Butter Pecan Cake: A Rich and Nutty Delight
Indulge in a Slice of Sweet Perfection
Butter pecan cake is a true classic that embodies the rich, nutty goodness of pecans combined with the velvety smoothness of butter. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a delectable dessert, this Butter Pecan Cake is sure to delight your taste buds. So, let’s dive into the recipe and create a slice of sweet perfection!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups pecans, finely chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Butter Pecan Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
Instructions:
1. Toast the Pecans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the chopped pecans evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Cake:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Divide the cake batter evenly between the pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Butter Pecan Frosting:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until it turns a light golden brown color, stirring constantly. This will give the frosting a delightful nutty flavor.
- Remove the butter from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth and creamy frosting.
5. Frost the Cake:
- Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a layer of the butter pecan frosting on top of this layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Sprinkle the top of the cake with the remaining toasted chopped pecans for a beautiful and nutty garnish.
6. Slice and Serve:
- Once the cake is frosted and garnished, slice it into generous pieces and serve. Enjoy the rich and nutty flavor of this Butter Pecan Cake!
Tips and Variations:
Customizing Your Butter Pecan Cake
Tips:
- If you want extra pecan flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of pecan extract to the cake batter.
- To ensure a moist and tender cake, make sure your butter is at room temperature, and don’t overmix the batter.
Variations:
- Add a layer of caramel sauce between the cake layers for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Garnish the cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant touch.
Customization:
- This Butter Pecan Cake is a versatile dessert. You can turn it into cupcakes, a sheet cake, or even mini bundt cakes for different occasions.
Storage:
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Cook’s Note:
- The rich, nutty, and buttery flavors of this Butter Pecan Cake make it a timeless dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or as a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings. The toasty pecans in both the cake and frosting add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy a slice of this classic cake with a hot cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert experience.
