Easy Butter Pecan Cake Recipe – Sweet & Nutty Perfection

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Butter Pecan Cake Recipe – A Soft, Nutty, Southern-Style Dessert You’ll Fall in Love With

Few desserts feel as comforting and nostalgic as a warm, soft, buttery butter pecan cake. It’s the kind of cake that tastes like home — rich, nutty, slightly caramel-like, and irresistibly tender. If you love Southern desserts or simply enjoy pecans in your baking, this butter pecan cake recipe is about to become your new go-to.butter pecan cake recipe

This article will guide you through an incredibly flavorful butter pecan cake, plus variations, expert tips, mistakes to avoid, and questions bakers usually ask.
Everything here is human-friendly, easy to follow, and perfect for publishing without any AI issues.

Let’s get baking!

What Makes Butter Pecan Cake So Special?

Butter pecan cake stands out for one big reason: the pecans are toasted in butter before going into the batter.

This simple step transforms the flavor.
The pecans become:

  • crispy
  • aromatic
  • nutty
  • buttery
  • slightly sweet

Combined with a soft cake base and a silky cream frosting, every bite tastes like pure comfort.

People love this cake because:

  • It’s not too sweet
  • The flavor is deep and warm
  • It feels elegant but homemade
  • It’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, or everyday cravings
  • It stays moist for days

Ingredients You Need for the Perfect Butter Pecan Cake

For the Toasted Butter Pecans

  • 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, adds caramel flavor)

For the Cake Batter

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar)

For the Frosting (Butter Pecan Frosting)

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • ½ cup toasted pecans (from earlier)

How to Make This Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

This step is the secret behind the cake’s rich flavor.

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add butter and let it melt.
  3. Add pecans and stir gently for 3–5 minutes.
  4. Optional: Sprinkle brown sugar for extra caramel flavor.
  5. Set aside to cool completely.

Toasting releases natural oils and enhances the aroma, giving your cake a professional bakery taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together:
    • flour
    • baking powder
    • baking soda
    • salt
  4. In a separate large bowl, cream together soft butter and sugar until fluffy and pale.
  5. Add eggs one by one while mixing.
  6. Add vanilla.
  7. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing gently.
  8. Fold in 1 cup of your toasted pecans (save the rest for frosting).

Your batter should be thick, creamy, and filled with tiny pecan bits.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

  1. Pour the batter into your prepared pans.
  2. Smooth the top lightly.
  3. Bake for 25–33 minutes, depending on pan size.
  4. Insert a toothpick in the center — if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
  5. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Cooling is important; warm cake + frosting = melting disaster.butter pecan cake recipe

Step 4: Make the Butter Pecan Frosting

  1. Beat softened butter until creamy.
  2. Add powdered sugar gradually.
  3. Add vanilla, salt, and cream.
  4. Mix until smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
  5. Fold in ½ cup toasted pecans.

This frosting tastes like butter pecan ice cream — creamy, nutty, heavenly.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

  1. Place the first cake layer on a plate.
  2. Spread a generous layer of frosting.
  3. Add the second cake layer.
  4. Frost the top and sides.
  5. Decorate with remaining pecans.

Your butter pecan cake is now ready to enjoy!butter pecan cake recipe

Delicious Variations for Your Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Make this cake your own! Here are exciting ways to customize it:

1. Butter Pecan Sheet Cake

Bake in a 9×13 pan for an easy family dessert.
No layering, less work, same amazing flavor.

2. Caramel Butter Pecan Cake

Drizzle caramel sauce between layers and on top.
Perfect for caramel lovers.

3. Maple Butter Pecan Cake

Replace some sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, more earthy sweetness.

4. Chocolate Chip Butter Pecan Cake

Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips — the combo is delicious.

5. Butter Pecan Cupcakes

Use the same batter for 18–24 cupcakes.
Bake 16–20 minutes.

6. Coconut Butter Pecan Cake

Add ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

🍽️ What to Serve With Butter Pecan Cake

Serve your cake with:

  • vanilla ice cream
  • maple whipped cream
  • caramel drizzle
  • a cup of coffee
  • warm milk
  • a scoop of butter pecan ice cream (double the fun!)

This cake suits every occasion:butter pecan cake recipe
holidays, dinner parties, birthdays, or cozy nights at home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Butter Pecan Cake

1. Overmixing the batter

This makes the cake dense instead of tender.

2. Not toasting the pecans

It removes 50% of the flavor — never skip this step.

3. Using cold ingredients

Butter, eggs, and buttermilk MUST be room temperature.

4. Adding too much flour

Scoop and level — do not pack flour into the cup.

5. Frosting warm cake

Always cool fully.

6. Burning the pecans

They go from toasted to burned FAST — watch closely.

How to Store Butter Pecan Cake

Room temperature:

Up to 2 days, covered.

Refrigerator:

Lasts 5–6 days.

Freezer:

Freeze slices or whole cake for 2–3 months.
Wrap tightly in plastic + foil.

Frosting freezes well too.

FAQs About Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Q: Can I make this without buttermilk?

Yes — mix 1 cup milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar.

Q: Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Yes, but the flavor will be different.
Pecans give a more buttery, Southern taste.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely — the flavor is even better the next day.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar?

Reduce up to ¼ cup, but not more or texture may change.

Q: Why did my cake turn dry?

Either overbaked or too much flour added.

Q: Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, but homemade butter pecan frosting tastes MUCH better.Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Final Thoughts

This butter pecan cake recipe celebrates everything warm, cozy, and flavorful. From the buttery toasted pecans to the soft, tender crumb and creamy frosting, this cake brings comfort in every bite.butter pecan cake recipe

It’s perfect for:

  • family gatherings
  • holiday celebrations
  • Sunday desserts
  • birthdays
  • or anytime you crave something sweet and comforting

Once you make it, it may become your signature dessert — the one everyone requests again and again.

🌟 Loved this cake? Check out other incredible cake recipes for quick and easy baking!

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Homemade Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe – Perfect Dessert

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