Butter Pecan Cake: A Deliciously Nutty and Rich Dessert

Butter pecan cake is a rich and decadent dessert that combines the nutty flavor of toasted pecans with the buttery goodness of a soft cake. This cake is perfect for special occasions, fall celebrations, or whenever you crave something indulgent. Topped with a luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting, each bite is filled with layers of flavor and texture that make this cake irresistible.

Whether you’re a fan of butter pecan ice cream or love the nutty crunch of pecans in your desserts, this cake is sure to be a hit. In this guide, we’ll walk through the ingredients, detailed step-by-step instructions, variations, nutritional information, and frequently asked questions about butter pecan cake.

For other nut-based desserts, you might also like Easy Brown Butter Almond Cake for a buttery, nutty twist.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Cake

Here’s why this butter pecan cake should be your next dessert:

• Rich and Buttery Flavor: The cake is incredibly moist and buttery, thanks to the use of brown butter and pecans.

• Perfect for Fall: The toasted pecans and warm flavors make this an ideal cake for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving, or holiday parties.

• Easy to Customize: This cake can be easily adapted to include other flavors or variations, like chocolate chips or a caramel drizzle.

Ingredients for Butter Pecan Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this indulgent cake:

1.For the Cake:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
• 2 ¼ cups cake flour (or make your own with all-purpose flour and cornstarch)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

2.For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 12 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• Toasted pecans for decorating

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Butter Pecan Cake

1. Preparing the Pecans

The secret to the best butter pecan cake lies in toasting the pecans for a deeper, nuttier flavor. Here’s how to do it:

• Toast the pecans: In a medium skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the pecans and cook for 3–4 minutes until the nuts are toasted and fragrant. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.

To learn more about how to properly toast nuts for baking, read this guide to toasting nuts for best practices.

2. Making the Cake Batter

Now that the pecans are ready, it’s time to move on to the batter.

• Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs.
• Mix together: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
• Fold in the toasted pecans: Gently fold the toasted pecans into the batter.

3. Baking the Cake

• Prepare the pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
• Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.

4. Preparing the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

The brown butter cream cheese frosting is what takes this cake to the next level. The rich, nutty flavor of brown butter adds depth to the creamy frosting.

• Brown the butter: In a medium pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. After about 5 minutes, the butter will begin to foam, and the milk solids will turn golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl. Let cool completely.
• Beat the cream cheese: In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the cooled brown butter and beat until fully combined.
• Add powdered sugar: Slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed. Increase the speed once the sugar is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and beat until fluffy.

5. Assembling and Decorating the Cake

• Frost the cake: Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake. Place the second cake on top and frost the entire outside of the cake.
• Decorate: Finish by sprinkling toasted pecans on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Variations of Butter Pecan Cake

This cake is easily customizable! Here are some fun variations to try:

1. Butter Pecan Bundt Cake

For a different shape and texture, try baking the butter pecan cake in a bundt pan. The dense texture of a bundt cake allows the pecans to shine through.

• Adjust baking time: If using a bundt pan, increase the baking time to 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

2. Chocolate Butter Pecan Cake

For a more indulgent twist, add chocolate to your butter pecan cake.

• Add chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking for a chocolatey twist.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the frosted cake for added richness.

3. Gluten-Free Butter Pecan Cake

For a gluten-free version, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, including baking powder, are gluten-free.

Nutritional Breakdown and Healthier Ingredient Options

1. Nutritional Breakdown

A slice of butter pecan cake (based on a 10-slice cake) contains approximately:

• Calories: 500–600
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 6g

Since this cake is rich and buttery, it’s definitely a treat. However, you can make a few adjustments to lighten it up.

2. Healthier Ingredient Substitutions

Here are a few ways to reduce calories and fat in the recipe:

• Low-fat cream cheese: Use low-fat or Neufchâtel cream cheese for the frosting.
• Reduce sugar: Replace some of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like Stevia or monk fruit.
• Light butter: Use a light butter substitute to reduce fat content in both the cake and frosting.

For a lighter dessert that still satisfies your sweet tooth, check out Oatmeal Yogurt Apple Cake, which offers a balance of sweetness and nutrition.

FAQs About Butter Pecan Cake

Can I Make Butter Pecan Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Frost just before serving for the best results.

How Do I Toast Pecans for This Cake?

Toasting pecans brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor. Simply melt butter in a pan, add the pecans, and cook until they’re fragrant and golden brown.

Can I Use Store-Bought Frosting?

While homemade brown butter cream cheese frosting is recommended for the best flavor, you can use store-bought cream cheese frosting in a pinch. Just be sure to add toasted pecans for that signature butter pecan flavor.

How Should I Store Leftover Cake?

Since this cake contains cream cheese frosting, it should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Can I Freeze Butter Pecan Cake?

Yes! You can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Butter Pecan Cake

There’s something special about a cake that brings together the buttery richness of pecans and the soft, moist texture of cake. Butter pecan cake is the ultimate indulgent dessert for any occasion, from birthdays to holiday gatherings. The combination of toasted pecans, buttery cake, and brown butter cream cheese frosting creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional cakes or looking for something with a bit more texture and flavor, this butter pecan cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

For other delicious desserts, don’t miss out on Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting—a great way to enjoy a healthy twist on indulgent treats!