Butter Pecan Cake is an indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of roasted pecans with the buttery goodness of a classic cake. This cake has a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of the cozy family gatherings we had during the holidays. My grandmother used to make this cake, and the aroma of roasting pecans and vanilla would fill the house, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere. This recipe captures that nostalgic essence and brings it to your kitchen, offering a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
3 cups cake flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) butter, room temperature
5 eggs, room temperature
1 cup whole milk, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon pound cake extract
2 cups roasted pecans, chopped
For the Frosting:
2 cups powdered sugar
4 ounces (1/2 cup) butter, room temperature
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
4 teaspoons half and half
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature: Ensure that the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily into the batter and ensures a smoother texture.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a tube pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray, ensuring all the nooks and crannies are covered.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 sticks of room temperature butter, 2 cups of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-7 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugars properly is crucial for creating a light and airy cake.
Add the Eggs: Slowly add 5 room temperature eggs to the creamed mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step helps to incorporate air into the batter, contributing to the cake’s light texture.
Add the Extracts: Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of pound cake extract to the batter. These extracts add a deep, rich flavor that complements the butter and pecans perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of cake flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. This means you will add one-third of the flour mixture, then half of the milk, another third of the flour mixture, the remaining milk, and finally the last third of the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Fold in Pecans: Using a spatula, gently fold 2 cups of roasted and chopped pecans into the batter. The pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan, spreading it out evenly.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake at 325°F for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Start checking for doneness at around 45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If the toothpick comes out with batter, continue baking and check again in 5-10 minute increments.
Cool the Cake: Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cake completely ensures that the frosting will adhere properly and not melt off.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a medium mixing bowl, beat 4 ounces of room temperature butter and 4 ounces of room temperature cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated and smooth.
Add Half and Half: Beat in 4 teaspoons of half and half until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more half and half, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 6: Frost the Cake
Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake using a spatula. The rich, creamy frosting pairs beautifully with the nutty, buttery cake.
Decorate: For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped pecans on top of the frosting or arrange whole pecans in a decorative pattern.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Slice and Serve: Slice the cake and serve it on a beautiful cake stand or platter. This Butter Pecan Cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or simply a sweet treat for your family.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Nuts: While pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of cake flour to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Reduced Sugar: You can reduce the amount of sugar by using a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup with sugar to make the cake a bit lighter.
Flavored Extracts: Experiment with different extracts such as almond or maple for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Conclusion
Butter Pecan Cake is a delightful and decadent dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. The combination of rich, buttery cake and the crunch of roasted pecans, all topped with a creamy frosting, makes for a truly memorable treat. This recipe is straightforward and accessible, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
The versatility of the recipe allows for numerous variations, ensuring that you can customize it to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you’re making this cake for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, it’s sure to be a hit.
In summary, this Butter Pecan Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings joy and satisfaction with every bite. Gather your ingredients, follow these detailed instructions, and indulge in a cake that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.