Irresistible Sugar-Free Butter Pecan Cake (Rich, Cozy & Bakery-Style)

If you love classic cakes with deep flavor and old-fashioned charm, this Sugar-Free Butter Pecan Cake is going to win you over fast. It’s tender and buttery, loaded with toasted pecans, and finished with a smooth, lightly sweet cream cheese glaze — all without refined sugar.

This is the kind of cake my nonna would slice thick, set on a plate, and insist you sit down for. No rushing, no guilt — just good ingredients and cozy flavors done right. And before we dive in, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a comforting, sugar-free recipe from my kitchen to yours

Overview of Recipe Content

What This Recipe Is

A sugar-free version of classic butter pecan cake, made with almond flour, toasted pecans, and real butter for that rich, bakery-style crumb.

Why You’ll Love It

• Completely sugar-free
• Naturally gluten-free
• Rich, buttery flavor
• Perfect for holidays, brunch, or dessert
• Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved

What It Tastes Like

Deeply buttery with toasted pecan crunch, lightly sweet, and soft with a tender crumb. Cozy, nutty, and nostalgic in the very best way.

Health & Dietary Notes

• No refined sugar
• Low-carb friendly
• Naturally gluten-free
• Satisfying thanks to healthy fats and nuts

Full & Complete Ingredient List

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The Toasted Pecans

• 1 ½ cups raw pecans, chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ teaspoon salt

The Cake Batter

• 2 ½ cups superfine almond flour
• ½ cup monk fruit sweetener (granular) – Lakanto or Swerve
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon butter extract (optional, but highly recommended)

Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional but Lovely)

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered monk fruit sweetener
• 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Sugar-Free Butter Pecan Cake

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Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss chopped pecans with melted butter and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and toast for 6–8 minutes, until fragrant. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Grease an 8-inch round or square cake pan and line with parchment.

In a large bowl, whisk almond flour, monk fruit sweetener, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, almond milk, vanilla, and butter extract. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until smooth. Fold in cooled toasted pecans.

Step 3: Bake

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

Cool completely before glazing.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

Beat cream cheese with powdered monk fruit until smooth. Add heavy cream and vanilla until pourable.

Drizzle over cooled cake and let set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

What to Serve with Butter Pecan Cake

• Hot coffee or espresso
• Unsweetened chai or black tea
• Fresh whipped cream
• Extra toasted pecans on top

This cake is especially wonderful slightly warm or fully chilled.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Toasting pecans is non-negotiable — it brings depth
• Use superfine almond flour for best texture
• Let cake cool fully before glazing
• For clean slices, chill briefly before cutting

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: 1 day, covered
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (wrap slices individually)
• Reheat: Microwave 10–15 seconds

General Information

Butter pecan desserts have long been a Southern favorite, known for their rich flavor and comforting texture. This sugar-free version keeps the soul of the classic while fitting modern, low-sugar lifestyles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cake keto-friendly?

Yes, when using Lakanto or Swerve.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese.

Why is my cake crumbly?

Almond flour cakes need time to cool fully before slicing.

Can I bake this as a loaf?

Yes — bake 45–50 minutes.

Conclusion

This Sugar-Free Butter Pecan Cake is rich, cozy, and deeply satisfying — proof that you don’t need sugar to bake something truly special. If you love this recipe, you’ll also enjoy:

• https://poulef.com/sugar-free-pound-cake/
• https://poulef.com/almond-flour-cakes/
• https://poulef.com/keto-pecan-desserts/
• https://poulef.com/sugar-free-cream-cheese-glaze/
• https://poulef.com/low-carb-cake-recipes/

Interactive Elements

Made this cake?
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Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	290
Fat	26g
Saturated Fat	11g
Carbohydrates	7g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	0g
Protein	8g
Sodium	180mg

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