Introduction
Butter pecan cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavor of butter with the nutty taste of pecans. This indulgent cake is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. The combination of buttery cake layers and crunchy pecans creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy your sweet cravings. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a delicious butter pecan cake that will impress your family and friends.
Whether you are a baking enthusiast or a novice in the kitchen, this butter pecan cake recipe is easy to follow and yields a moist and flavorful cake that is sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can create a homemade butter pecan cake that rivals any bakery creation. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s get started on this delectable baking adventure!
Before we dive into the recipe details, let’s take a look at the key ingredients you will need to gather to make this scrumptious butter pecan cake.
Ingredients
To make a delicious butter pecan cake, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
– All-purpose flour
– Baking powder
– Salt
– Unsalted butter, softened
– Granulated sugar
– Eggs
– Vanilla extract
– Buttermilk
– Chopped pecans
For the Frosting:
– Unsalted butter, softened
– Cream cheese, softened
– Powdered sugar
– Vanilla extract
– Chopped pecans (for garnish)
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s move on to the steps involved in making a delicious butter pecan cake.
Steps
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a mouthwatering butter pecan cake:
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
Start by preheating your oven to the specified temperature and greasing and flouring your cake pans. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed in the batter.
2. Bake the Cake Layers:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cake layers from the oven and let them cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
Spread a generous amount of frosting between the cake layers and on the top and sides of the cake. Use a spatula to create a smooth finish on the frosting.
Variations
There are several ways to customize your butter pecan cake to suit your preferences:
1. Chocolate Drizzle:
For a decadent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cake for a delightful chocolate and pecan combination.
2. Caramel Sauce:
Enhance the flavor profile of the cake by drizzling caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
3. Toasted Coconut:
Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the frosting for an added crunch and tropical flair.
Tips
Follow these helpful tips to ensure your butter pecan cake turns out perfect every time:
1. Room Temperature Ingredients:
Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
2. Chopped Pecans:
For a more pronounced pecan flavor, toast the pecans before chopping and adding them to the batter.
3. Even Layers:
Use a kitchen scale to divide the cake batter evenly between the pans for uniform cake layers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, butter pecan cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of butter with the nuttiness of pecans to create a truly indulgent treat. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can bake a delicious butter pecan cake that will impress your loved ones and leave them craving for more.
Whether you enjoy it as a dessert after a special meal or as a sweet snack with your favorite beverage, this butter pecan cake is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of homemade butter pecan cake!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about butter pecan cake:
Q: Can I use walnuts instead of pecans in the cake?
A: Yes, you can substitute walnuts for pecans if you prefer a different nut flavor in the cake.
Q: How should I store leftover butter pecan cake?
A: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
Q: Can I make this cake in advance for a special occasion?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Thaw the frozen layers before assembling and frosting the cake.
Butter Pecan Cake
A delightful dessert that combines the rich flavor of butter with the nutty taste of pecans, creating a moist and flavorful cake topped with a creamy frosting and garnished with chopped pecans.
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 cup chopped pecans
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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4 cups powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Chopped pecans (for garnish)
Directions
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Preheat the oven and prepare cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
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Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
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Cream together butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla extract.
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Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, then fold in chopped pecans.
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Divide batter between cake pans, smooth tops, and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Let cake layers cool before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Cream together butter and cream cheese for frosting, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
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Frost cake layers and garnish with chopped pecans.
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Serve and enjoy!
