Southern Style Butter Pecan Cake – Rich & Buttery Bliss
Introduction
Moist cake and buttery flavor bring back sweet memories for many people. A slice of Southern style butter pecan cake feels like a warm hug at family gatherings. Golden crumbs soak up sweet butter sauce while nuts add the perfect nutty crunch. The aroma of browned butter and toasted pecans fills the kitchen and makes mouths water before the cake even appears. Baking this cake brings a sense of comfort and celebration without stress. Simple ingredients work together to create something memorable. Mixing batter by hand and folding in nuts connects you with every step. When you taste the first bite the texture and flavor tell a story of tradition. This rich cake becomes a go to for birthdays, brunches, or evening treats. It feels celebratory yet cozy and comes together with ease. The result is indulgence you can feel good about sharing.
Ingredients Needed
Here is a table listing all ingredients needed to bake one 9 inch two layer butter pecan cake. Calorie counts are approximate for the entire cake.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons | 1892 |
| Granulated sugar | 2 cups | 1540 |
| Eggs | 4 large | 280 |
| Pure vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | 24 |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup | 152 |
| All purpose flour | 3 cups | 1380 |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons | 8 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | 0 |
| Chopped pecans | 1 cup | 720 |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup | 418 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 820 |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup | 480 |
Total estimated calories: 7,716
Calories per serving: Approximately 770 (based on 10 slices)
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour two nine inch cake pans. Use parchment rounds on the bottom to prevent sticking. Toast one cup of chopped pecans in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for about five minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and set aside to cool.
Cream one cup of softened butter with granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about four minutes. Avoid overmixing to keep texture tender. Add eggs one at a time, beating until each is fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. With mixer on low speed, add dry mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk in two parts. Begin and end with dry mix. Mix until just combined. Do not overbeat. Gently fold in half of the toasted pecans.
Divide batter evenly between cake pans. Tap each pan gently to remove air bubbles. Bake on the middle rack for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Let cakes cool in pans for ten minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
While cakes bake, prepare the pecan butter sauce. In a saucepan combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and two tablespoons of butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to thicken, about five minutes. Stir in remaining pecans and remove from heat.
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Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Use toasted walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different nut flavor. Replace buttermilk with Greek yogurt thinned with a splash of milk to maintain moistness. Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for warm spice. Use dark brown sugar in the sauce for richer caramel notes. Swap heavy cream with coconut cream to make a dairy free version. Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the sauce for deeper richness. Use flavoured extract such as almond or bourbon for a twist. Make it smaller by using a single layer or pans of different size; adjust baking time accordingly. Add frosting by layering cream cheese icing between layers before pouring on sauce.
Nutritional Information
Here is estimated nutritional information per slice:
- Calories: 771
- Protein: 6 grams
- Fat: 54 grams
- Saturated Fat: 28 grams
- Carbohydrates: 72 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugars: 49 grams
- Sodium: 230 milligrams
Nutrition depends on nut amount, frosting use, or cake size. To reduce calories choose reduced fat cream or use sweetener substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or strained cream for a decadent pairing. Add fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries to balance richness. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle maple syrup for extra flair. Pair with freshly brewed coffee or black tea for a delightful dessert. For gatherings display on a cake stand near bowls of toasted nuts and fresh fruit. Make into a trifle by layering cake squares with whipped cream and fruit. Freeze leftover slices tightly wrapped and reheat gently to enjoy later. Cake also works as a base for layered dessert cakes or mini cupcakes.
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Conclusion
Southern style butter pecan cake combines nostalgic flavors with elegant texture to delight every palate. The tender crumb, nutty crunch, and buttery sauce create a deeply satisfying experience. Baking this cake requires care but not complexity, and the result feels special at any table. Customization options let you tweak texture, richness, and size to suit occasion or taste. Serve it warm, share it with loved ones, and enjoy each bite of buttery bliss that embodies Southern hospitality and charm.