Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Hello, dessert lovers! If you want a show-stopping cake that gets everyone asking for seconds, this Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is for you. The combination of toasted pecans, rich buttery cake, and tangy cream cheese frosting makes a memorable dessert for holidays, birthdays, or any special gathering. The recipe is straightforward and works well for both beginners and experienced bakers. Read on for ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and storage advice so you can bake a perfect butter pecan cake every time.

Introduction

This Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is a classic Southern-style dessert celebrating the toasty, nutty flavor of pecans paired with a smooth, slightly tangy cream cheese frosting. The cake is moist and tender thanks to buttermilk, while toasted pecans add crunch and depth. The cream cheese icing balances the sweetness with a pleasant tang, making every bite satisfying. Follow the recipe below for clear, reliable results and delightful flavor.

Ingredients for Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Gather the following ingredients before you begin:

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)

Optional substitutions:

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-free: Substitute butter and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives such as coconut oil and almond milk.

How to Make Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Icing – Step by Step

Follow these steps for a reliable, delicious cake.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Prepare the cake batter

• Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy—this helps create a tender crumb.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing fully after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
• Fold in the toasted chopped pecans gently so they are distributed evenly.

Step 3: Bake the cake

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans or pour into the 9×13-inch pan.
• Bake 25–30 minutes for 9-inch rounds, or 35–40 minutes for a 9×13-inch pan, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Prepare the cream cheese icing

• Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition to keep the frosting lump-free.
• Stir in vanilla and add 2–3 tablespoons of milk to reach the desired consistency—use less for a thicker frosting or more for a spreadable glaze.

Step 5: Frost the cake

• When the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top and sides.
• Garnish with additional chopped toasted pecans if desired.

Step 6: Serve

Slice and serve this rich Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Icing. The combination of nutty pecans and creamy frosting makes a delightful dessert that’s both comforting and elegant.

Helpful Tips for Butter Pecan Cake

• Toast the pecans: Roast pecans on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to enhance flavor and crunch.
• Room temperature ingredients: Use room-temperature butter, eggs, and buttermilk for a consistent batter and even baking.
• Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients until just incorporated to avoid a dense cake.

Cooking Tips for the Best Result

• Use buttermilk: It keeps the cake moist and tender. If you don’t have it, make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Choose light pans: Light-colored metal pans promote even baking; dark pans can overbrown the edges.
• Cool completely: Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.

Serving Suggestions

This Butter Pecan Cake pairs well with coffee or tea, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Nutritional Information

Enjoy this dessert in moderation. Pecans add healthy fats, fiber, and protein, while cream cheese contributes calcium and vitamin A. Approximate nutrition per serving:

Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 35g

Storage and Leftovers

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep frosted cake in the fridge up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 3 months, wrapped in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes—substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

How do I prevent sticking?
Grease and flour pans thoroughly and line the bottoms with parchment paper for extra assurance.

Can I use different nuts?
Yes—walnuts or almonds work well if you prefer another flavor or texture.

How do I get smooth cream cheese icing?
Make sure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature and beat until completely smooth before adding powdered sugar.

Conclusion

Homemade Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is a comforting, flavorful dessert that combines toasty pecans, moist cake, and creamy frosting. It’s reliable, easy to make, and perfect for celebrations or a special weekend treat. Happy baking!

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