BUTTER PECAN CAKE RECIPE

🧈 Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 ½ cups chopped pecans

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 4 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for richer flavor)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the butter pecan frosting:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter

  • 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)

  • 4 cups powdered sugar

  • ¼ cup heavy cream or milk

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Toast the pecans:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 6–8 minutes until fragrant.

  • Let cool, then set aside.

2. Prepare the cake batter:

  • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or one large 9×13-inch pan).

  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

  • In another bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

  • Stir in vanilla extract.

  • Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with flour.

  • Fold in 1 cup toasted pecans.

3. Bake the cake:

  • Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

  • Bake for 30–35 minutes (round pans) or 40–45 minutes (9×13 pan), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  • Cool completely before frosting.

🧁 Make the frosting:

  1. In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

  2. Add chopped pecans and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often until golden.

  3. Let cool slightly.

  4. In a bowl, beat powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

  5. Stir in the buttery pecans. Adjust consistency with a little extra cream if needed.

🎂 Assemble:

  • Spread frosting evenly between cake layers and over the top.

  • Garnish with extra toasted pecans for a beautiful finish.

💡 Tips

  • Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tender, tangy texture.

  • Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds crunch.

  • Refrigerate leftovers — it tastes even better the next day!