Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Indulge in Butter Pecan Bliss: A Delectable Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Butter pecan cake is a true delight for the senses, offering a perfect blend of buttery richness, nutty pecan goodness, and a touch of sweetness from the brown sugar frosting. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration, a family gathering, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this heavenly dessert, ensuring that your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.

The Magic of Butter Pecan Cake

Butter pecan cake combines the richness of butter, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the crunchiness of pecans to create a symphony of flavors. The cake itself is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the use of cake flour and buttermilk. The chopped pecans add a delightful texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly. Topped with a luscious brown sugar frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit with anyone who takes a bite.

Ingredients for Success

Cake:

1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter: The star ingredient that adds richness and moisture.
3 cups (333 g) cake flour: Provides a tender crumb.
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar & 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar (firmly packed): Sweetens the cake and adds depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon baking powder & ½ teaspoon baking soda: Leavening agents to help the cake rise.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
1 ½ cups (354 ml) buttermilk (room temperature preferred): Adds moisture and a slight tang.
2 large eggs (room temperature preferred): Bind the ingredients together.
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aroma and flavor.
1 ½ cups (160 g) pecan halves (very finely chopped): The key ingredient for the signature pecan flavor.

Frosting:

1 ½ cups (340 g) unsalted butter (softened): The base for a creamy frosting.
6 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds tanginess and creaminess.
⅓ cup (66 g) light brown sugar (firmly packed): Sweetens the frosting with a hint of caramel flavor.
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
4 ½ cups (562 g) powdered sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet frosting.
1 Tablespoon heavy cream: Adds silkiness to the frosting.
⅓ cup (35 g) pecan halves (very finely chopped, optional): For garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Butter

The first step is to brown the butter, which will add a deep, nutty flavor to the cake. Place the butter in a medium-sized pan and cook over medium/low heat until melted. Increase the heat to just above medium and cook, stirring frequently. The butter will foam, crackle, pop, and sizzle. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan until you see golden brown specks. Remove from heat and pour into a heatproof bowl. Allow the butter to cool completely before proceeding.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round baking pans with baking spray. Line the bottoms with rounds of parchment paper to ensure the cakes won’t stick.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the browned butter and use an electric mixer to stir on low speed until thoroughly incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Slowly drizzle this mixture into the flour mixture, pausing halfway through and at the end to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. It’s alright if you notice small lumps in the batter. Stir in the finely chopped pecans until well incorporated.

3. Bake the Cakes

Evenly divide the batter into the prepared baking pans and bake on the center rack of your preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 15 minutes before running a knife around the edges to loosen them. Carefully invert the cakes onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Brown Sugar Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar until completely combined. Pause periodically to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula. Add the heavy cream and beat on high speed for 30 seconds, until the frosting is smooth and silky.

5. Decorate the Cake

One the cakes are completely cooled, level them if needed. Spread a layer of frosting between each cake layer and over the top and sides of the cake. For a decorative finish, use an Ateco 846 or Ateco 848 tip to create swirls on the top of the cake. If desired, finely chop another ⅓ cup of pecans and layer them over the top of the cake (without going all the way to the edge) before adding the frosting swirls around the edge.

Tips for the Perfect Butter Pecan Cake

Pecans: Measure pecans before chopping. To get very fine pecans, use a food processor and pulse until fine. Be careful not to over-process, or you’ll turn them into nut butter.
Baking Pans: If you only have two round pans, bake the first two layers and leave the remaining batter covered in the mixing bowl. Allow the cake pans to cool before adding the remaining batter and baking the final layer.
Storing: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to a week. This cake can also be wrapped tightly and frozen.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this butter pecan cake contains approximately 975 calories, 113g of carbohydrates, 8g of protein, and 57g of fat. While it’s not an everyday indulgence, it’s perfect for special occasions and is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavor and beautiful presentation.

Enhancing Your Baking Experience

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Selecting high-quality ingredients is crucial to achieving the best results with your butter pecan cake. Here are a few tips:

Butter: Use unsalted butter to have better control over the saltiness of your cake. High-quality butter will provide a richer flavor, which is essential for the brown butter process.
Pecans: Fresh pecans are preferable. If possible, toast the pecans lightly before chopping them to enhance their natural nutty flavor.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

Mastering the Brown Butter Technique

Browning butter is a critical step that adds a nutty depth to the cake. Here are some pointers to ensure success:

Patience is Key: Don’t rush the process. Cook the butter over medium/low heat and keep a close eye on it. It can go from browned to burnt quickly.
Constant Stirring: Stir frequently and scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent the milk solids from sticking and burning.
Cooling Time: Allow the browned butter to cool completely before adding it to the batter to avoid affecting the texture of your cake.

Frosting Perfection

The brown sugar frosting is what truly elevates this butter pecan cake. Here’s how to make it flawlessly:

Cream Cheese and Butter: Ensure both are softened to room temperature before mixing. This will make it easier to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Incorporating Sugar: Add the powdered sugar gradually to prevent a sugar cloud and ensure it blends well with the butter and cream cheese.
Heavy Cream: The tablespoon of heavy cream is essential for achieving a silky texture. If you find the frosting too thick, you can add a bit more cream, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Creative Decorations

Decorating your butter pecan cake can be a fun and creative process. Here are some ideas to make your cake look as good as it tastes:

Piping Tips: Use different piping tips to create beautiful patterns and designs on your cake. The Ateco 846 or Ateco 848 tips are excellent choices for creating elegant swirls.
Pecan Garnish: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans on top of the frosting for added texture and visual appeal. You can also create a border with whole pecan halves for a sophisticated look.
Caramel Drizzle: For an extra layer of decadence, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cake. This not only adds to the flavor but also gives the cake a stunning finish.

Serving Suggestions

This butter pecan cake is versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different occasions:

Classic Slice: Serve a generous slice of the cake with a cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors pair beautifully with hot beverages.
Ice Cream Accompaniment: A scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream on the side can enhance the dessert experience.
Holiday Centerpiece: This cake makes a wonderful centerpiece for holiday gatherings. Its festive flavors and beautiful appearance will impress your guests.

Troubleshooting Tips

Even the best bakers encounter challenges. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

Dry Cake: If your cake turns out dry, it could be due to overbaking. Ensure you check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Also, using the right amount of buttermilk helps keep the cake moist.
Lumpy Frosting: If your frosting is lumpy, it’s likely that the butter or cream cheese was too cold. Ensure both are at room temperature before mixing. If lumps persist, try beating the frosting on high speed until smooth.
Cake Sticking to Pan: Lining the baking pans with parchment paper and greasing them well can prevent sticking. Allow the cakes to cool slightly before attempting to remove them from the pans.

Storing and Preserving

Proper storage ensures your butter pecan cake stays fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to a week. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing: This cake can also be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Final Thoughts

Creating a butter pecan cake is a rewarding baking project that yields a rich, flavorful dessert sure to delight anyone who tastes it. With its moist texture, crunchy pecan bits, and creamy brown sugar frosting, this cake is a testament to the joy of baking from scratch. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, following these detailed instructions and tips will help you achieve a spectacular result.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a baking journey that will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of butter, sugar, and pecans. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, savor every bite of your homemade butter pecan cake!