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Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade butter pecan cake with our easy recipe. Topped with cream cheese frosting, it's a delicious Southern dessert favorite!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 14 Slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Toasted Pecans
  • 2 cups pecans chopped
  • ¼ cup butter
For the Cake
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
  • Toasted pecans from above
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 3 9-inch round cake pans
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Large skillet
  • Wire cooling racks
  • Offset spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

Toast the Pecans
  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped pecans and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Prepare the Cake Batter
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in vanilla extract.
  1. Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with flour mixture.
  2. Fold in cooled toasted pecans.
Bake the Cake
  1. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
  1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar.
  3. Mix in vanilla extract and salt.
  4. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
Assemble the Cake
  1. Place one cake layer on a stand.
  2. Spread with frosting.
  3. Repeat with remaining layers.
  4. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
  5. Garnish with additional toasted pecans if desired.

Notes

  • All ingredients should be at room temperature
  • Don't overbake - check at 25 minutes
  • Let layers cool completely before frosting
  • For extra nutty flavor, reserve some toasted pecans for garnish