Butter Pecan Cake Recipe – Moist, Nutty, and Easy to Make

At Eminent Recipes, I create comforting, family-friendly dishes that bring people together around the table—just like this Butter Pecan Cake. With its buttery richness, toasted pecans, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this recipe captures everything I love about home baking: warmth, ease, and flavor. Whether you’re using a butter pecan cake mix or baking from scratch, this dessert delivers Southern charm and nostalgic sweetness in every slice—perfect for busy weeknights or special celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about a Butter Pecan Cake that instantly makes any occasion feel special. This cake combines the rich, buttery flavor of toasted pecans with a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re using a butter pecan cake mix or making it completely from scratch, it delivers that homemade warmth everyone craves. The best part? It’s incredibly easy and versatile. Perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or even as a show-stopping holiday dessert, this butter pecan cake recipe never disappoints. You’ll love how the deep nutty flavor pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting or butter pecan frosting, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting. It’s a quick, family-friendly recipe that feels luxurious without taking hours to make. With its balance of sweetness, texture, and buttery richness, this butter pecan cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a tradition in the making. Whether baked for celebrations or cozy nights in, this easy butter pecan cake will soon become one of your most requested recipes.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Every great Butter Pecan Cake starts with simple, high-quality ingredients that create its signature rich, nutty flavor. The butter gives the cake its velvety texture, while the toasted pecans add a deep caramelized crunch that balances the sweetness perfectly. Using buttermilk helps keep the crumb soft and tender, while vanilla enhances the warmth of the pecan flavor. Whether you’re making this butter pecan cake from scratch or enhancing a butter pecan cake mix, these ingredients ensure a perfectly moist and flavorful result every time. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast that complements the buttery sweetness of the cake, making it irresistible. Each component, from the toasted pecans to the smooth frosting, works together to deliver that comforting, homemade taste. This butter pecan cake recipe is easy, elegant, and ideal for any occasion—proof that a few wholesome ingredients can create something extraordinary.

🛒 Ingredients:

For the Cake:
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups toasted chopped pecans

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (as needed for texture)
Optional: sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top

How to Make This Recipe

Making this Butter Pecan Cake is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of toasted pecans and rich butter. Start by preparing your butter pecan cake batter with care—creaming together butter and sugar ensures a soft, fluffy texture, while the addition of buttermilk keeps it moist and tender. Toasting the pecans first deepens their flavor, creating that signature nutty richness this butter pecan cake is known for. When baked, the cake turns golden with a soft crumb and buttery depth in every bite. The cream cheese frosting ties it all together, adding a smooth, tangy contrast that enhances the sweetness. Whether you’re using a butter pecan cake mix or making it from scratch, these simple steps guarantee bakery-quality results right from your home kitchen. Follow these directions to achieve a perfect, easy butter pecan cake every time—rich, moist, and full of toasted pecan flavor.

🛒 Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet until fragrant, then let them cool.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
7. Stir in vanilla extract and fold in the toasted pecans.
8. Pour batter evenly into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool cakes completely before frosting.
10. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy, add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream. Spread generously between layers and over the top.
11. Garnish with extra toasted pecans for a finishing touch.

Expert Cooking Tips

Creating the perfect Butter Pecan Cake is all about balance and technique. The key lies in properly toasting the pecans—this step enhances the nutty flavor that defines the butter pecan cake. Always use room-temperature butter and eggs to ensure a smooth, even batter that bakes up light and fluffy. When combining dry and wet ingredients, alternate slowly to maintain that signature moist texture. For deeper flavor, use buttermilk instead of regular milk, and never skip the vanilla—it adds warmth that complements the buttery richness. If you’re using a butter pecan cake mix, add extra toasted pecans and a splash of real vanilla extract to elevate it to homemade perfection. The cream cheese frosting should be soft but not runny; chill it slightly before spreading for a smoother finish. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving comfort, these expert techniques guarantee a buttery, nutty, and delicious butter pecan cake every time.

💡 Expert Tips:

1. Always toast your pecans before mixing—they release natural oils that intensify flavor.
2. Cream butter and sugar for at least 3–4 minutes to achieve a fluffy texture.
3. Substitute buttermilk for a tender, moist crumb that enhances the butter pecan flavor.
4. Fold in toasted pecans gently to keep the batter light and airy.
5. Use unsalted butter to control the flavor balance and avoid oversalting.
6. Chill cream cheese frosting before applying for a clean, professional finish.
7. For an extra boost, drizzle brown butter or caramel over the top before serving.
8. Store your butter pecan cake covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

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This Butter Pecan Cake is a perfect blend of buttery richness, toasted pecans, and moist, tender crumb that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re using a butter pecan cake mix for convenience or baking from scratch, the result is a flavorful, family-friendly dessert that’s ideal for any occasion. Pair it with cream cheese frosting or butter pecan frosting to enhance its nutty sweetness. Easy, customizable, and irresistibly delicious, this butter pecan cake will quickly become a favorite for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or special celebrations. Following these simple steps ensures a bakery-quality butter pecan cake every time, full of flavor, texture, and homemade charm.

Classic Butter Pecan Cake

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

This buttery, nutty cake is a timeless Southern favorite. Toasted pecans add a warm, caramelized crunch to a soft, buttery crumb, while the cream cheese frosting brings luscious sweetness. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a slice of cozy luxury.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)

• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups toasted chopped pecans

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For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (as needed for texture)

• Optional: sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

1. Toast Pecans:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 6–8 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.

2. Prepare Cake Batter:

   • In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

   • Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

   • In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

   • Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.

   • Stir in vanilla and 1 cup of toasted pecans.

3. Bake:

   • Divide batter into two 8-inch or 9-inch round pans (greased and floured).

   • Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

   • Cool completely before frosting.

4. Make Frosting:

   • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

   • Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and cream. Beat until fluffy.

5. Assemble Cake:

   • Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides.

   • Garnish with remaining toasted pecans.

Notes

• Flavor Upgrade: Add 1 tsp maple extract or butter flavoring for deeper flavor.
• Texture Twist: Fold in shredded coconut for a buttery coconut-pecan hybrid.
• Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days; bring to room temp before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Southern American