Butter Pecan Cake

Introduction:

Butter Pecan Cake is a beloved classic that combines the rich, buttery flavor of pecans with a soft, tender cake base. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or simply when you want to indulge in something sweet and comforting. The cake’s texture is moist and fluffy, complemented by the crunch of toasted pecans, and it’s all tied together with a creamy frosting that adds the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

– 2 cups of all-purpose flour

– 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder

– ½ teaspoon of baking soda

– ½ teaspoon of salt

– 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened

– 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar

– 4 large eggs, room temperature

– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

– 1 cup of buttermilk, room temperature

– 1 cup of chopped pecans, toasted

For the Frosting:

– 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened

– 4 cups of powdered sugar

– ¼ cup of heavy cream

– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

– ½ cup of chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pecans

Toast the Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped pecans evenly on a baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to over-toast them, as they can burn quickly. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Prepare the Baking Pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove from the pans later.

2. Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is creamy and well combined.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.

6. Fold in the Pecans: Using a spatula, gently fold the toasted pecans into the batter until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and tap the pans on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

2. Cool the Cakes Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

1. Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

3. Add Cream and Vanilla: Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then increase the mixer speed to medium-high. Beat for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a bit more cream; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

4. Fold in the Pecans: Gently fold in the toasted pecans until evenly distributed throughout the frosting.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Level the Cakes (Optional): If your cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to level them for even stacking. This step is optional but helps create a professional-looking cake.

2. Frost the First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top of the first layer, using a spatula to create an even layer.

3. Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake to lock in the crumbs. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to set the crumb coat.

4. Final Frosting: After the crumb coat has set, apply the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Use a spatula or frosting smoother to create a smooth finish.

5. Decorate: If desired, decorate the cake with additional toasted pecans or a sprinkle of crushed pecans on top.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and Serve: Once the cake is frosted and decorated, it’s ready to be served. Slice into it and enjoy the delightful combination of buttery pecan flavor and tender cake texture. This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.

2. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for longer storage—just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Tips for Success:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before you begin. This helps the ingredients blend more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.

– Toasting Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor, adding depth to the cake. Don’t skip this step!

– Even Cake Layers: For even layers, weigh the batter as you divide it between the cake pans.

– Crumb Coat: The crumb coat helps seal in any loose crumbs and provides a smooth base for the final layer of frosting.

– Chilling the Cake: Chilling the cake briefly before applying the final frosting layer can make it easier to work with and result in a cleaner finish.

Conclusion:

This Classic Butter Pecan Cake is a timeless dessert that will impress your family and friends with its rich flavor and beautiful presentation. The combination of soft, fluffy cake and crunchy pecans, all wrapped up in a creamy, buttery frosting, is simply irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.