Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

So, you want something sweet, buttery, nutty, and basically life-changing, but without a full-on bakery setup in your kitchen? Say less. Enter: the Butter Pecan Cake. It’s like a warm hug from your grandma, if your grandma also knew how to caramelize pecans in butter like a boss.

This isn’t one of those “delicate desserts” that leaves you wondering if you actually ate anything. Nope. This is rich, indulgent, and unapologetically sweet—aka happiness disguised as cake.

Why This Recipe is Awesome?

• It’s idiot-proof (seriously, if I didn’t mess it up, neither will you).
• Pecans + butter = best love story since PB&J.
• It looks fancy enough to serve at a dinner party, but you can also just eat it in your pajamas while binge-watching Netflix
• Bonus: Your house will smell like a bakery exploded in the best way possible

Basically, it’s cake therapy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your shopping list (a.k.a. your ticket to happiness):

• Butter – duh, it’s in the name
• Pecans – chopped, toasted, and glorious.
• All-purpose flour – because, you know, cake
• Baking powder – the magic powder that makes it rise
• Salt – just a pinch, don’t overdo it
• Sugar – sweet tooth fuel.
• Brown sugar – for that deep, caramel-y vibe.
• Eggs – the glue of the baking world.
• Milk (or buttermilk if you’re fancy).
• Vanilla extract – don’t skip it, flavor matters.
• Cream cheese + powdered sugar + more butter – for the frosting (aka the best part).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toast the Pecans – Toss chopped pecans in melted butter and toast them lightly. Your kitchen will smell like heaven—don’t eat them all.
2. Mix the Dry Stuff – Flour, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. Boom. Done.
3. Whip the Wet Stuff – Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla. Easy.
4. Combine – Slowly mix in the dry stuff with the wet stuff. (Don’t just dump it all at once unless you enjoy flour explosions.)
5. Fold in Pecans – Stir in your golden, buttery pecans like the treasure they are.
6. Bake – Pour into a greased cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Frost It – Beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar into fluffy perfection. Frost generously.
8. Optional Flex – Sprinkle extra pecans on top so everyone knows you didn’t skimp

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the toasting step – Untoasted pecans taste like sadness. Don’t do it.
• Overmixing the batter – You’re making cake, not rubber. Chill with the whisk.
• Not greasing the pan – Unless you enjoy chiseling cake out of metal like a caveman.
• Overbaking – Dry cake = betrayal. Check early.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No pecans? Use walnuts or almonds (but honestly, pecans are MVP here)
• Out of buttermilk? Add a splash of vinegar to regular milk. Instant hack
• Hate cream cheese frosting? Use buttercream. (But maybe rethink your life choices.)
• Want less sweetness? Cut the sugar slightly. (Though, why would you? Live a little.)

More articles:

• German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
• Homemade French Macarons Recipe
• Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Recipe

FAQs of Butter Pecan Cake

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yep. Bake it, wrap it, and frost it later. Or, better yet, eat a slice immediately and pretend you’re “testing” it.

Do I have to toast the pecans?

Technically no. But do you want sad, bland pecans in your life? Exactly.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that?

How do I store it?

Fridge it if frosted. Otherwise, room temp is fine for a day or two (but let’s be real—it won’t last that long).

Can I make cupcakes instead of a big cake?

Totally! Just adjust the baking time. Bonus: built-in portion control (not that you’ll stick to one).

Will this make me popular at parties?

Absolutely. This cake = instant fan club.

Final Thoughts

There you have it: a Butter Pecan Cake that’s rich, nutty, and basically irresistible. It’s the kind of cake that makes you go, “Why don’t I bake more often?” until you realize you’ve eaten three slices in one sitting.

So go ahead—whip this up, frost it like a champ, and either impress your friends or just spoil yourself. Either way, you win. 🎉

Now, grab a fork and dig in—you’ve earned it.