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Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Butter Pecan Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Butter Pecan Cake brings Southern charm to dessert tables with rich, nutty layers and creamy frosting. Pecans add delightful crunch while buttery sweetness promises a delectable slice of pure comfort for you.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups butter, softened
  • 22/3 cups chopped pecans
  • 1 cup milk

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 8 to 8 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
  • 1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Carefully toast chopped pecans with butter at 350F for 20-25 minutes, stirring periodically until golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  2. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until pale and airy, creating a smooth consistency. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into butter mixture, alternating with milk. Gently fold in 1-1/3 cups of previously toasted pecans, mixing until evenly distributed.
  4. Prepare three 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and dusting with flour. Divide batter evenly among pans, spreading smoothly. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in center. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire cooling racks.
  5. Prepare frosting by whipping butter and confectioners sugar until silky and uniform. Introduce evaporated milk and vanilla, beating until achieving a creamy texture. Fold in remaining toasted pecans. Once cake layers are completely cooled, generously frost between layers and cover entire cake.

Notes

  • Maximize pecan flavor by carefully toasting them, ensuring they’re golden brown and fragrant without burning, which intensifies their nutty essence.
  • Prevent cake from sticking by thoroughly greasing and flouring pans, using parchment paper for extra insurance against potential breakage.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend, maintaining the cake’s tender crumb and rich texture.
  • Enhance moisture by brushing each cake layer with a light syrup or liqueur before frosting, adding depth and preventing potential dryness.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 583
  • Sugar: 58 g
  • Sodium: 165 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 63 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 107 mg