The buttery layers of this cake combined with the sweet, nutty crunch of pecans make for a luxurious dessert experience. With its moist texture and rich flavor, this Butter Pecan Cake is perfect for any celebration or as a comforting treat after dinner. This cake not only looks impressive but also delivers on taste with each bite. The pecans offer a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy, smooth layers of the cake. Drizzle the luscious butter pecan sauce over the top for that extra touch of indulgence, and you’ll have a dessert that’s both satisfying and unforgettable.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 cup pecans, chopped
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup milk
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1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
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In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
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Fold in the chopped pecans.
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Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
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While the cake is cooling, make the butter pecan sauce: In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, milk, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it thickens, remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
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Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the butter pecan sauce over the top. Serve and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal
Servings: 8 servings
Butter Pecan Cake: A Decadent Dessert for Every Occasion
When it comes to dessert, few things can beat the rich, buttery flavor and delightful crunch of a well-made Butter Pecan Cake. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a special event, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this cake is sure to impress with its satisfying texture and indulgent flavor profile. From the moist, buttery crumb to the crisp pecan topping, this cake combines the best of both worlds decadent and comforting.
The Allure of Butter Pecan
Pecans, with their distinct, earthy flavor and crunchy texture, are the star of this dessert. Butter pecan is a popular flavor, often seen in ice cream, pastries, and cakes, and for good reason. The combination of buttery sweetness and toasted nuts creates a flavor profile that is rich without being overwhelming. The pecans bring a delightful crunch to this soft, moist cake, making every bite a perfect balance of textures. Not only do they taste delicious, but they also provide a nutty contrast to the sweetness of the cake, elevating it from a simple dessert to a truly special treat.
Why This Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best features of the Butter Pecan Cake is its versatility. While it’s a wonderful choice for a formal celebration like a birthday or holiday dinner, it’s equally suited for a casual afternoon coffee break. The richness of the cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal choice for entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet moment by yourself.
Whether you’re preparing for a big event or simply craving a slice of cake, Butter Pecan Cake is a timeless dessert that works well in any setting. Its luscious flavor and delicate texture make it a crowd-pleaser, while the impressive presentation ensures that it will stand out on any dessert table.
How to Make Butter Pecan Cake
The beauty of the Butter Pecan Cake lies not only in its rich flavor but also in its relatively simple preparation process. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are straightforward, which means you can enjoy this delicious cake without spending hours in the kitchen. The cake’s foundation is made with basic ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, which you likely already have in your pantry. The addition of pecans, both in the batter and as a topping, is what gives the cake its signature flavor and texture.
What truly sets this cake apart is the rich, buttery sauce that is poured over the cake after it has baked. This sauce, made with brown sugar, milk, and heavy cream, enhances the cake’s flavor and adds a glossy finish that makes the cake even more irresistible. The pecans in the sauce further elevate the flavor, creating a perfect harmony of sweetness and nuttiness.
The Perfect Texture: Moist, Buttery, and Light
Texture is everything when it comes to cake, and Butter Pecan Cake gets it just right. The cake itself is soft, moist, and tender, thanks to the combination of butter and sour cream. This ensures that the cake doesn’t dry out, which is a common issue with many cakes. The sour cream adds richness and helps to create a tender crumb, making every bite melt in your mouth.
The key to achieving the perfect texture is not overmixing the batter. Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, it’s important to mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake, and no one wants that. By gently folding in the ingredients and avoiding excessive stirring, you’ll ensure that your Butter Pecan Cake is light, moist, and fluffy.
Customizing Your Butter Pecan Cake
While this Butter Pecan Cake recipe is delicious as it is, one of the great things about it is that it can be easily customized to suit your tastes. If you prefer more or fewer pecans, feel free to adjust the amount according to your preference. You could even swap out the pecans for another nut, like walnuts or almonds, if that’s more to your liking.
For an added touch of sweetness, you could frost the cake with a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting. While the sauce that tops the cake is rich and flavorful on its own, a layer of frosting could make the cake even more decadent. If you’re looking for a different flavor combination, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the batter for a warm, aromatic twist.
A Showstopper Cake
Butter Pecan Cake is a visually appealing dessert, making it a showstopper on any dessert table. Its golden-brown crust, complemented by the glossy butter pecan sauce, makes it look as decadent as it tastes. The chopped pecans scattered on top not only add texture but also create a beautiful contrast against the rich cake, giving it a rustic yet elegant appearance.
Whether you serve it in a simple cake pan or layer it into multiple tiers for a more grand presentation, Butter Pecan Cake will undoubtedly grab the attention of your guests. It’s a cake that not only tastes amazing but also looks impressive, making it a great choice for both casual and formal events.
Serving Suggestions
While Butter Pecan Cake is perfect on its own, it can be served with various accompaniments to enhance the experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream pairs wonderfully with the cake, adding a cold, creamy contrast to the warm, rich flavors. For an even more indulgent treat, drizzle a little extra butter pecan sauce over the ice cream, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
If you’re serving this cake for a special occasion, consider pairing it with a glass of dessert wine, such as a rich port or sweet Riesling, to complement the nutty and sweet notes of the cake. This combination will elevate your dessert experience and create a memorable end to any meal.
The Best Way to Store and Enjoy Butter Pecan Cake
Once you’ve made this delicious cake, you’ll want to know how to store it to maintain its freshness. Butter Pecan Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it for longer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Simply let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
If you’re looking to keep the cake for an extended period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw the cake at room temperature before enjoying.
Conclusion:
Butter Pecan Cake is a must-try dessert for anyone who loves rich, nutty flavors paired with the comforting, melt-in-your-mouth texture of a well-baked cake. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and decadent result, it’s a recipe that belongs in every baker’s repertoire. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or impress guests at your next gathering, this cake will undoubtedly become a favorite. With its moist crumb, buttery flavor, and crunchy pecans, it’s a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds.