Go Back
Butter Pecan Cake recipe

Butter Pecan Cake

Avatar photoGrace Ovendale
This Butter Pecan Cake combines the richness of butter with the nutty flavor of pecans, topped with a creamy frosting. Perfect for any celebration.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9-inch round cake pan greased and floured
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 Mixing Bowl large

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Add-Ins

  • 1 cup toasted pecans chopped

Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Fold in the toasted pecans.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Adjust consistency with additional cream or powdered sugar as needed.
  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly. Decorate with toasted pecans if desired.

Serving

  • Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting. Slice and serve with your choice of ice cream or fresh fruit.

Storage

  • Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth batter and even baking. Toast pecans for enhanced flavor and crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice if unavailable.
How to Serve: Pair with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Make-Ahead Tips: Cakes can be baked and frozen ahead of time, then thawed and frosted before serving.
Keyword Butter Pecan Cake, creamy frosting, toasted pecans