Description

Butter Pecan Cake is an indulgent dessert featuring the rich flavor of browned butter and the crunch of pecans, topped with a creamy frosting. Perfect for special occasions or any sweet craving!

Ingredients

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter

3 cups (333g) cake flour

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, firmly packed

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 ½ cups (354ml) buttermilk, room temperature preferred

2 large eggs, room temperature preferred

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

1 ½ cups (160g) pecan halves, very finely chopped

For the Icing: 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened

6 oz cream cheese, softened

⅓ cup (66g) light brown sugar, firmly packed

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon salt

4 ½ cups (562g) powdered sugar

1 Tablespoon heavy cream

⅓ cup (35g) pecan halves, very finely chopped, optional

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Instructions

Brown the butter by melting it over medium-low heat and increasing the heat to cook until golden brown specks form. Let it cool completely before using.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round baking pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the cooled browned butter to the dry ingredients and mix until well incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Stir in finely chopped pecans.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
For the icing, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating until the icing becomes light and fluffy.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, level them if necessary and stack with icing between each layer. Frost the outside and decorate with additional chopped pecans and piped frosting, if desired.

Notes

Pecan praline can be added between cake layers or drizzled over the frosting for an extra indulgent twist.

For a chocolate version, add cocoa powder to the batter for a rich chocolate flavor.

For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and substitute with caramel for added flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 500
Sugar: 45g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg