Irresistible Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Welcome to a slice of heaven with this Delightful Sticky Butter Pecan Cake! Picture this: a rich, buttery cake with a delightful crunch from toasted pecans, and a tantalizing swirl of creamy goodness that will have your taste buds dancing. This cake is a perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and utterly decadent, making it a showstopper dessert for any occasion.

Baking this Delightful Sticky Butter Pecan Cake has become a beloved tradition in my home, filling it with the warm, cozy scent of toasted butter and pecans. The first time I made it for Thanksgiving, my family couldn’t believe it wasn’t from a bakery. Now, it’s a must-have at every family gathering, creating cherished memories and bringing everyone together in the kitchen.

Crafting this cake is an art, from the carefully browned butter to the luscious cream cheese swirl. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser at holiday celebrations or intimate get-togethers. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in the magic of this Delightful Sticky Butter Pecan Cake that’s sure to steal the spotlight at your next event.

Quick Benefits

• Luxurious Flavor: Enjoy waves of sweet caramel, nutty toasted butter, and crunchy pecans in every bite, creating a lavish and indulgent dessert experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Impress your guests at any holiday party or special event with a homemade treat that feels fancy yet homey, eliciting requests for more at every gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare components of the cake and caramel sauce on different days, store the cake in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this delectable dessert with ease and flexibility.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Butter Pecan Cake Recipe Recipe

• Luxurious Flavor Profiles: The combination of deep toasted butter, crunchy pecans, and a smooth cream cheese swirl creates an indulgent and intricate flavor profile that feels both decadent and comforting.
• Impressive Aroma: The mouthwatering smell of toasted butter and warm pecans wafting through your home as you bake this cake will entice everyone to gather in the kitchen, eagerly waiting for a slice.
• Family Favorite: This Sticky Butter Pecan Cake has become a beloved tradition at family gatherings, with relatives requesting it at every special event. Its rich taste and elegant appearance will make it a staple at your gatherings too.
• Expert Baking Technique: Browning butter is a special skill that enhances the flavor of this cake, transforming it from ordinary to extraordinary. Trust your nose to guide you to that perfect nutty scent that elevates the dessert.
• Versatile Storage Options: The cake stays delicious for up to 5 days when stored properly, allowing you to enjoy it over time. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months, making it a convenient make-ahead dessert for future occasions.
• Orchestrated Tastes: Every component of this cake plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious dessert experience. From the caramel sauce to the cake itself, each element works together to deliver a truly unforgettable treat.
• Temperature Perfection: Getting the temperature just right is crucial for maintaining the perfect texture of the caramel. Letting the cake sit out for 30 minutes before serving ensures that the caramel is wonderfully drizzly while maintaining the cake’s integrity.
• Serving Suggestions: For a touch of elegance, warm each slice of cake in the microwave for a few seconds and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of hot cake and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast that will impress your guests.

Ingredients for Irresistible Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Toasted Pecans and Brown Butter

• 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans (140 g)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter (28 g)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 g)

Cream Cheese Topping

• 8 ounces softened cream cheese (226 g)
• 1 whole egg at room temp
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (325 g)
• 1 egg yolk at room temp

Cake Batter

• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup white sugar (150 g)
• 1 tablespoon bourbon if you want
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg yolk at room temp
• Browned butter from previous step
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup room temp buttermilk (120 ml)
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons plain flour (141 g)
• 1 whole egg at room temp

Caramel Sauce

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white sugar (200 g)
• 1/2 cup room temp heavy cream (120 ml)
• 5 tablespoons room temp salted butter (70 g)

Pro Tips for Irresistible Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Pro Tip 1: Browning butter can elevate the flavor of your cake. Trust your sense of smell to know when it’s done – that nutty aroma is a sign of success. This step adds a rich depth to the overall taste of the cake that will impress your guests.

Pro Tip 2: To maintain the best texture and taste of your Sticky Butter Pecan Cake, store it properly. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Allow it to sit out for at least 30 minutes before serving to bring back the gooey texture of the caramel. For longer storage, freeze the cake without frosting and simply warm the caramel sauce when you’re ready to assemble.

Pro Tip 3: Perfect the serving temperature of your cake for the best experience. Letting it sit out for exactly 30 minutes before serving strikes the right balance between gooey caramel and cake consistency. For a special touch, warm each slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful hot-cold contrast. Your guests will be impressed by this extra touch of elegance.

How to Make Irresistible Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Step 1: Toast Pecans and Brown Butter

1. In a small pot, melt butter over medium heat and add pecans. Cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Reserve 1/4 cup of pecans for garnish.
2. In a separate pot, cook butter until golden and fragrant, about 5-6 minutes. Allow to cool, then refrigerate until firm yet pliable.

Step 2: Whip Up Cream Cheese Layer

Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Mix in egg and yolk. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Your Cake Base

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Combine all dry ingredients. Cream sugar and cooled brown butter until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and bourbon (if desired), mixing until pale. Alternate adding dry mixture and buttermilk, stirring until smooth.

Step 4: Put It All Together and Bake

Pour the batter into the pan. Sprinkle most of the pecans on top, then layer the cream cheese mixture over it. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the center is glossy and the edges are golden. Cool for 45 minutes, then refrigerate for 2 hours.

Step 5: Cook Up Caramel Drizzle

In a pot over medium-low heat, warm sugar until melted and amber. Reduce heat, mix in butter, then stir in heavy cream. If it splits, increase heat slightly and stir. Add salt and vanilla, let it bubble for 2-3 minutes, then cool completely.

Step 6: Dress It Up and Dig In

Remove the cake from the pan and place it on a serving plate. Drizzle the chilled caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with the reserved pecans. Enjoy at room temperature for best taste.

Storage Tips

After baking the Sticky Butter Pecan Cake, store it in a sealed container in your refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its freshness. Before serving, allow the cake to sit out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This helps soften the caramel and brings back the gooey texture, enhancing the overall taste experience. To plan ahead, you can make the cake components and caramel sauce separately, storing the sauce in a jar and gently reheating it when you’re ready to assemble the cake. Additionally, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months by wrapping it securely.

To ensure the best texture and flavor of the Sticky Butter Pecan Cake, it’s essential to pay attention to its temperature. If the cake is too cold, the caramel may become hard and lose its desirable gooey consistency. On the other hand, if the cake is too warm, it can turn mushy. For optimal results, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for precisely 30 minutes before serving. This will help the caramel achieve the perfect drizzly consistency while maintaining the cake’s shape. For a touch of elegance, consider warming individual cake slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving, and pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful hot-cold dessert combination.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Sticky Butter Pecan Cake, you can make a few ingredient substitutions based on your preferences and dietary needs. If you prefer a healthier option, you can swap the white sugar with coconut sugar or brown sugar for a more complex flavor profile. To make the cake nut-free, you can replace the pecans with chopped walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Additionally, if you need a dairy-free alternative, you can use vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based milk like almond or oat milk in place of the butter, cream cheese, and buttermilk.

If you want to add a different flavor dimension to the cake, you can experiment with different extracts such as almond or maple instead of vanilla extract. For a non-alcoholic version, you can omit the bourbon in the recipe. Furthermore, if you are short on powdered sugar, you can blend granulated sugar with cornstarch in a blender until it reaches a powdery consistency to use as a substitute. These substitutions will allow you to customize the cake to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions while still enjoying a delicious treat.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with the Sticky Butter Pecan Cake, consider drizzling a warm bourbon-infused caramel sauce over each slice just before serving. The combination of the rich buttery cake with the aromatic caramel sauce will elevate the flavors and add a touch of sophistication to this already decadent dessert. To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional chopped pecans on top for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

To take the serving of the Sticky Butter Pecan Cake to the next level, create a unique dessert platter by pairing each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream infused with a hint of vanilla extract. The light and airy cream will complement the richness of the cake, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Garnish the platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few whole pecans for an elegant finishing touch that will impress your guests and make this treat a standout centerpiece at any gathering.

FAQs for Irresistible Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Can I make this Sticky Butter Pecan Cake in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this cake in advance. You can make the cake parts and caramel sauce on different days. Store the cake in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months.

How should I store this Sticky Butter Pecan Cake?

For optimal freshness, store the cake in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Let it sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the caramel to soften and the cake to return to its gooey texture.

Can I reheat individual slices of this cake?

Yes, you can reheat individual slices of the cake by warming them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Serving a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful hot-cold combination for special occasions.

How long can I keep the caramel sauce and how should I reheat it?

The caramel sauce can be stored in a jar in the refrigerator for a few days. When you’re ready to use it, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan or in the microwave until it reaches a pourable consistency before assembling the cake.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy creating and savoring this Delightful Sticky Butter Pecan Cake as much as I do. The combination of flavors and textures in this cake is truly a treat for the senses, perfect for any special occasion or simply a cozy evening at home.

Remember, baking is all about enjoying the process and sharing the love that goes into creating something delicious. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to delight your taste buds with this indulgent Sticky Butter Pecan Cake. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the wonderful aroma of toasted butter and pecans!

Thank you for joining me on this baking adventure with the scrumptious Delightful Sticky Butter Pecan Cake. I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your baking repertoire and brings joy to your family and friends, just like it has for mine. Here’s to many more delicious moments shared over a slice of this delectable cake.