Easy Homemade Butter Pecan Cake

Introduction

Easy Homemade Butter Pecan Cake is the kind of dessert that feels both comforting and indulgent, all in one bite. With its rich, buttery flavor and the delightful crunch of toasted pecans, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser. The moist texture and deep, nutty taste make it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or just treating yourself to something sweet. What I love most about this cake is how effortlessly it comes together, making it a great option even for beginner bakers.

I first made this cake for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit. The toasty pecans add a layer of flavor that really sets it apart from other cakes, and the richness of the butter makes every bite melt in your mouth. While it’s fantastic as-is, I’ve topped it with a light drizzle of frosting for an extra touch of sweetness, though it’s just as delicious without it. This cake is wonderfully versatile, too—you can swap in other nuts if you prefer or even serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Whether you’re whipping it up on a lazy afternoon or for a special celebration, this Easy Homemade Butter Pecan Cake is sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection. The perfect balance of flavor and ease makes it one that everyone will keep coming back to!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Easy Homemade Butter Pecan Cake will quickly become a favorite:

• Buttery Flavor: The combination of butter and toasted pecans creates a rich, delicious flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect Texture: The cake is moist, fluffy, and soft, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples, this cake is easy to prepare without the need for fancy ingredients.
• Quick and Easy: It’s simple to make, even for beginners, and doesn’t require complex steps or equipment.
• Great for Special Occasions: This cake makes an impressive dessert for birthdays, holidays, and gatherings.
• Versatile Frosting Options: Top it with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or enjoy it without frosting for a more subtle treat.
• Nutty Crunch: The toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor that perfectly complements the buttery cake.
• Make Ahead-Friendly: This cake can be made in advance and stored, saving time when you’re preparing for a special event.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, this cake is a guaranteed hit at any party or gathering.
• Comforting and Cozy: The buttery, nutty flavor of this cake evokes a sense of warmth and comfort, making it perfect for fall and winter.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 12 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Fat: 18g, Carbohydrates: 32g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Easy Homemade Butter Pecan Cake:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted

For the Frosting (Optional):

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk (if needed)

Ingredient Highlights

• Buttermilk: Adds a tangy richness and helps keep the cake moist.
• Pecans: Provide a crunchy, nutty texture and enhance the flavor profile of the cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Easy Homemade Butter Pecan Cake from scratch:

Prepare the Pecans

1. Toast Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant. Set aside to cool.

Make the Cake Batter

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Fold in Toasted Pecans: Gently fold in the toasted pecans, being careful not to overmix.

Bake the Cake

1. Prepare Cake Pan: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Pour Batter into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
3. Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
4. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting (Optional)

1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until smooth.
3. Add Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract and add milk if needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Assemble the Cake

1. Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake. Place the second cake on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and enjoy this moist, nutty dessert!

How to Serve

Here are some delightful ways to serve Easy Homemade Butter Pecan Cake:

• With a Cup of Coffee: This cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
• On a Dessert Platter: Serve slices of this cake alongside other desserts for a diverse dessert spread.
• For Special Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings where you want to impress guests.
• With Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness.
• With a Drizzle of Caramel: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat.
• On a Cake Stand: Display the finished cake on a decorative cake stand for a stunning presentation.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert duo.
• As a Layered Cake: Stack the cakes with a layer of frosting between them for a layered effect.
• With Fresh Fruit: Add a side of fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, to balance the sweetness of the cake.
• For Tea Time: Serve as part of a light afternoon tea alongside other pastries and tea sandwiches.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Easy Homemade Butter Pecan Cake turns out perfectly:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature to help the ingredients blend smoothly.
• Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the cake will enhance their flavor and give them a nice crunch.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the cake batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
• Check for Doneness: Test the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
• Chill the Frosting: If the frosting seems too soft, chill it for 10-15 minutes to firm it up before spreading.
• Sift the Flour: Sifting the flour helps prevent lumps and ensures a lighter texture in the cake.
• Customize the Frosting: If you prefer a lighter frosting, use whipped cream or a buttercream frosting instead of cream cheese.
• Make it a Bundt Cake: You can bake this cake in a Bundt pan for a different presentation style.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Make Mini Cakes: Divide the batter into smaller pans to make individual mini cakes for a fun twist.

Recipe Variations

Here are some variations you can try with this Easy Homemade Butter Pecan Cake:

• Chocolate Pecan Cake: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate twist.
• Caramel Pecan Cake: Drizzle the top of the cake with homemade caramel sauce for a sweet finish.
• Spiced Pecan Cake: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Maple Pecan Cake: Replace the vanilla extract with maple extract and drizzle the cake with maple syrup.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version of the cake.
• Banana Pecan Cake: Add mashed ripe bananas to the batter for a fruity, moist cake.
• Coconut Pecan Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
• Lemon Pecan Cake: Add lemon zest and juice to the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Orange Pecan Cake: Use orange zest and juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Berry Pecan Cake: Add mixed berries (like raspberries or blueberries) to the batter for added flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Here’s how to store and freeze your

Easy Homemade Butter Pecan Cake:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing the Cake: Freeze the cake layers (without frosting) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Freezing the Frosting: Store frosting separately in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
   Yes, you can use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to the batter.
2. Can I use a different nut?
   Yes, walnuts or almonds would work well as a substitute for pecans.
3. Can I make this cake in advance?
   Yes, this cake stores well for up to 3 days at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.
4. Can I skip the frosting?
   Yes, the cake is delicious on its own, but frosting adds a nice touch.
5. How do I make the cake more moist?
   Using buttermilk helps to make the cake moist and tender.
6. Can I make this cake without nuts?
   Yes, simply omit the pecans if you prefer a nut-free cake.
7. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
   Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
8. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
   Yes, adding chocolate chips to the batter will give the cake a chocolatey flavor.
9. Can I make this into cupcakes?
   Yes, you can divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes.
10. Can I freeze this cake?
    Yes, freeze the cake layers (without frosting) for up to 3 months.

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Conclusion

This Easy Homemade Butter Pecan Cake is a delicious and simple dessert that combines the richness of butter with the crunchy texture of toasted pecans. The flavor of the buttery cake pairs beautifully with the toasted pecans, creating a comforting and indulgent treat. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or simply as a treat for your family, this cake is sure to impress.

With the option to top it with your favorite frosting or enjoy it plain, this cake is versatile and easy to make, making it perfect for any time of the year. It’s a delightful dessert that doesn’t require much effort but still delivers fantastic results every time.

I can’t wait to see how your Butter Pecan Cake turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!