Butter Pecan Layer Cake is a rich and decadent dessert featuring moist, buttery cake layers filled with toasted pecans and topped with a luscious buttercream frosting. This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion where you want to impress with a homemade treat. The combination of nutty pecans, creamy frosting, and a hint of caramel-like sweetness makes this cake an irresistible delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and flavorful – Buttery cake infused with toasted pecans.
- Perfect for celebrations – A stunning dessert for any occasion.
- Easy to make ahead – Tastes even better the next day.
- Rich and indulgent – A treat for pecan and caramel lovers.
- Customizable frosting – Works well with cream cheese or buttercream frosting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Whole milk
- Vanilla extract
- Chopped pecans (toasted)
For the Frosting:
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream or milk
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Chopped pecans (for garnish)
Directions
- Toast the Pecans
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes. Let cool.
- Make the Cake Batter
- Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Stir in vanilla extract and toasted pecans.
- Bake the Cake
- Divide batter evenly between two greased 9-inch cake pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting
- Beat butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
- Add heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Cake
- Spread a layer of frosting over the first cake layer.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Garnish with chopped pecans.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Slice and serve at room temperature for the best flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10-12 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap buttercream for a tangy cream cheese frosting.
- Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Extra Nutty: Mix chopped pecans into the frosting for added crunch.
- Brown Butter Flavor: Use browned butter in the cake batter for deeper flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap cake layers individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes.
How do I keep my cake moist?
Do not overbake, and store the cake properly covered.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the layers in advance and frost the cake the next day.
What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring once.
Can I make this cake in a bundt pan?
Yes, adjust the bake time to about 45-50 minutes.
Is this cake overly sweet?
The brown sugar adds a balanced sweetness, but you can reduce the sugar slightly if desired.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, but homemade frosting enhances the flavor.
How do I make the frosting extra fluffy?
Beat the butter longer and add powdered sugar gradually.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, chocolate chips add a delicious twist to this cake.
What pairs well with this cake?
Serve with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Conclusion
Butter Pecan Layer Cake is a rich, nutty, and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. With its buttery cake layers, toasted pecans, and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a slice of homemade goodness!
Print
Butter Pecan Layer Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A moist and nutty butter pecan cake layered with creamy frosting and topped with crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two cake pans.
- Make Cake Batter: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, vanilla, then alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk. Fold in toasted pecans.
- Bake: Divide batter into pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely.
- Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream.
- Assemble: Spread frosting between layers and over the cake. Top with whole pecans.
Notes
- Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts for a different twist.
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