Step 1: Toast the Pecans
- Toast the Pecans:
- In a medium skillet, melt ¼ cup of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped pecans and toast them for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Set them aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch pan.
- Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in Pecans:
- Gently fold the toasted pecans into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Divide and Bake:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes for 9-inch pans or 35-40 minutes for a 9×13-inch pan, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake:
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Sugar and Vanilla:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once fully incorporated, add the vanilla extract.
- Adjust Consistency (Optional):
- If the icing is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Frost the Cake:
- Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese icing on top of one cake layer.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake, covering the top and sides evenly.
- Garnish (Optional):
- For an extra touch, sprinkle the top with additional chopped pecans or drizzle with caramel sauce.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overmix:
- When adding the flour and buttermilk, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Room Temperature Ingredients:
- Ensure that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature to help create a smooth batter and ensure even baking.
- Toasting Pecans:
- Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor, adding depth to the cake. Don’t skip this step!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Buttery Goodness:
- The cake is rich and buttery, with the perfect amount of crunch from the toasted pecans.
- Cream Cheese Icing Perfection:
- The tangy cream cheese icing perfectly complements the sweet, nutty cake.
- Ideal for Special Occasions:
- Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday, or just a weekend treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Enjoy this Butter Pecan Cake with its luscious cream cheese icing and toasted pecan crunch. It’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again!