Description
A rich and moist Butter Pecan Cake layered with a creamy icing, perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 3 cups (333g) cake flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (354ml) buttermilk, room temperature preferred
- 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (160g) pecan halves, very finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened (for icing)
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened (for icing)
- ⅓ cup (66g) light brown sugar, firmly packed (for icing)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract (for icing)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for icing)
- 4 ½ cups (562g) powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1 Tablespoon heavy cream (for icing)
- ⅓ cup (35g) pecan halves, very finely chopped, optional (for decoration)
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Melt the butter over medium-low heat, then increase the heat and cook until golden brown specks form. Allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round baking pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine with Butter: Add the browned butter to the dry ingredients and mix until incorporated.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the finely chopped pecans.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
- Make the Icing: Beat the softened butter, cream cheese, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating until fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: If necessary, level the cakes. Stack the layers with icing between each, then frost the outside of the cake. Decorate with additional chopped pecans and piped frosting swirls if desired.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Store the cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- For a richer flavor, let the browned butter cool slightly before adding it to the mixture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg