The Perfect Moist Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Indulgent bakers crave a butter pecan cake loaf that melts in your mouth with rich, decadent flavor.

This classic Southern-style dessert combines nutty pecans with a supremely soft cake base.

Buttery notes dance through each tender slice, creating a heavenly texture that feels like pure comfort.

Warm spices and a luxurious cream cheese icing elevate this simple loaf into a showstopping treat.

The recipe promises a delightful balance of sweet and nutty elements that will wow everyone at the table.

Prepare to experience a slice of pure baking bliss that turns an ordinary afternoon into a delectable celebration.

Butter Pecan Cake Loaf—Why It’s Moist and Dreamy

• This butter pecan cake loaf brings together uncomplicated steps that even novice bakers can master with confidence.
• Perfect for casual brunches, afternoon tea, potlucks, or weekend family gatherings where everyone craves a delicious homemade treat.
• Toasted pecans create a rich, nutty depth while cream cheese icing adds luxurious sweetness that elevates this humble cake loaf from ordinary to extraordinary.
• The recipe allows for advance preparation, making it ideal for busy home cooks who want a delectable dessert without last-minute stress.

What’s in Butter Pecan Cake Loaf

• All-Purpose Flour: A key foundation that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a moist, soft texture.

• Pecans: Offer a delightful nutty crunch and toasted depth of flavor.
• Vanilla Extract, Butter Extract: Provide rich, aromatic flavor notes to the cake.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter: Create a smooth, creamy base for the icing.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right icing consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, complementary flavor to the cream cheese icing.
• Milk: Helps adjust the icing's thickness if needed.

Tools for Butter Pecan Loaf with Icing

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, mixing wet ingredients.
• Dry Skillet: Perfect for toasting pecans evenly and bringing out their rich flavor.
• Whisk: Key for blending dry ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• 9×5-inch Loaf Pan: Crucial for baking the cake in the right shape and size.
• Electric Mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar, and beat cream cheese icing to perfect consistency.
• Wire Rack: Allows cake to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.
• Toothpick: Helps test cake doneness by checking if it comes out clean.
• Spatula: Great for folding pecans and smoothing batter in the pan.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts for best results.

Baking Butter Pecan Cake Loaf

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Prepare your oven by heating it to 350F (175C).

Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Create Toasty Pecans

Heat a dry skillet over medium temperature.

Toss chopped pecans into the pan and stir frequently for 5-7 minutes.

Watch them turn golden and release a rich, nutty aroma.

Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Up Butter Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine softened butter with granulated sugar.

Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like clouds of sweetness.

Step 4: Introduce Eggs And Flavor

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla and butter extracts to boost the cake’s delicious flavor profile.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until perfectly blended.

Step 6: Marry Wet And Dry Components

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into the butter mixture.

Alternate adding dry ingredients with buttermilk, mixing gently.

Stop mixing as soon as everything combines to keep the cake tender.

Step 7: Welcome Pecans

Carefully fold the toasted pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 8: Fill The Pan

Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan.

Smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 55-65 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 10: Let It Rest

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Craft Creamy Icing

Beat softened cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and luxuriously creamy.

Step 12: Create Icing Magic

Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until well combined.

Stir in vanilla extract.

If needed, adjust the consistency by adding a splash of milk.

Step 13: Decorate And Serve

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese icing over the top.

Sprinkle additional chopped pecans for extra crunch and visual appeal if desired.

Cake Loaf Tips for Success

• Dry-toast pecans in a skillet, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the cake's taste.
• Gently fold ingredients until just combined to maintain a tender, moist cake texture and avoid a tough, dense result.
• Use buttermilk to create an incredibly soft, tender crumb that stays moist and delicious for days after baking.
• Add milk gradually to cream cheese frosting to achieve the perfect spreadable texture without becoming too runny or thick.
• Allow cake to cool entirely to room temperature to prevent icing from melting and ensure a smooth, beautiful finish.

Butter Pecan Cake Loaf Variations

• Gluten-Free Pecan Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains rich, nutty flavor.
• Maple Pecan Variation: Swap granulated sugar with maple syrup and add a touch of cinnamon for a warm, autumnal profile.
• Vegan Friendly Loaf: Use coconut oil instead of butter, flax eggs for binding, and dairy-free cream cheese alternative for icing to create a plant-based treat.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall calorie content while preserving the cake's delicious texture.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Cake Loaf

• Brunch Centerpiece Delight: Serve this buttery pecan cake as a stunning centerpiece at your weekend brunch, accompanied by fresh berries and hot coffee.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Slice the cake into elegant portions and pair with Earl Grey tea, creating a sophisticated and indulgent mid-afternoon treat.
• Dessert Party Showstopper: Present the cake on a beautiful cake stand, garnished with extra pecans and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an impressive dessert that will wow your guests.
• Gift-Worthy Comfort: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper with a ribbon, making it a perfect homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or family who appreciate classic, comforting baked goods.

Keeping Cake Loaf Fresh

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the cream cheese icing fresh and preventing spoilage.
• Wrap the entire uniced cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months to maintain moisture and texture.
• Cut the cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for convenient single-serving reheating.
• Thaw frozen cake slices in the refrigerator overnight, then warm briefly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or let sit at room temperature for soft, moist results.

FAQs

• What makes the pecans special in this recipe?

Toasting the pecans in a dry skillet for 5-7 minutes intensifies their flavor and adds a rich, nutty aroma to the cake, creating a deeper and more complex taste profile.

• Can I substitute buttermilk in the recipe?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The baking time is typically 55-65 minutes at 350F.

• Why is it important not to overmix the batter?

Moist Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy butter pecan cake loaf celebrates Southern baking traditions with rich, nutty flavors. Silky cream cheese icing completes this indulgent dessert you’ll savor slice by slice.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar added)

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon butter extract (optional for extra flavor)

Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (to achieve desired consistency)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Develop rich pecan flavor by gently toasting chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring consistently until they release a warm, nutty aroma. Allow nuts to cool completely.
3. Create a fluffy base by beating softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and voluminous.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. Infuse depth with vanilla and butter extracts.
5. Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to distribute leavening agents evenly.
6. Merge wet and dry mixtures gradually, alternating with buttermilk. Mix gently to maintain cake’s tender texture, avoiding overmixing.
7. Gently fold toasted pecans into batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
8. Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface for uniform baking.
9. Bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean, indicating complete cooking.
10. Allow cake to rest in pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
11. Craft smooth icing by blending softened cream cheese and butter until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency.
12. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly. Enhance flavor with vanilla extract, adjusting texture with milk if necessary.
13. Once cake has cooled completely, generously spread cream cheese icing across the top, optionally garnishing with additional chopped pecans for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

• Carefully toast pecans to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning by stirring constantly and watching the skillet closely.
• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture, helping ingredients blend more evenly.
• Avoid overmixing batter to maintain the cake’s tender crumb, stopping just when dry and wet ingredients are combined.
• Use buttermilk at room temperature to help create a softer, more moist cake with better rise and consistent texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 466
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 215 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 107 mg