This Butter Pecan Cake is a celebration of Southern comfort in every bite, featuring layers of soft, buttery cake studded with toasted pecans and crowned with tangy cream cheese frosting. The toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty depth that perfectly balances the cake’s rich, tender crumb. It’s the kind of dessert that makes any occasion feel special, whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary.
If you love rich, nutty desserts, you’ll also enjoy our Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake for another indulgent layer cake experience. For more Southern-inspired treats, try our Strawberry Peach Crisp or Coconut Cream Bars—both deliver that same comforting sweetness with their own unique twists.
Butter Pecan Cake
Butter Pecan Cake is a rich, buttery delight filled with toasted pecans and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
12
servings30
minutes45
minutes450
kcal1
hour15
minutesIngredients
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 units large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1.5 cups toasted pecans
3 cups powdered sugar
8 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Cream together butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy; add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.
- Fold in the toasted pecans, then divide the batter between the prepared cake pans equally.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While cakes are cooling, prepare frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting between the layers and on top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with additional toasted pecans if desired. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 4
- Calories: 250kcal
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Calcium: 60mg
- Iron: 2mg
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For more dessert showstoppers, our White Chocolate Raspberry Poke Cake and Cheesecake Brownies deliver impressive sweets that are perfect for entertaining. When you’re craving cozy comfort treats, the Snickerdoodle Cobbler and Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats bring nostalgic flavors to your dessert table. Need more celebration-worthy cakes? Our Chocolate Trifle Cake and Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes offer that same festive, indulgent experience you’ll love.
Browse our full collection for more kitchen inspiration that’ll have your family asking for seconds.
