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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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 1

Servings: Slices

Calories: 485kcal

Cost: $33

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

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

Instructions

Toast the Pecans

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped pecans and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant.
Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix in vanilla extract.

Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with flour mixture.
Fold in cooled toasted pecans.

Bake the Cake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar.
Mix in vanilla extract and salt.
Beat until fluffy and spreadable.

Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a stand.
Spread with frosting.
Repeat with remaining layers.
Frost the top and sides of the cake.
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

Nutrition