Description
This Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is the ultimate dessert for any occasion, combining the richness of buttery toasted pecans with the creamy tang of homemade cream cheese icing. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings, this cake offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The cake itself is moist and tender, filled with nutty toasted pecans that add a satisfying crunch. The luscious cream cheese icing complements the sweetness of the cake with its tangy, smooth finish, making this dessert a showstopper at any event. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this step-by-step recipe will guide you to success.
Ingredients
For the Butter Pecan Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
Fold in the chopped pecans.
Bake the Cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans or pour it into the 9×13-inch pan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes (or 35-40 minutes for a 9×13-inch pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well.
Stir in the vanilla extract and enough milk to achieve your desired icing consistency.
Frost the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top and sides.
Garnish with additional chopped pecans if desired.
Serve:
Slice and enjoy this rich and flavorful Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Icing! 
This cake combines the nutty flavor of buttered pecans with the creamy sweetness of cream cheese icing, creating a deliciously indulgent dessert. Enjoy!
Notes
- Toasting Pecans: Toasting the pecans is a crucial step in this recipe as it enhances their flavor. Make sure to toast them just until they’re fragrant and lightly browned, as they can burn quickly. Stirring halfway through helps ensure even toasting.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: Creaming the butter and sugar together properly is essential for creating a light, fluffy cake. Be patient and mix for several minutes to incorporate enough air into the batter. If the butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly, so ensure it’s softened to room temperature.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, so mix only until the flour is just incorporated.
- Cooling the Cake: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before icing. If the cake is even slightly warm, the icing will melt and become runny.
- Icing Consistency: If you prefer a thicker cream cheese icing, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. For a thinner, more spreadable icing, add a small amount of milk or cream.
- Make-Ahead Tips: You can make the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. Thaw the layers at room temperature before icing.
- Decorating: For an added touch of elegance, sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra richness and visual appeal.
- Customization: You can easily transform this cake into cupcakes or loaf cakes. See the variations section in the recipe for alternative baking times and options for different cake forms.