By This Butter Pecan Cake balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Butter Pecan Cake captures the essence of desserts|cakes while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Butter Pecan Cake becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
1 ½ Cup Chopped Pecans
2 ¼ Cups Cake Flour
1 Cup Granulated Sugar
½ Cup Brown Sugar
1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
½ Teaspoon Baking Soda
½ Teaspoon Salt
1 Cup Buttermilk
¼ Cup Milk
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
½ Cup Vegetable Oil
3 large Eggs
1 Cup Unsalted Butter
12 ounces Cream Cheese (Softened)
1 ½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
5 Cups Powdered Sugar
Toasted pecans (for decorating)
PREPARATION STEPS
Cake:
Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease 2 8 inch round cake pans and set them aside.
2
Add 3 tablespoons of butter to a skillet and melt over medium-high heat
Add the pecans and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the nuts are toasted and fragrant
Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4
Add the buttermilk, milk, vanilla, oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients and beat with the paddle attachment of a stand mixer or a hand mixer just until fully combined
Fold in the toasted pecans.
Separate the batter evenly into the two cake pans and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center of the cake springs back when pressed on. Let cool completely.
Frost with the browned butter cream cheese frosting and decorate with toasted pecans.
Browned Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:
1
Brown the butter by heating it over medium-high heat in a medium pan
As the butter melts, be sure to keep stirring it so it browns evenly
The butter will begin to foam as it cooks.
2
After about 5 minutes of stirring and foaming, the milk solids will begin to brown and turn fragrant and the foam will subside
Once this happens and it is a rich golden brown, transfer the butter to a heat-proof bowl to cool
Get as many of the brown toasty bits from the bottom of the pan! Let cool completely and set up.
3
In the bowl of a mixer beat the cream cheese until smooth
Add in the completely cooled and set browned butter, again being sure to get all the browned bits added in
Beat until the butter and cream cheese are fully combined.
4
Scrape down the bowl and add the powdered sugar slowly, mixing on low until the cream cheese mixture absorbs a good amount of it
Increase the speed slowly until the powdered sugar is completely combined with the cream cheese
Scrape down the bowl again and add the vanilla extract.
Beat on medium-high for about 3 minutes, until very fluffy. Use immediately to frost cooled cakes.
PREP: 45 min, TOTAL: 1 hr 25 min, SERVINGS: 10
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
