Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThere’s something magical about the aroma of nuts toasting, filling your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. This Butter Pecan Cake is infused with the deep, nutty essence of browned butter and sprinkled with finely chopped pecans, capturing that cozy feeling in every slice. With its tender, moist crumb achieved through the gentle reverse creaming method and a hint of buttermilk, it’s a dessert that brings comfort and joy. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds a touch of caramel sweetness, this cake isn’t just delicious—it’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to elevate your cake game, this Butter Pecan Cake is sure to impress. Ready to channel your inner pastry chef and make some delightful memories in the kitchen? Let’s dive in! Why is Butter Pecan Cake So Irresistible? Decadent Flavor: Each bite of this Butter Pecan Cake is bursting with rich, nutty flavors from the browned butter and pecans that elevate it beyond the ordinary. Moist and Tender: Thanks to the careful reverse creaming technique and buttermilk, this cake results in an incredibly moist crumb that just melts in your mouth. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or having family over, this cake is guaranteed to impress and become the star of the dessert table. Customizable: Want to mix it up? You can easily substitute pecans with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option, or try adding spices like cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor. Easy to Bake: With straightforward steps, anyone can master this recipe, from beginner bakers to seasoned pros. You’ll feel proud as it fills your kitchen with warmth, just like my Chocolate Peanut Butter dessert! Butter Pecan Cake Ingredients For the Cake • Unsalted Butter – Use brown butter for a deeper, nuttier flavor that enhances the cake beautifully. • Cake Flour – Contributes to a light, tender crumb; replace with all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons per cup and adding cornstarch. • Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and structural integrity for the cake. • Light Brown Sugar – Adds a delightful caramel flavor that complements the pecans. • Baking Powder & Baking Soda – These leavening agents ensure your cake rises perfectly. • Salt – A little pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness. • Buttermilk – Adds both moisture and a tangy kick to the cake. • Eggs – Essential for binding the ingredients and adding richness; make sure they’re at room temperature. • Vanilla Extract – Infuses the cake with aromatic sweetness. • Pecans – Finely chopped for texture and flavor; toasting them can enhance their nuttiness further. For the Frosting • Cream Cheese (softened) – The base for the frosting, contributing creaminess and a slight tang. • Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection. • Heavy Cream – Use this to adjust the frosting’s texture, ensuring it’s just right for spreading. This Butter Pecan Cake is a celebration of warmth and flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Step-by-Step Instructions for Butter Pecan Cake Step 1: Prepare Browned Butter Begin by melting unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter foams and transforms into a deep amber hue, releasing a nutty aroma—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned to perfection, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature while you gather your other ingredients. Step 2: Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). While the oven warms up, grease and line three 20-cm round cake pans with parchment paper. This will ensure that your decadent Butter Pecan Cake releases easily and maintains its beautiful layers once baked. Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial to evenly distribute the leavening agents and flavors throughout your Butter Pecan Cake batter, ensuring a perfectly risen and tender crumb. Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Pour the cooled browned butter into the dry mixture, and combine until crumbles form. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Gradually add this wet mixture into the flour blend, stirring until the batter is just smooth—overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle! Step 5: Incorporate Pecans Fold in the finely chopped pecans with a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter without overmixing. These little nutty gems lend texture and flavor to your Butter Pecan Cake, enhancing every slice with delightful crunchiness. Step 6: Bake Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and level the tops with a spatula. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 15-20 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. Step 7: Make Frosting While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing until fluffy and light. If needed, adjust the texture with a splash of heavy cream for perfect spreadability. Step 8: Assemble Cake Once the cake layers are fully cooled, level them if necessary to create an even base. Stack the layers on a serving plate, spreading a generous layer of cream cheese frosting between each. Complete by frosting the top and sides of the cake. For best results, chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to help set the layers and enhance the flavors of your Butter Pecan Cake before enjoying. Butter Pecan Cake Variations & Substitutions Feel inspired to get creative with your Butter Pecan Cake? Let your culinary imagination run wild with these easy-to-implement variations! Nut-Free: Substitute pecans with sunflower seeds for a delicious, nut-free version that maintains the cake’s delightful texture. You can still enjoy that classic cake flavor without any allergens! Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese to achieve a rich and creamy frosting without dairy. This way, you can cater to those with dietary restrictions while keeping the cake indulgent! Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice twist. These earthy notes elevate the cake, reminiscent of cozy autumn evenings. Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips alongside the pecans for an irresistible chocolate twist. The combination of rich chocolate and buttery pecans creates an extraordinary dessert! Caramel Drizzle: Top your frosted cake with a homemade or store-bought caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness. It adds a luxurious finish that will leave everyone coming back for seconds! Mini Bundt Cakes: Bake the batter in mini bundt pans for individual servings, perfect for gatherings or parties. These charming little cakes are as delightful to look at as they are to eat! Coconut Infusion: Add toasted coconut flakes to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the frosting for a tropical twist. The coconut brings a chewy texture that complements the nuttiness beautifully. Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing, citrusy zing. This balance of flavors will brighten your Butter Pecan Cake and leave a lasting impression! Remember, each variation adds a unique spin to this beloved classic, much like how my Honey Butter Chicken offers sweet flavors combined with savory goodness! Enjoy the freedom to make it your own! What to Serve with Moist Butter Pecan Cake Looking to create a memorable meal to accompany your delightful cake? Here are some wonderful pairings that will enhance your dessert experience. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These buttery, soft potatoes mirror the richness of the cake while adding a comforting side to your meal. Fresh Green Salad: A light salad with citrus vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the cake, offering a refreshing crunch that complements each bite. Spicy Roasted Vegetables: The warmth of spices on roasted veggies creates a delightful contrast to the cake’s sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Cozy up with this warm drink sporting rich, spiced flavors that resonate beautifully with the nuttiness of your Butter Pecan Cake. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful temperature contrast and a smooth touch to each sweet slice. Hot Cinnamon Tea: A warm cup of cinnamon-infused tea rounds out the meal, echoing comforting notes that harmonize with the cake’s flavors. For the perfect ending to a delightful meal, these pairings ensure that your Butter Pecan Cake shines even brighter. Enjoy! How to Store and Freeze Butter Pecan Cake Fridge: Store the cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to bring back its delightful flavors. Freezer: Unfrosted layers can be frozen for up to two months. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and preserve moisture. Reheating: If you prefer your Butter Pecan Cake warm, slice and microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds, or until just warmed through, before enjoying. Frosting Storage: Store any leftover cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Stir well before using again to restore its smooth texture. Make Ahead Options These Butter Pecan Cake preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can assemble the cake layers up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake and cool the layers completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. The cream cheese frosting can also be made ahead; store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just remove the cake layers from the fridge, frost them, and allow the frosted cake to chill for 30-60 minutes to enhance its flavors. This way, you’ll maintain the cake’s moistness and enjoy delicious results with minimal last-minute effort! Expert Tips for Butter Pecan Cake • Browning Butter: Watch the butter closely as it browns to avoid burning. Perfect browning adds deep, nutty flavors essential for your Butter Pecan Cake. • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and contributes to a tender texture. • Gentle Mixing: When incorporating the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, robbing your Butter Pecan Cake of its delightful fluffiness. • Chill for Better Frosting: Let the frosted cake chill in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavor and sets the texture beautifully. • Pecan Toasting: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast your pecans before adding them to the batter. This brings out their natural oils and deepens their taste. • Testing for Doneness: Always check your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Ovens can vary, and it’s best to ensure your Butter Pecan Cake is perfectly baked and moist! Butter Pecan Cake Recipe FAQs What type of pecans should I use for this Butter Pecan Cake? Absolutely! I recommend using raw, unsalted pecans for a balanced flavor profile. You can finely chop them and even toast them for an extra nutty crunch and depth in flavor. Just be cautious not to burn them; toasting will be quick—around 5-8 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F should do the trick. How should I store the Butter Pecan Cake after baking? To keep your Butter Pecan Cake fresh, store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will maintain its best quality for up to four days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes so the flavors really shine! Can I freeze the Butter Pecan Cake? Yes! To freeze the Butter Pecan Cake, wrap unfrosted layers in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They can last for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Frost it after it’s fully thawed for the best results! What should I do if the cake is too dense? Very! If your Butter Pecan Cake turns out dense, it may have been overmixed. When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix gently just until combined. Also, ensure that your ingredients, especially eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature—this will help in achieving that tender, moist texture. If you notice your cake isn’t rising well, check your leavening agents; they might have expired. Is this Butter Pecan Cake suitable for those with nut allergies? Unfortunately, this Butter Pecan Cake is not nut-free as it includes pecans. However, you can easily substitute pecans with sunflower seeds for a nut-free variation. Just chop them finely and fold them into the batter. You could also explore flavors by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg! How long will the cream cheese frosting last? The cream cheese frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you’re ready to use it, give it a good stir to bring back that smooth texture. If the frosting is too thick, you can gently whip in a little cream or milk to adjust the consistency. Delightfully Moist Butter Pecan Cake You’ll Want to Bake No ratings yet Experience the rich flavors of Butter Pecan Cake, featuring browned butter and pecans that create a warm, nostalgic dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake1 cup Unsalted Butter Use brown butter for deeper flavor.2 cups Cake Flour Replace with all-purpose by removing 2 tbsp per cup and adding cornstarch.1 cup Granulated Sugar1 cup Light Brown Sugar1 tbsp Baking Powder1 tsp Baking Soda1 tsp Salt A little pinch enhances flavors.1 cup Buttermilk3 large Eggs At room temperature.1 tbsp Vanilla Extract1 cup Pecans Finely chopped; toasting enhances flavor.For the Frosting8 oz Cream Cheese Softened.2 cups Confectioners' Sugar1 tbsp Heavy Cream To adjust frosting's texture. Equipment Medium saucepanMixing bowlswhiskSpatulaCake PansWire Rack Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Butter Pecan CakePrepare the browned butter by melting unsalted butter in a saucepan, stirring until it foams and becomes deep amber, about 5-7 minutes.Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and prepare three 20-cm round cake pans with grease and parchment paper.Mix the dry ingredients: whisk together cake flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.Combine wet and dry: Add cooled browned butter to the dry mix, and in another bowl whisk buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla; combine until just smooth.Fold in finely chopped pecans carefully to avoid overmixing.Divide batter among prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean; cool in pans for 15-20 minutes.Make the frosting by beating softened cream cheese, butter, light brown sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth, then add confectioners' sugar.Assemble the cake by stacking cooled layers with cream cheese frosting between; chill for 30-60 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesStore the cake tightly in the refrigerator for up to four days. Unfrosted layers can be frozen for up to two months. Allow frosted cake to chill before serving for enhanced flavors. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
