Irresistibly Rich Butter Pecan Cake with Deep Caramel Flavor

This Butter Pecan Cake is everything you want in a classic homemade cake: buttery, moist, lightly caramelized, and studded with toasted pecans that bring warmth and crunch to every bite.

Overview of Butter Pecan Cake

Butter pecan desserts have deep roots in American baking, especially across the South, where butter, sugar, and nuts reign supreme. This cake fits beautifully into:

• Holiday dessert tables
• Sunday dinners
• Potlucks and celebrations
• Anytime you want a cake that feels special but not fussy

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Ultra-soft, buttery crumb
• Toasted pecans for deep nutty flavor
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Bakes perfectly in a 9×13-inch pan

What it tastes like

Think warm caramel notes from butter and sugar, a soft vanilla-scented crumb, and rich toasted pecans in every slice. It’s cozy, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying.

Full Ingredient List

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Pecan Mixture

• 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting pecans)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Whisk
• Spatula

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap milk for buttermilk for extra tenderness
• Use brown sugar instead of half the granulated sugar for deeper caramel notes
• Add a drizzle of caramel glaze on top for extra indulgence

How to Make Butter Pecan Cake

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Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and toast for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool. This step is small but mighty—it unlocks deep, nutty flavor.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes. This creates the foundation of that soft crumb.

Step 5: Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry

Add dry ingredients in batches, alternating with milk. Mix just until combined. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 7: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold the toasted pecans into the batter. Try not to overmix—you want that crumb tender.

Step 8: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool

Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing. The flavor gets even better as it settles.

What to Serve with Butter Pecan Cake

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• Hot coffee or pecan-flavored latte
• Drizzle of caramel sauce for special occasions

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Always toast your pecans—raw nuts won’t give the same depth
• Room-temperature eggs blend better and create a smoother batter
• Don’t overbake; check at 35 minutes
• This cake tastes even better the next day

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Cover tightly and store up to 3 days
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in an airtight container
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 2 months

General Information

Butter pecan desserts became especially popular in the United States during the early 20th century, when pecans were widely harvested and butter-forward baking took center stage. This cake is a celebration of that heritage—simple, rich, and deeply comforting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter?
Yes—just reduce the added salt slightly.

Can I make this into a layer cake?
Absolutely. Divide batter between two 9-inch round pans and bake 25–30 minutes.

Can I add frosting?
Yes! A brown butter frosting or caramel glaze pairs beautifully.

Why toast pecans first?
Toasting enhances flavor and prevents sogginess in the cake.

Conclusion

This Butter Pecan Cake is proof that humble ingredients can create unforgettable flavor. If you love pecan desserts, you’ll also enjoy these recipes from my kitchen:

• https://poulef.com/pecan-pie-bars
• https://poulef.com/butter-pound-cake
• https://poulef.com/southern-caramel-cake
• https://poulef.com/vanilla-sheet-cake
• https://poulef.com/brown-butter-desserts

Interactive Elements

If you bake this cake, please leave a review below!
Share your slices on Pinterest and tag me here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Slice)

Calories	Fat	Saturated Fat	Carbs	Sugar	Protein	Sodium
380	20g	10g	45g	30g	6g	220mg

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