Introduction to Butter Pecan Cake
Why Butter Pecan Cake is a Must-Try
If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly blends indulgence with nostalgia, look no further than butter pecan cake. This delightful classic brings together the buttery richness of homemade cake and the subtle crunch of pecans, creating a treat that's hard to resist.
The soft and moist texture makes each bite melt in your mouth, sending your taste buds on a sweet journey. Why settle for an ordinary cake when you can indulge in something extraordinary? With its irresistible brown sugar frosting that complements the nutty undertones, this cake is sure to be the star of any gathering.
Imagine gathering your friends for a weekend brunch or a cozy dinner party, and unveiling this stunning dessert. Everyone will be raving about your baking skills, and you’ll be surprised by how easy it is to make!
For those seeking a unique flavor experience, butter pecan cake also reflects the comforts of home baking that makes every occasion feel like a special celebration. Plus, with the right tips and techniques, anyone can master this recipe! So grab your apron and get ready to dive into the world of butter pecan perfection.
Ingredients for Butter Pecan Cake
Essential components for the cake
To achieve the perfect butter pecan cake, you'll need a careful balance of ingredients to ensure it’s both rich and tender. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter
- 3 cups (333 g) cake flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (354 ml) buttermilk (room temperature is best)
- 2 large eggs (also at room temperature)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (160 g) pecan halves, very finely chopped
These ingredients will create a delightfully moist texture that's studded with crunchy pecans, ensuring each bite is filled with flavor.
Ingredients for the brown sugar frosting
Now, let’s whip up that deliciously creamy brown sugar frosting! The combination of cream cheese and butter yields a frosting that's as luscious as it is irresistible. Gather these ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (340 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup (66 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 ½ cups (562 g) powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
- ⅓ cup (35 g) pecan halves, very finely chopped (optional)
This frosting is the crowning glory of your butter pecan cake, adding a sweet and rich finish that truly elevates the dessert!
Preparing the Butter Pecan Cake
Making a delicious butter pecan cake from scratch is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this delightful treat flawlessly!
Gather and Prepare the Ingredients
Before diving in, it’s crucial to gather all your ingredients. You’ll need:
- Unsalted butter
- Cake flour
- Granulated and light brown sugar
- Baking powder, baking soda, and salt
- Buttermilk
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Pecan halves
Don’t forget to measure your pecans before chopping them to get that perfect texture. Need buttermilk? You can easily whip up a substitute with milk and vinegar!
Brown the Butter
Browning the butter adds a depth of flavor to your butter pecan cake. Start by melting your butter in a medium-sized pan over medium-low heat. Once melted, increase the heat slightly, and stir often. Watch for the butter to foam and crackle, then cool it down in a heatproof bowl once you've got those lovely golden brown specks. This process takes about 5 to 8 minutes.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your cake flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly incorporated. An even mixture helps with the cake's consistency and flavor distribution.
Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until nicely combined. Now for the magic—slowly drizzle this wet mixture into the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed. Stop to scrape the sides of your bowl periodically. Don’t be alarmed by small lumps; they’re perfectly normal!
Bake the Cake Layers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your three 8-inch round baking pans. Gold star for lining the bottoms with parchment paper—you’ll thank yourself later! Divide your cake batter evenly between the pans and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
Cool the Cakes
Patience is key now! Allow your cakes to cool in the pans for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen them before gently inverting onto a cooling rack. It’s essential that the cakes cool completely before you start decorating!
Make the Brown Sugar Frosting
Let’s elevate your butter pecan cake with a luscious brown sugar frosting. Beat together softened butter, cream cheese, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar until combined. To finish, a splash of heavy cream will make it silky smooth!
Assemble and Decorate the Cake
Level your cakes if necessary, then stack and frost them. I recommend a light covering on the sides, with thicker frosting between the layers. For a chic touch, use a piping bag with a decorative tip to make beautiful swirls on top, and sprinkle finely chopped pecans for the finishing touch.
And there you have it—a beautiful butter pecan cake that’s sure to impress! Enjoy each slice with friends and family, and don’t hesitate to share your success story!
Variations on Butter Pecan Cake
Chocolate Chip Butter Pecan Cake
For a delightful twist on the classic butter pecan cake, consider adding chocolate chips! Simply fold in 1 to 1.5 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter before baking. The rich chocolate provides an irresistible contrast to the buttery pecan flavor and offers a fun surprise with each slice. Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips on top right before frosting for an appealing finish!
Gluten-Free Butter Pecan Cake
Craving a butter pecan cake that's gluten-free? Swap the standard cake flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free, and for best results, blend various gluten-free flours for a light, fluffy texture. Guests with dietary restrictions will love this moist variation, and no one will guess it’s gluten-free! Check out Gluten-Free Insiders for tips on flour substitutions.
Baking Notes for Butter Pecan Cake
Tips for Perfecting the Cake Texture
To achieve an incredibly soft and moist butter pecan cake, remember to use room temperature ingredients—this helps everything blend smoothly. Whipping the butter and sugars until light and fluffy is essential for incorporating air, which aids in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Also, consider using cake flour, which has a finer grain than all-purpose flour, resulting in a tender crumb.
Common Baking Pitfalls to Avoid
One common mistake is overmixing the batter. Mix just until ingredients are combined to prevent a dense cake. Ensure your oven is accurately calibrated—an oven thermometer can be a trusty ally here. Lastly, allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting; this prevents the frosting from melting and ensures your layers stay neatly stacked. For more insights, check out Baking Basics for foundational tips.
Serving Suggestions for Butter Pecan Cake
Pairing with Coffee or Tea
One of the best ways to enjoy your butter pecan cake is with a hot cup of coffee or a soothing cup of tea. The rich sweetness of the cake beautifully complements the bold flavors of a dark roast coffee or the delicate notes of a chamomile tea. This pairing elevates your dessert experience, making for a wonderfully satisfying afternoon treat or a delightful after-dinner indulgence.
Creative Plating Ideas
Consider showcasing your butter pecan cake with a twist! Use a simple white plate to allow the cake's golden hues to shine. You can place a few pecan halves on the side or drizzle some caramel sauce around the slice for an elegant touch. Garnishing with edible flowers, like pansies or nasturtiums, can add a pop of color and sophistication, creating a visual feast that will impress your guests.
Check out this plating guide for more inspiration!
Tips for Making the Perfect Butter Pecan Cake
The Importance of Room Temperature Ingredients
For the best butter pecan cake, use room temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk. This helps create a light, airy batter that bakes evenly. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize up and affect the cake's texture, leaving you with a less than perfect outcome. Set your ingredients out about an hour before baking to get them to the right temperature.
How to Achieve the Ideal Frosting Consistency
When whipping up the brown sugar frosting, aim for a creamy, spreadable texture. Start with softened butter and cream cheese, beating them until smooth before gradually adding powdered sugar. If the frosting feels too dense, a splash of heavy cream can loosen it up perfectly. Adjust the consistency to your liking, and don’t forget to taste! A well-balanced frosting can elevate your butter pecan cake to new heights.
Time Details for Butter Pecan Cake
Preparation Time
The preparation time for this delightful butter pecan cake is approximately 45 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients, browning the butter, and mixing everything together. Don’t rush through this part—it's where the magic begins!
Baking Time
Once the batter is ready, it’s time to pop it into the oven! The baking time is around 30 minutes. This is the moment when your kitchen will start to smell absolutely divine as the cake rises and turns golden brown.
Total Time
All in, the total time spent on creating this scrumptious butter pecan cake amounts to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Perfect for a weekend baking project or to impress guests at a gathering! So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!
For tips on how to achieve that perfect pecan texture, check out this resource. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information for Butter Pecan Cake
Calories per serving
Each slice of this delightful butter pecan cake contains approximately 975 calories. With its rich ingredients, this cake is indulgent and perfect for special occasions!
Key nutritional highlights
- Carbohydrates: 113g, providing a quick energy source.
- Protein: 8g, essential for growth and repair.
- Fat: 57g, contributing to the cake's moist texture.
- Fiber: 2g, promoting digestive health.
This cake indeed offers a fulfilling blend of flavors and textures that you’ll love! For a deeper dive into how to craft your own version, check out more about baking with pecans here. Additionally, if you're interested in alternative sweeteners or flour options for a healthier twist, look at options like using whole grain flours or natural sugar substitutes. Enjoy this special treat within a balanced diet, and relish every bite!
FAQs about Butter Pecan Cake
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This butter pecan cake is a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Just be sure to frost it on the day you plan to serve for the best flavor and texture. If you want to prepare it even earlier, consider wrapping the unfrosted cake layers well and freezing them for up to a month.
How should I store leftover butter pecan cake?
To keep your delicious butter pecan cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. If you have a lot leftover, wrapping it tightly and freezing it is an excellent option, just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
What if I don’t have pecans on hand?
No pecans? No problem! You can easily substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even leave them out altogether if you prefer a nut-free version. The cake will still be delicious and moist, thanks to the rich butter and buttermilk. If you're looking for variety, consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruit for a unique twist!
For tips on cake storage and substituting ingredients, check out The Spruce Eats for more information.
Conclusion on Butter Pecan Cake
Final thoughts on enjoying your homemade creation
Indulging in your homemade butter pecan cake is truly a treat. The delightful balance of buttery richness and crunchy pecans makes each bite unforgettable. Share it with friends or savor it solo—whichever you choose, this cake is sure to create sweet memories. Enjoy every mouthful!
Butter Pecan Cake
Equipment
- 3 8” cake pans
- Mixing Bowls
- electric mixer
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups cake flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups buttermilk room temperature preferred
- 2 large eggs room temperature preferred
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups pecan halves very finely chopped
Icing
- 1.5 cups unsalted butter softened
- 6 oz cream cheese softened
- 0.33 cup light brown sugar firmly packed
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 4.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
- 0.33 cup pecan halves very finely chopped, optional
Instructions
Brown the Butter
- Place butter in a medium-sized pan and cook over medium/low heat until butter is melted. Increase heat to just above medium and cook, stirring frequently. Butter will foam, crackle, pop and sizzle. Stir, scraping the bottom of the pan, until you see golden brown specks. Remove from heat and pour into a heatproof bowl. Allow butter to cool completely before proceeding.
Make the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and grease 3 8” round baking pans with baking spray. Line the bottoms with rounds of parchment paper to ensure the cakes won’t stick.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cake flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add browned butter and use an electric mixer to stir on low-speed until thoroughly incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla, then slowly drizzle into the flour mixture. Pause halfway through and at the end to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl (it’s alright if you notice small lumps in the batter).
- Stir in pecans until well incorporated.
- Evenly divide batter into prepared baking sheets and bake in center rack of 350F oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
- Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 15 minutes before running a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it from the pan then carefully invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Cakes must be completely cooled before decorating.
Brown Sugar Frosting
- Combine butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to beat until smooth and creamy.
- With mixer on low-speed, gradually add powdered sugar until completely combined.
- Add heavy cream and beat on high speed for 30 seconds, until frosting is smooth and silky.
Decorating Cake
- Level cakes if needed and decorate with frosting. Use thicker frosting in between layers and on top of the cake.
- Finely chop another ⅓ cup of pecans and layer them over the top of the cake before adding the frosting swirls around the edge.
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