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Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Description

Hello, dessert lovers! If you’re looking for a show-stopping cake recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds, you’ve come to the right place. This Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is an irresistible combination of nutty, buttery pecans and creamy, smooth icing that will make any occasion extra special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this cake is easy to make and offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into the recipe and get baking!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Butter Pecan Cake:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)

Optional Substitutions:

  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of the all-purpose flour.
  • Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures your cake won’t stick and will have an even bake.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air, giving your cake a tender crumb.
  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients for a smoother batter.
  • Gently fold in the chopped pecans to ensure even distribution throughout the cake.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans or pour it into the 9×13-inch pan.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes (or 35-40 minutes for a 9×13-inch pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before icing.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing

  • In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well between each addition. This prevents lumps and creates a silky texture.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract and enough milk to achieve your desired icing consistency. You can adjust the thickness by adding more milk for a thinner icing or less for a thicker one.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

  • Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
  • For extra flair, garnish with additional chopped pecans.

Step 6: Serve

Slice and enjoy this rich and flavorful Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Icing. This cake combines the nutty flavor of buttered pecans with the creamy sweetness of cream cheese icing, creating a deliciously indulgent dessert.

Equipment

Notes

  • Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter enhances their flavor and gives them a satisfying crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smooth batter and even baking.
  • Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/butter-pecan-cake-with-cream-cheese-icing-recipe/