By Bring Butter Pecan Cake to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Butter Pecan Cake captures the essence of desserts|cakes while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Butter Pecan Cake becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
2 ¼ cups cake flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 cup unsalted butter
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
5 cups powdered sugar
Toasted pecans (for decorating)
PREPARATION STEPS
Cake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease 2 8-inch round cake pans and set aside.
2
In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat
Add the chopped pecans and cook for 3-4 minutes until toasted and fragrant
Remove from heat and let cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cake flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4
Add buttermilk, milk, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients
Beat with a paddle attachment of a stand mixer or a hand mixer until fully combined
Fold in the toasted pecans.
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center of the cake springs back when pressed. Let cool completely.
Frost with browned butter cream cheese frosting and decorate with toasted pecans.
Browned Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:
1
Brown the butter by heating it over medium-high heat in a medium pan, stirring constantly until it turns a rich golden brown and smells nutty
Transfer to a heat-proof bowl and let cool completely.
In the bowl of a mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the cooled browned butter and beat until fully combined.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low until combined. Increase speed and beat until fluffy.
Scrape down the bowl and add vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high for 3 minutes until very fluffy. Use immediately to frost cooled cakes.
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
