Jump to:
Homemade Butter Pecan Cake
This butter pecan cake brings together the rich, nutty flavors of toasted pecans with tender, buttery cake layers that melt in your mouth. Perfect for family gatherings, birthday celebrations, or weekend treats, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results at a fraction of the cost. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll create a dessert that’s both impressive and comforting.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly recipe using common pantry ingredients that costs under $8 to make
- Rich in healthy fats from pecans which support heart health and provide essential nutrients
- Perfect for special occasions like holidays, birthdays, and family reunions
- Simple one-bowl mixing method that saves time and reduces cleanup
- Freezer-friendly cake that stays fresh for up to three months when properly stored
Why This Butter Pecan Cake Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it balances moisture and structure perfectly. The creaming method creates a light, fluffy texture while the toasted pecans add depth and crunch. Room temperature ingredients blend seamlessly, preventing dense or uneven results.
Toasting the pecans beforehand intensifies their natural oils and flavors, making each bite more aromatic. The vanilla extract complements the nutty notes without overpowering them, creating a harmonious flavor profile that appeals to all ages.
What You’ll Need for the Perfect Butter Pecan Cake
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup, softened | Provides richness and tender crumb structure |
| Granulated sugar | 1½ cups | Sweetens and helps create light, fluffy texture |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Forms cake structure and provides stability |
| Large eggs | 4 eggs | Binds ingredients and adds moisture |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons | Provides lift and helps cake rise properly |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | Enhances flavor and complements pecan taste |
| Chopped pecans | 1 cup, toasted | Main flavor component and textural element |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Electric mixer | Creams butter and sugar to proper consistency |
| 8-inch round pan | Shapes cake and ensures even baking |
| Large mixing bowls | Combines ingredients without spilling |
| Wire whisk | Blends dry ingredients evenly |
| Measuring cups | Ensures accurate ingredient proportions |
| Rubber spatula | Folds in pecans gently without overmixing |
How to Make Homemade Butter Pecan Cake
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare oven and pan | Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease 8-inch round or square baking pan thoroughly |
| 2. Cream butter and sugar | Beat softened butter and sugar in large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes |
| 3. Add eggs and vanilla | Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract |
| 4. Combine dry ingredients | Whisk together flour and baking powder in separate bowl until evenly distributed |
| 5. Mix wet and dry | Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients until just combined, don’t overmix |
| 6. Fold in pecans | Gently fold toasted pecans into batter using rubber spatula with light strokes |
| 7. Bake the cake | Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 30-35 minutes until toothpick comes out clean |
| 8. Cool completely | Let cake cool in pan 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Toast pecans in 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant to intensify their flavor
- Bring eggs and butter to room temperature 30 minutes before baking for better mixing
- Don’t overmix once flour is added to prevent tough, dense cake texture
- Test doneness with toothpick inserted in center – it should come out with few moist crumbs
- Line pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner presentation
Serving and Storage Tips for Butter Pecan Cake
Serving Tips
Serve this butter pecan cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with simple glaze for elegant presentation. Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for special occasions.
Cut clean slices using a sharp knife wiped between cuts. This cake pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or cold milk. For parties, cut into smaller squares to serve more guests while maintaining portion control.
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for grab-and-go snacks. Freeze whole cake or slices for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Butter Pecan Cake
Avoid using cold ingredients, which prevent proper mixing and create lumpy batter. Cold butter won’t cream properly with sugar, resulting in dense cake texture. Always allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before starting.
Don’t skip toasting the pecans, as raw nuts lack the deep, rich flavor that makes this cake special. Overmixing after adding flour develops gluten, creating tough, chewy texture instead of tender crumb.
Resist opening the oven door frequently during baking, which causes temperature fluctuations and uneven rising. Check Carol’s butter pecan cake recipe for additional techniques and variations.
You Must Know
- Measure flour correctly by spooning into cup and leveling off to prevent heavy, dense cake
- Check baking powder freshness by testing with hot water – it should bubble vigorously
- Cool cake completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding decorations
- Store nuts in freezer to maintain freshness and prevent rancid flavors in your cake
Suggestions for Butter Pecan Cake
Transform this basic recipe into cream cheese frosted masterpiece or layer cake for special celebrations. Add brown butter to the batter for deeper, nuttier flavor that complements the pecans beautifully.
Try different nut combinations like walnuts and pecans, or add chocolate chips for extra indulgence. Make cupcakes using the same batter, reducing baking time to 18-22 minutes for individual servings.
Create a bundt cake version for impressive presentation at dinner parties. Explore Nannie’s butter pecan cake recipe for family-style variations and serving ideas.
For more delicious recipes, check out our keto cloud cake recipe or try our ultimate chicken casserole for dinner options.
FAQs:
Yes, this cake actually improves in flavor after sitting overnight. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts work well as substitutes. Toast any nuts you choose to enhance their flavor. Use the same quantity as called for in the original recipe.
Dense cake usually results from overmixing the batter after adding flour, using cold ingredients, or measuring flour incorrectly. Cream butter and sugar thoroughly, then mix gently once flour is added.
Insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs. The cake should also spring back lightly when touched and pull slightly from pan sides.
Yes, double all ingredients proportionally and use two 8-inch pans or one 9×13 inch pan. Increase baking time by 5-10 minutes and check for doneness with toothpick test.
Conclusion
This homemade butter pecan cake delivers bakery-quality results with simple techniques and affordable ingredients. The combination of tender crumb, rich butter flavor, and crunchy toasted pecans creates a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re baking for family dinner or special celebration, this recipe provides consistent, delicious results every time. The straightforward method and common ingredients make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, while the impressive flavor and presentation satisfy even the most discerning palates.
More Easy desserts Recipes:
- Amazing Vegan Neapolitan Cake with Coconut Cream Recipe
- Perfect Gluten-Free Marble Cake Recipe | Easy Neapolitan
- Perfect Neapolitan Loaf Cake with Ganache Glaze Recipe
- Smores Chocolate Dip: Amazing Recipe Ready in 10 Minutes
Recommended
📖 Recipe Card
Butter Pecan Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 18-22 minutes for individual servings 1x
Description
A rich and moist butter pecan cake with toasted pecans that delivers incredible flavor and a tender crumb. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease 8-inch round or square baking pan thoroughly
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat softened butter and sugar in large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour and baking powder in separate bowl until evenly distributed
- Mix wet and dry: Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients until just combined, don’t overmix
- Fold in pecans: Gently fold toasted pecans into batter using rubber spatula with light strokes
- Bake the cake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 30-35 minutes until toothpick comes out clean
- Cool completely: Let cake cool in pan 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely
Notes
- Toast pecans in 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant to intensify their flavor
- Bring eggs and butter to room temperature 30 minutes before baking for better mixing
- Don’t overmix once flour is added to prevent tough, dense cake texture
- Test doneness with toothpick inserted in center – it should come out with few moist crumbs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 485 calories
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: butter pecan cake, pecan cake recipe, homemade cake, southern cake, dessert, baking
