Butter Pecan Cake
450kcal
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter for browning
- 3 cups cake flour sifted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk room temperature preferred
- 2 large eggs room temperature preferred
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves very finely chopped
For the Cream Cheese Buttercream
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter softened
- 6 oz cream cheese softened
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
- ⅓ cup pecan halves very finely chopped, optional for decoration
Method
Preparation
- Melt the butter over medium-low heat. Then increase heat and cook until golden brown specks form. Watch closely and remove from heat when fragrant.
- Preheat your 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 browned butter to the dry ingredients and mix until incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the finely chopped pecans.
Baking
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
Frosting
- Beat the softened butter, cream cheese, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating until fluffy.
- If necessary, level the cakes. Stack the layers with icing between each, then frost the outside of the cake. Decorate with additional chopped pecans and piped frosting swirls if desired.
Nutrition
Serving1gCalories450kcalCarbohydrates60gProtein4gFat22gSaturated Fat13gSodium300mgFiber1gSugar35g
Notes
Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. Slice with a sharp knife and wipe the knife between cuts for clean slices. Offer coffee or tea. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs well.