Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Southern Vanilla Butter Pecan Cake

Best Southern Vanilla Butter Pecan Cake- Irresistibly Moist


  • Author: Patricia
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Southern Vanilla Butter Pecan Cake is a rich, moist, and flavorful dessert, topped with creamy vanilla frosting and toasted pecans, perfect for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1½ cups chopped toasted pecans
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)
  • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk (for drizzle)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Fold in the toasted pecans gently.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  8. For the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar gradually. Add heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
  9. Assemble the cake by layering frosting between cake layers and on the outside.
  10. Warm the sweetened condensed milk slightly and drizzle over the frosted cake.
  11. Optional: Garnish with extra toasted pecans.

Notes

  • Toasting pecans enhances their flavor; bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
  • For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and dairy-free butter.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 52g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 78g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: Southern Butter Pecan Cake, moist butter pecan cake, vanilla butter pecan cake, Southern dessert recipes, homemade butter pecan cake