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

2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- 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