
- 4 cups (480g) sifted confectioners' sugar. Sifting is important!
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- 1/2 cup (57g) toasted pecans, finely chopped.
Seasoning Notes: The Magic Touch
The magic's in the brown butter and toasted pecans, period. Don't skip these steps! They give that incredible nutty flavor.
If you are looking to create a homemade butter pecan cake, you have to follow these steps. For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the cake batter.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, you know?
- Two 9 inch round cake pans.
- Parchment paper.
- Stand mixer or hand mixer. Honestly, a hand mixer will do the job just fine.
- Mixing bowls.
- Rubber spatula.
- Offset spatula (optional, for frosting).
- Small saucepan.
That’s all there is to it. It's simpler to cook this Toasted Pecan Cake, isn't it? Once you have everything prepared, you can dive into making this fabulous Easy Butter Pecan Cake .
Now, let’s get to baking!
Butter Pecan Dream Cake: A Slice of Southern Comfort
Oh my gosh, you guys! Let's talk about Butter Pecan Cake . Honestly, is there anything more comforting than a slice of Yummy Butter Pecan Cake ? This recipe is my take on that classic Southern flavour combo.
This Southern Butter Pecan Cake Recipe is easy, so even if you're not a baking pro, you can totally nail it.
This Pecan Cake is going to be your new go-to dessert. Trust me.
Prep Steps: Get Your Bake On!
First things first, mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? It just means get everything ready. Chop your 4 ounces of pecans and melt 2 tablespoons of butter for the topping.
Room temperature butter is a must, so set 1 cup out ahead of time. Safety reminder: don’t burn yourself when melting butter!
step-by-step to Pecan Perfection
Okay, let's get baking!
- Toast those Pecans: Mix chopped pecans with melted butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until fragrant.
- Prep the Pans: Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans. Parchment paper is your friend here!
- Make the Batter: Cream together softened butter and 1 3/4 cups sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in the dry ingredients alternating with 1 cup of buttermilk. Fold in half of the toasted pecans.
- Bake Time: Divide the batter into the pans and bake for 30- 35 minutes . A toothpick should come out clean.
- Frosting Time: Brown 1 cup of butter in a saucepan. Let it cool, then add 4 cups of confectioners' sugar, cream, vanilla, salt, and chopped toasted pecans.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Butter Pecan Cake
Here's a little secret: browning the butter is key to that amazing Brown Butter Pecan Cake flavour. Don't skip it! A common mistake is overbaking the cake, so check it early.
Want to save time? The cake layers can be baked a day ahead and stored at room temperature, well wrapped.
This Easy Butter Pecan Cake recipe is more than just a cake; it's a taste of home, a hug in dessert form.
So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake some happiness. And don't forget to share your creations.
Recipe Notes for the Best Butter Pecan Cake
Okay, so you're about to make this incredible Butter Pecan Cake . Let's talk about a few things to make sure it turns out picture perfect, just like you imagined!
How To Serve Your Butter Pecan Cake
Presentation is everything, right? Try layering a slice of your yummy Butter Pecan Cake on a plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
You know, the kind with the little black bean specks. You can also drizzle a little caramel sauce on top.
To drink? A cup of coffee goes perfectly with it, or a glass of sweet tea. Proper Southern style.
When I made this Pecan Cake for my friend Sarah's birthday, I added candied pecans on top for extra sparkle. It made it look so fancy.
Storing That Easy Butter Pecan Cake
Honestly, this Butter Pecan Cake is so good, it probably won't last long. But if you have leftovers which is rare in my experience, store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
It should last for about 3 days.
If you're thinking longer term, you can freeze it. Just wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and then put them in a freezer bag.
I haven't tried this myself, but I've heard it works well. Let it thaw in the fridge before devouring.
Reheating is easy: just pop a slice in the microwave for like, 15 seconds . Don't overdo it, or it'll get all melty.
Playing Around With the Pecan Desserts Recipe
Want to mix things up? For a Maple Toasted Pecan Cake , stir in a few tablespoons of maple syrup into the frosting.
It adds this warm, autumnal vibe. I once added a splash of bourbon, and, oh my gosh, it was amazing!
If you need a gluten-free Brown Butter Pecan Cake version, use a gluten-free flour blend. Just keep an eye on the batter consistency; you might need to add a bit more liquid.
What's Good About This Homemade Butter Pecan Cake ?
Okay, let's get real for a sec. This Southern Butter Pecan Cake Recipe is decadent, I know . But pecans are full of good fats, and it has the calories around 650-750 per serving.
This Butter Pecan Layer Cake is worth it and the carbs are between 60-70 grams! You're treating yourself, not punishing yourself, okay?
Making a Butter Pecan Cake might seem a bit extra, but honestly, it's so rewarding. Plus, the smell of browned butter? Heaven! You got this.
Go on, bake something amazing, and don't forget to enjoy every single bite of this Butter Pecan Cake !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Butter Pecan Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Butter Pecan Cake layers can be baked a day ahead, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, and stored at room temperature or in the fridge. The brown butter frosting can also be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature and re-whip it before frosting the cake.
This is even better because it enhances the flavours even more!
How should I store my leftover Butter Pecan Cake?
Leftover Butter Pecan Cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting a bit, just like they do at The Ritz!
Is it possible to make a smaller version of this Butter Pecan Dream Cake?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a smaller cake. Halve all the ingredients and bake in one 8 inch round pan or a loaf pan. Keep a close eye on the baking time, as it will likely be shorter. The smaller portions might just be the ticket when you fancy a treat!
I don't have buttermilk. What can I substitute in this Butter Pecan Cake recipe?
No problem! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute. Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a liquid measuring cup, then fill the cup with milk until it reaches the 1-cup mark. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly, and then use it in the recipe just like buttermilk.
It's a trick as old as time!
Can I freeze the Butter Pecan Cake?
You sure can! To freeze, wrap the unfrosted cake layers individually in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. For frosted cake, freeze uncovered until solid, then wrap in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and it will be almost as good as the day it was baked.
Great for future birthday celebrations or "just because" moments!
Is there any nutritional value to Butter Pecan Cake?
Let's be honest, this Butter Pecan Cake is more about indulgence than health food! However, pecans do offer some healthy fats and antioxidants. But given the butter, sugar, and overall richness, it's best enjoyed as an occasional treat. A little bit of what you fancy does you good, as they say!
Butter Pecan Dream Cake
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 700 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 45g |
| Fiber | 1g |