Butter Pecan Pound Cake is a rich and moist dessert loaded with toasted pecans and buttery goodness. The recipe coats the pecans in a sweet cinnamon sugar glaze and bakes them into a tender cake with a soft crumb. Topped with a creamy butter pecan frosting made from scratch and finished with chopped pecans, this cake is as delicious as it is elegant. Let’s dive in and see how to make this delightful treat!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Pound Cake
This butter pecan pound cake recipe is the ultimate combination of rich flavors and a moist, tender texture. A dessert that’s as satisfying to bake as to enjoy exists.
A Decadent Blend of Flavors
The butter pecan pound cake recipe skillfully mixes rich, creamy butter with the nutty taste of toasted pecans. This creates a wonderful blend of delicious flavors. A touch of vanilla adds warmth and depth, elevating every bite to a luxurious experience. This symphony of tastes makes it a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Perfect for Any Celebration
This cake adds charm to any occasion. Perfect for a holiday, a fun party, or a cozy gathering. Its rich flavors and elegant presentation make it a standout centerpiece. As a family dessert, it’s the perfect blend of warmth and indulgence, creating moments to savor and share with loved ones.
A Foolproof Recipe for All Skill Levels
With this easy guide, even novice bakers can create a bakery-worthy masterpiece. The straightforward steps, clear instructions, and simple ingredients ensure consistent results every time.
This recipe makes baking easy. It helps you mix and bake without any guesswork. You will get a moist and tasty cake. It looks and tastes like a chef made it.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Butter Pecan Pound Cake
The key to the perfect butter pecan pound cake recipe lies in its rich, high-quality ingredients. Each one adds depth and flavor to this indulgent dessert.
Essential Cake Ingredients
The foundation of this cake’s luxurious texture and flavor lies in its essential ingredients. Flour provides structure, while rich butter ensures a tender crumb.
Granulated and brown sugars lend sweetness and depth. The addition of buttermilk creates a moist, velvety texture, balancing richness with a slight tang. Flavor extracts like vanilla and butter enhance the cake’s aromatic appeal, making every bite deliciously delicious.
Toasted Pecan Mixture
Transforming pecans into a sweet, crunchy delight begins with a few simple ingredients. Melted butter coats the pecans for a rich, buttery base, while a sprinkle of granulated sugar adds sweetness. A dash of cinnamon enhances the nutty aroma, creating a warm, spiced profile. Toasted to perfection, this caramelized mixture elevates the cake’s flavor with its delicious crunch and depth.
Creamy Icing Components
The luscious icing starts with cream cheese, delivering a smooth, tangy base. Powdered sugar adds sweetness while keeping the texture velvety.
A splash of heavy cream creates a creamy consistency, perfect for draping over the cake. Vanilla extract infuses warmth and depth, rounding out the flavors beautifully. Together, these components form an indulgent icing that perfectly complements the richness of the cake.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To create the perfect butter pecan pound cake, you’ll need a few essential tools. A bundt pan ensures the cake bakes evenly and releases flawlessly.
A sturdy mixer, whether hand or stand, helps achieve a smooth and airy batter. A reliable spatula is key for scraping every last bit of goodness into the pan. These tools make baking your butter pecan pound cake seamless and enjoyable.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Butter Pecan Pound Cake
Baking the perfect butter pecan pound cake is a simple yet rewarding process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a decadent, flavorful dessert that’s sure to impress!
Toasting the Pecans
Toasting pecans transforms them into a golden, fragrant topping bursting with flavor. Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring it coats the pan evenly. Add the pecans, stirring to coat them in the buttery richness. Sprinkle in sugar for sweetness and a dash of cinnamon to infuse warm, spicy notes.
Sauté gently until the pecans caramelize and fill the air with their aroma. Let them cool before folding them into the batter or using them as a garnish.
Preparing the Cake Batter
To make the perfect cake batter, start by creaming butter and sugar. Mix them until they are light and fluffy. This step ensures a soft and light texture. Gradually add eggs, one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
Alternate mixing in the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mixture. This method makes a balanced cake batter. Rich in flavor and having a good texture, the dish is delightful. This sets the stage for a moist and tasty pound cake.
Baking to Perfection
To ensure a flawless finish, evenly pour the batter into a greased bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in a preheated oven and let it bake slowly, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to develop. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; the toothpick should come out clean. Let the cake cool for 20 minutes before removing it from the pan to maintain its structure.
Making the Creamy Icing
Crafting the perfect icing starts with blending softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until the sweetness is just right. To achieve the ideal consistency, slowly incorporate heavy cream, adjusting until the icing is velvety and easy to drizzle. This luxurious topping perfectly complements the cake, adding a rich, tangy-sweet layer that enhances its flavor and presentation.
Decorating and Serving Your Butter Pecan Pound Cake
Decorating and serving your butter pecan pound cake is where creativity meets indulgence. With the right finishing touches, this cake becomes a stunning centerpiece and a delight to share.
Drizzling the Icing
Once your cake has cooled completely, it’s time to drizzle the luscious icing. Use a spoon or pour directly from a spouted container, letting the creamy glaze cascade over the cake’s curves. Allow the icing to flow naturally, creating elegant drips along the sides. This flawless finish adds both visual appeal and a burst of flavor to every slice.
Adding Toasted Pecans on the Top
Complete your masterpiece by sprinkling toasted pecans generously over the freshly drizzled icing. The warm, nutty crunch of the pecans perfectly complements the creamy sweetness, adding texture and flavor to every bite. Strategically scatter them for a balanced, elegant look that enhances the cake’s appeal. This final touch elevates the dessert into a show-stopping centerpiece.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your butter pecan pound cake with a steaming cup of coffee or fragrant tea to enhance its rich, nutty flavors. For an extra indulgent touch, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These pairings elevate each slice into a decadent treat, perfect for any occasion or cozy gathering.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to maintain balance. The slight adjustment ensures the rich flavor of the butter shines without overpowering the cake.
How can I stop my pound cake from sticking to the bundt pan?
To prevent your pound cake from sticking, generously coat the bundt pan with baking spray or a mix of butter and flour. Cover every crevice for a flawless release.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the butter pecan pound cake ahead of time. Once cooled, wrap it tightly to preserve freshness. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend and become richer.
How should I store leftover Butter Pecan Pound Cake?
To store leftover butter pecan pound cake, place it in an airtight container to retain moisture and flavor. It stays fresh at room temperature for 2–3 days or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Can I substitute buttermilk in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk in the recipe. Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle, creating a tangy buttermilk alternative.
Butter Pecan Pound Cake
Course: Dessert12
servings20
minutes1
hour15
minutes825
kcalBake a moist butter pecan pound cake packed with toasted pecans and buttery goodness. Perfect for dessert or special occasions!
Ingredients
- Cake
All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups
Granulated Sugar: 2 cups
Brown Sugar: 1 cup (light)
Unsalted Butter: 1 ½ cups (3 sticks), at room temperature
Large Eggs: 5, at room temperature
Buttermilk: 1 cup, at room temperature
Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
Butter Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Toasted Pecans
Pecans: 2 cups, chopped
Unsalted Butter: ½ cup
Granulated Sugar: 3-4 tablespoons
Cannelle: 2 cuillères à café
- Icing
Powdered Sugar: 2 cups
Cream Cheese: 4 oz, at room temperature
Heavy Cream: ⅓ cup
Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
Chopped Pecans: For the topping
Instructions
- Toasted Pecans
- In a sizable frying pan on medium heat, dissolve ½ cup of butter.
- Add the chopped pecans and toast them for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cinnamon and sugar, and continue toasting for about 2 more minutes or until they’re browned and fragrant.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the pecans cool while you make the cake batter.
- Pound Cake
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.
- Using a hand or stand mixer, cream the butter. Slowly add the granulated and brown sugars, and mix on medium speed for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla and butter extracts.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition
- Add the flour mixture 1 cup at a time, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour.
- Incorporate the cooled, toasted pecans into the mixture.
- Apply baking spray to a 12-cup Bundt pan. Distribute the batter uniformly after pouring it in.
- Bake the cake for about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Take the cake out of the oven and let it cool for 20 minutes before removing it from the pan.
- Icing
- Utilize a hand-held or stationary mixer to blend the butter and cream cheese until they achieve a smooth consistency.
- Incorporate the vanilla and powdered sugar into the mixture.
- Gradually add the heavy cream until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake and top with extra pecans if desired.
Notes
- Using Room Temperature Ingredients
Room-temperature ingredients significantly softened butter and eggs, are essential for creating a smooth, velvety batter. Softened butter creams effortlessly with sugar, including air for a light texture. Room-temperature eggs blend seamlessly, preventing clumps and ensuring an even consistency throughout the cake batter. This simple step guarantees a flawless bake. - Achieving the Right Texture
Creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy is the cornerstone of achieving a tender, airy crumb. This process incorporates air into the mixture, creating a smooth, well-structured batter. Proper creaming ensures the cake rises evenly, delivering a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth crumb that perfectly balances moisture and lightness in every slice.
