Butter Pecan Pound Cake with Glaze (Old-Fashioned Southern Classic)

Thank you for being here — truly. This Butter Pecan Pound Cake with Glaze is one of those recipes that instantly feels familiar, even if it’s your first time baking it. Rich butter, toasted pecans, and a dense, velvety crumb come together in a cake that doesn’t need bells or whistles — just patience, good ingredients, and a little love.

This is the kind of cake you bring to church potlucks, Sunday dinners, or bake “just because.” And once that simple glaze drips down the golden ridges of the bundt, you’ll understand why this recipe has stood the test of time. If these are the kinds of desserts you love, don’t forget to subscribe by email so my newest comfort bakes land straight in your inbox

Overview of Recipe Content

What Is Butter Pecan Pound Cake?

A classic Southern pound cake made with real butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and plenty of toasted pecans — baked low and slow for a dense, melt-in-your-mouth crumb and finished with a light vanilla glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Old-fashioned, bakery-style texture
• Rich butter flavor without being dry
• Toasted pecans in every bite
• Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or gifting

What Does It Taste Like?

Deeply buttery, lightly vanilla-sweet, nutty from the pecans, and finished with a soft sugar glaze that melts into the cake.

Ingredients

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Butter Pecan Pound Cake

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup whole milk, room temperature
• 1½ cups pecans, chopped and lightly toasted

Simple Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools Needed

• 10-inch bundt pan
• Stand or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula

How to Make Butter Pecan Pound Cake with Glaze

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Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar

Beat butter and sugar together for 4–5 minutes until pale, fluffy, and rich — this step builds the cake’s texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl between additions. Mix in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

Step 5: Build the Batter

Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Fold in toasted pecans gently.

Step 6: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 70–75 minutes, until deeply golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool & Glaze

Cool 15 minutes, invert onto a rack, then drizzle with glaze once fully cooled.

What to Serve with Butter Pecan Pound Cake

• Hot coffee or sweet tea
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Toast pecans for deeper flavor
• Use room-temperature ingredients
• Don’t rush the creaming step
• Bake low and slow — pound cake loves patience

Storage Instructions

• Store covered at room temperature up to 3 days
• Refrigerate up to 5 days
• Freeze slices up to 2 months

General Information

Butter pecan desserts are a cornerstone of Southern baking — rich, simple, and celebratory. Pound cakes date back centuries, originally made with equal parts butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, earning their name and timeless appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a loaf pan?

Yes — divide between two 9×5-inch pans.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely — it’s delicious plain.

Why toast the pecans?

Toasting intensifies flavor and prevents sogginess.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes — reduce added salt slightly.

Conclusion

This Butter Pecan Pound Cake with Glaze is everything a classic dessert should be — rich, comforting, and unapologetically buttery. It’s the kind of cake that brings people back for second slices and quiet compliments.

If you loved this recipe, try these next:

• Vanilla Sheet Cake
• Almond Raspberry Bars
• German Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake

Interactive Elements

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Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420
Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	48g
Sugar	32g
Protein	5g

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