Few cakes capture the warmth and richness of Southern baking quite like Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This indulgent dessert celebrates the buttery crunch of toasted pecans, the soft and tender texture of a well-made cake, and the tangy creaminess of homemade cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a holiday gathering, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is an irresistible masterpiece that never fails to impress.
In this guide, we’ll explore the origins of butter pecan flavors, expert baking tips, creative variations, serving suggestions, and frequently asked questions to help you perfect this timeless recipe.
What Makes Butter Pecan Cake So Special?
1. A Perfect Blend of Textures and Flavors
One of the defining features of butter pecan cake is its contrast of textures:
- Toasted pecans add crunch and a warm, nutty depth.
- Buttery cake layers create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Cream cheese frosting brings a tangy, velvety smoothness to balance the richness.
Each bite is a harmony of sweet, nutty, and creamy elements, making this cake both indulgent and comforting.
2. Rooted in Southern Baking Tradition
The butter pecan flavor is a Southern staple, commonly found in ice creams, cookies, and pies. While pecans have long been a key ingredient in Southern cuisine, pairing them with butter and brown sugar caramelization creates a unique depth of flavor. This cake is a homage to classic Southern desserts, bringing warm nostalgia and homemade charm to the table.
3. The Magic of Toasted Pecans
Toasting pecans before adding them to the cake batter enhances their natural oils and flavor, giving them a slightly caramelized taste. This step is what elevates butter pecan cake from an ordinary pecan dessert to something extraordinary.
4. A Frosting That Complements the Cake
Cream cheese frosting is the perfect counterbalance to the buttery, nutty cake. It’s slightly tangy, creamy, and smooth—offering a pleasant contrast to the crunch of the pecans. Unlike overly sweet buttercream frostings, cream cheese frosting has a balanced sweetness that enhances the cake rather than overpowering it.
Ingredients:
For the Toasted Pecans:
- Pecans – 2 cups, finely chopped
- Unsalted Butter – 3 tablespoons, diced
- Light Brown Sugar – 2 tablespoons
For the Cake:
- Buttermilk – 1 cup
- Milk – ½ cup
- All-Purpose Flour – 3 cups
- Baking Powder – 2 teaspoons
- Baking Soda – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Unsalted Butter – 1 cup, softened
- Granulated Sugar – 1¾ cups
- Vanilla Extract – 1½ teaspoons
- Eggs – 4 large
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Butter – 1 cup, at room temperature
- Cream Cheese – 12 ounces, softened
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
- Powdered Sugar – 5 cups
- Pecans – ½ cup, chopped and lightly toasted for garnish
Directions:
- Toast the Pecans
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a skillet, then stir in pecans and brown sugar.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.
- Prepare the Cake Batter
- Grease three 9-inch cake pans and line with parchment paper.
- Mix buttermilk and milk in a bowl.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl.
- Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Fold in toasted pecans.
- Bake the Cakes
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans.
- Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 15 minutes in pans, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and gradually mix in powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake
- Level cake layers if needed.
- Frost each layer, then the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish with toasted pecans and pipe decorative swirls if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Total Fat: 25g
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 250mg
Expert Tips for Baking the Perfect Butter Pecan Cake
1. Toasting Pecans for Maximum Flavor
For the most intense nutty flavor, toast pecans before incorporating them into the batter. Simply heat them in a skillet with butter and brown sugar, stirring constantly for a few minutes. This brings out their natural richness and creates a subtle caramelized crunch.
2. Using Buttermilk for a Tender Crumb
Buttermilk is a key ingredient that contributes to the cake’s moist and fluffy texture. Its slight acidity helps to break down gluten in the batter, resulting in a lighter and more tender cake. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by combining one cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for a few minutes.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing the batter can result in a dense and tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated—this prevents excessive gluten development and ensures a soft, delicate crumb.
4. Room Temperature Ingredients for a Smooth Batter
Using room temperature butter, eggs, and buttermilk helps the batter mix evenly, preventing lumps and ensuring a consistent texture throughout the cake. Cold ingredients can lead to curdling or uneven baking.
5. Prepping Cake Pans for Easy Release
To prevent sticking, grease the cake pans thoroughly, line the bottoms with parchment paper, and lightly dust the sides with flour. This ensures that the cakes come out clean and intact after baking.
Creative Variations to Try
1. Brown Butter Pecan Cake
Take the buttery richness to the next level by using browned butter instead of regular butter in the batter. Brown butter adds a deep, nutty aroma that enhances the pecan flavor beautifully.
2. Maple Butter Pecan Cake
For an autumn-inspired variation, replace a portion of the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup. This introduces a warm, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with pecans.
3. Chocolate Chip Butter Pecan Cake
Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a buttery, nutty, and chocolaty combination. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate pairs especially well with toasted pecans.
4. Spiced Butter Pecan Cake
Infuse the cake with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of clove to add warm spice notes that complement the buttery pecans.
5. Gluten-Free Butter Pecan Cake
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those avoiding gluten. The pecans add natural texture and crunch, making this a fantastic gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
1. Classic with Extra Toasted Pecans
For added crunch, sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top of the frosted cake before serving. This enhances the nutty flavor and adds a beautiful finishing touch.
2. With a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce
A drizzle of warm caramel sauce over each slice makes the cake even more decadent. The caramel brings out the buttery sweetness of the pecans.
3. Paired with Coffee or Tea
The rich and nutty flavors of butter pecan cake pair wonderfully with a cup of black coffee, espresso, or spiced chai tea. The slight bitterness of coffee balances the cake’s sweetness.
4. Served Slightly Warm
Enjoying a slice slightly warmed (microwaved for 10 seconds) brings out the buttery aroma and makes the cake feel extra indulgent.
5. Holiday and Special Occasion Dessert
This cake is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, or anniversaries. Decorate with edible gold flakes, sugared pecans, or festive cake toppers for a celebratory presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers a day in advance, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Frost just before serving for the freshest taste.
2. Can I Use Store-Bought Frosting?
While store-bought frosting can be used, homemade cream cheese frosting makes a significant difference in flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, try whipping store-bought frosting with a bit of heavy cream for a fluffier consistency.
3. Can I Freeze Butter Pecan Cake?
Yes, the cake layers freeze well. Wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
4. How Do I Keep My Cake Moist?
- Use buttermilk and butter for a naturally moist crumb.
- Don’t overbake—check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Store the cake in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
5. Can I Make Cupcakes Instead of a Layer Cake?
Yes! Pour the batter into lined cupcake tins, filling them about ⅔ full, and bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.
Conclusion: A Timeless Cake Worth Baking
Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a celebration of rich, nutty flavors and velvety textures. With crunchy toasted pecans, a buttery soft crumb, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s a dessert that brings joy to any occasion.
Whether you’re baking it for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to the indulgence of homemade Butter Pecan Cake—you won’t regret it!
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Best Butter Pecan Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich, nutty flavors of this Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Toasted pecans, moist cake layers, and creamy frosting come together to create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This cake is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it a showstopper for holidays, birthdays, or a sweet treat to impress your loved ones.
Ingredients
For the Pecans:
- 2 cups pecans, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
For the Cake:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup butter, at room temperature
- 12 ounces cream cheese, nearly at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped and lightly toasted for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Pecans:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in the pecans and light brown sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3–4 minutes until the pecans are toasted and fragrant.
- Spread the pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them cool.
Make the Cake Layers:
- Grease three 9-inch cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, and dust the sides with flour. Shake off the excess.
- Mix the buttermilk and milk in a small bowl and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract using a stand or handheld mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- With the mixer on low, alternate adding the flour mixture and milk mixture in three parts, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the toasted pecans with a spatula.
Bake the Cakes:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in their pans for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract and gradually mix in the powdered sugar. Beat until fluffy.
Assemble the Cake:
- Level the cooled cake layers with a serrated knife or cake leveler.
- Place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread 1 cup of frosting evenly over the top.
- Repeat with the second layer. Add the final layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with swirls of frosting, toasted pecans, or other embellishments as desired.
Notes
- Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Make Ahead: Bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before assembling.
- Customizations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a spiced twist, or replace pecans with walnuts if desired.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
