Description
This Southern Butter Pecan Cake is rich, buttery, and packed with toasted pecans for the perfect crunch. Topped with a luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting, it’s a decadent dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and irresistible. Whether for a special occasion or just because you love pecans, this cake is sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Toasted Pecans:
- 1 ½ cups pecans, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
🔹 For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or sour cream)
- 1 ½ cups toasted pecans (from earlier)
🔹 For the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
1️⃣ Melt butter in a pan over medium heat and add chopped pecans.
2️⃣ Stir frequently for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
3️⃣ Remove from heat and let cool completely before adding to the cake batter.
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans (or line with parchment paper).
2️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3️⃣ In a separate large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4️⃣ Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5️⃣ Gradually add dry ingredients and buttermilk, alternating between the two. Do not overmix.
6️⃣ Gently fold in 1 ½ cups toasted pecans.
1️⃣ Divide batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
2️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3️⃣ Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
1️⃣ In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2️⃣ Add brown sugar and let sit for 5 minutes to dissolve.
3️⃣ Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until fluffy.
4️⃣ Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream for a smooth consistency.
1️⃣ Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
2️⃣ Add the second layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
3️⃣ Sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top for decoration.
4️⃣ Let the cake chill for 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Pro Tip: For extra caramel flavor, melt the brown sugar and butter together before adding to the frosting!
💡 Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
💡 Make-Ahead: The cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored wrapped in plastic until ready to frost.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 39g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Butter pecan cake, butter pecan cake recipe, butter pecan cake mix, butter pecan frosting, Southern butter pecan cake, moist butter pecan cake