Celebrate the season with this rich and indulgent Butter Pecan Cake! With moist layers of pecan-studded cake and luscious browned butter cream cheese frosting, this dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Its nutty aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 2 1/4 cups cake flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- Toasted pecans, for decorating
Instructions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a skillet, melt 3 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped pecans and toast for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add buttermilk, milk, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix with a hand or stand mixer until fully combined. Fold in the toasted pecans.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting:
- Heat 1 cup of butter in a pan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Transfer to a heat-proof bowl and let cool completely.
- In a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the cooled browned butter and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed and beat until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and beat for 3 minutes on medium-high until light and creamy.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides.
- Decorate with toasted pecans for a festive finish.
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10
This Butter Pecan Cake is a showstopping dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Its warm, nutty flavors and creamy frosting make it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. 🎄✨
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Celebrate the season with this rich and indulgent Butter Pecan Cake! With moist layers of pecan-studded cake and luscious browned butter cream cheese frosting, this dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Its nutty aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 2 1/4 cups cake flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- Toasted pecans, for decorating
Instructions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a skillet, melt 3 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped pecans and toast for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add buttermilk, milk, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix with a hand or stand mixer until fully combined. Fold in the toasted pecans.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting:
- Heat 1 cup of butter in a pan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Transfer to a heat-proof bowl and let cool completely.
- In a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the cooled browned butter and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed and beat until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and beat for 3 minutes on medium-high until light and creamy.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides.
- Decorate with toasted pecans for a festive finish.
Notes
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10
This Butter Pecan Cake is a showstopping dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Its warm, nutty flavors and creamy frosting make it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. 🎄