There’s nothing quite as indulgent and satisfying as a slice of Butter Pecan Layer Cake. This delightful dessert promises to captivate your senses with its rich buttery layers, velvety frosting, and the crunch of pecans, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether celebrating a birthday or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cake’s combination of flavors and textures will leave you wanting more. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and decadence, making it a perfectly delightful choice for both experienced bakers and novices who want to impress their guests with a show-stopping dessert.
The moistness of the cake comes from its buttery richness, while the frosting offers a creamy contrast. Adding chopped pecans throughout gives it a delightful crunch that complements the soft layers perfectly. Its ingredients are straightforward, allowing the preparation process to be approachable yet rewarding. With a bit of creativity, you could customize this cake by adding more pecans or adjusting the frosting to your preference. It’s these small personal touches that can elevate your cake to the centerpiece of any dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Layer Cake
This cake isn’t just a treat but a celebration in itself. Here’s why:
- Elevates any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday or birthday, this cake ensures smiles all around.
- Easy to prepare: Despite its impressive appearance, it’s easy enough for beginners.
- Customizable: Add more pecans, adjust sweetness, or tweak the frosting as you like.
- Balanced flavors: The butter, sugar, and pecans create a harmonious taste that isn’t overly sweet.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before getting to the baking, setting up your kitchen for success is crucial. Starting with a clean and organized space helps ensure a smooth cooking process. Gather all your ingredients and tools ahead of time. You will need two 9-inch round cake pans, a stand or hand mixer, mixing bowls, a spatula, and a whisk. Make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and have your cake pans greased and floured ahead of time.
Organizing your tools and ingredients keeps the focus on the creation process rather than the cleanup. For this recipe, a quality mixer is essential to achieve the right consistency for the cake batter and the frosting. A spatula will help in evenly spreading the frosting between the layers, and a serrated knife will make slicing through the final product a breeze. With everything at your fingertips, you’re almost ready to dive into creating your masterpiece!
Ingredients
Gather these essentials to bring your pecan layer cake to life:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
Let’s transform these ingredients into a stunning Butter Pecan Layer Cake with a few simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly. This step is crucial to ensure that your cakes come out smoothly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until they’re light and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes of mixing, ensuring the base is aerated properly.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract, which adds flavor depth.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients give the cake its structure.
Step 5: Create the Cake Batter
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cake dense.
Step 6: Add Pecans and Bake
Gently fold in the chopped pecans. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
As the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. Beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it reaches stiff peaks. This frosting complements the cake without overpowering it.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting over the first layer, add the second layer, and frost the top. Adorn with additional chopped pecans for added texture and appearance.
Variations
- Protein: Incorporate chopped walnuts or almonds for a different nutty texture.
- Vegetables: Add grated carrots into the mix for a slight twist on a classic carrot cake.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can deepen the flavor profile beautifully.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure butter is fully softened for better mixing and texture.
- Gentle folding of pecans helps maintain their integrity in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon tea experience.
Tips
- Always use room temperature ingredients for a more even and smoother batter.
- Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure neat presentation.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 450 per slice
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
FAQs
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Assemble the cake with frosting a few hours before serving for the best texture.
How can I keep the cake moist?
Ensure not to overbake and store it in an airtight container if making in advance. You can also brush the layers with a simple syrup if desired.
What if I don’t have pecans?
Substituting with other nuts like walnuts or almonds is perfect if pecans aren’t available. They will offer similar texture and taste.
Is there a non-dairy version of this cake?
Yes! Substitute the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Butter Pecan Layer Cake isn’t just another dessert; it’s an experience of flavors that are both comforting and exhilarating. This cake brings joy and indulgence to any gathering, making it a dependable recipe for any special occasion. Try it out, share your experience in the comments, and don’t hesitate to explore the variations that can make this cake uniquely yours. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe promises success and satisfaction. Happy Baking!
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Butter Pecan Layer Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulgent and satisfying, this Butter Pecan Layer Cake has rich buttery layers, velvety frosting, and a delightful crunch from pecans.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until they’re light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- As the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. Beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it reaches stiff peaks.
- Once the cakes are cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting over the first layer, add the second layer, and frost the top.
Notes
Keep ingredients at room temperature for smoother batter, and chill the cake before slicing for better presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 per slice
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Protein: 6 g