Description
A delicious and moist Butter Pecan Cake that combines rich butter flavor with crunchy pecans, perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 3 cups (333g) cake flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (354ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (160g) pecan halves, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup (66g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 ½ cups (562g) powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
- ⅓ cup (35g) pecan halves, optional (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Melt the butter over medium-low heat, then increase the heat and cook until golden brown specks form.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round baking pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the browned butter to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the finely chopped pecans.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, stirring until fluffy.
- If needed, level the cakes. Stack the layers with icing between each one, then frost the outside of the cake. Optionally, decorate with additional chopped pecans and piped frosting.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter. Do not overmix the batter; mix until just combined for the best texture. Toast the pecans lightly for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg