Name: Butter Pecan Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1½ cups sugar; 4 eggs; 2 cups flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ cup milk; 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted; ½ cup butter; 4 cups powdered sugar; ¼ cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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If you are craving a dessert that exudes warmth, sweetness, and a touch of southern charm, look no further than this Butter Pecan Cake Recipe. This rich and nutty cake, layered with creamy butter frosting and studded with toasted pecans, delivers a perfect balance of buttery goodness and crunchy texture in every tender bite. It’s a dessert that feels like a cozy hug from the inside out and is guaranteed to become a beloved staple for family gatherings, celebrations, or any time you deserve a slice of pure comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three round cakes placed on black wire cooling racks set over a white marbled surface. Each cake is baked evenly with a golden brown top that has small chocolate chips scattered throughout. The cake texture looks soft and moist, with a few gentle cracks on the surface. The cakes are all in white round baking pans, with edges showing smooth, slightly risen sides. The scene is bright and clear, emphasizing the warm tones of the cakes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Butter Pecan Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients. Each item is carefully chosen to contribute to the cake’s moist texture, nutty flavor, and delightful sweetness. From the creamy butter to the crunchy toasted pecans, every ingredient plays a vital role.

1 cup butter, softened: This is the star of the show, lending richness and a tender crumb to the cake.
1½ cups sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering the nutty pecans.
4 eggs: They provide structure and moisture, keeping the cake fluffy and light.
2 cups flour: The foundation for your cake, giving it the perfect density.
2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay soft.
½ cup milk: Adds moisture and tenderizes the batter.
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted: Toasting brings out their rich flavor, adding a pleasant crunch throughout.
For the frosting:
½ cup butter: Creates a creamy, luscious base for the frosting.
4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a silky consistency.
¼ cup milk: Makes the frosting spreadable and smooth.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant touch.

How to Make Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure your cake releases easily after baking. This step sets the stage for a perfectly baked cake with golden edges and a tender center.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This creaming step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, which helps give your cake a delightful rise and a tender texture.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures the eggs blend seamlessly into the batter, providing structure and moisture that prevent the cake from being dense or dry.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder together. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This alternating technique keeps the batter smooth and balanced, preventing overmixing while ensuring all elements are evenly incorporated.

Step 5: Fold in Toasted Pecans

Gently fold the toasted chopped pecans into the batter. This step gives your cake bursts of nutty crunch that contrast beautifully with the soft crumb. Toasting the pecans beforehand intensifies their natural flavor and aroma.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is a lovely golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before proceeding to frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.

Step 7: Make and Spread the Butter Frosting

Beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. This rich, creamy butter frosting is the perfect finishing touch that complements the nutty, buttery flavors of the cake. Spread it evenly over the cooled cake for a beautiful, luscious finish.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

The image shows a three-layer cake on a white cake stand placed on a white marbled surface. Each cake layer is light golden brown with small pieces of nuts visible inside. Between each layer is a smooth, creamy white frosting. The top of the cake is covered with the same white frosting and sprinkled with chopped nuts. There are some crumbs on the cake stand near the front. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with whole nuts and a glass bottle of milk. A gold-colored fork and a white plate are partially visible at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an irresistible presentation, sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top of the frosting. This adds visual appeal, texture, and an extra punch of that wonderfully toasty pecan flavor. Lightly dusting with powdered sugar can also add a delicate, elegant touch.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a warmer contrast, serve alongside a cup of rich coffee or a frothy chai latte to enhance the comforting flavors of the butter pecan.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into petite squares and serving on pretty dessert plates for a party, or layer it in a trifle with whipped cream and caramel sauce. Another fun idea is to serve it warm with drizzled caramel and a sprinkle of chopped pecans for an indulgent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Butter Pecan Cake Recipe stays fresh and delicious when stored covered at room temperature for up to three days. Make sure to wrap it tightly or place it in an airtight container to keep the cake moist and the frosting fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze both the baked cake (unfrosted) or the fully decorated cake. For the unfrosted cake, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and freeze for up to two months. For the frosted version, it’s best to freeze individual slices wrapped well to maintain the integrity of the frosting.

Reheating

To enjoy your Butter Pecan Cake Recipe warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This brings out the buttery richness and softens the frosting slightly, making it feel freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use pecan pieces instead of chopped pecans?

Absolutely! Pecan pieces work just as well, though chopping them smaller ensures they distribute more evenly throughout the cake for consistent texture and flavor in every bite.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum, you can enjoy a gluten-free version without compromising the cake’s texture and taste.

Can I substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative?

Definitely! Almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk can be used to make the cake suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, with no significant change to flavor.

How long does the Butter Pecan Cake keep in the fridge?

While it’s best enjoyed at room temperature, the cake can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. Just bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the butter frosting a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Before spreading, let it come to room temperature and beat lightly to restore its creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Butter Pecan Cake Recipe is one of those rare finds that manages to feel both indulgent and homey at once. Its buttery richness and toasted pecan crunch, topped with smooth, luscious frosting, make it an all-time favorite for good reason. I encourage you to bake this cake soon and share it with loved ones — the smiles and compliments are simply guaranteed!