Introduction
Transform everyday ingredients into a show-stopping Butter Pecan Cake Loaf! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It’s incredibly moist, bursting with pecan flavor, and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing that’s simply irresistible. Get ready to wow your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing treat!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it balances the richness of butter and pecans with the tangy sweetness of the cream cheese frosting. It’s incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for busy weeknights or baking with kids. The loaf cake format is also ideal for sharing – perfect for bake sales or potlucks!
Key Ingredients
- 🧈 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 🍯 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🥛 1 cup buttermilk
- 🌰 1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
- 🥄 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 🌾 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 🥄 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 🥄 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 🧂 ½ teaspoon salt
- 🍦 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 🧈 ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 🍯 3 cups powdered sugar
- 🥛 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter (1 cup) and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer!
3️⃣ Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
6️⃣ Fold in the chopped pecans.
7️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8️⃣ Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9️⃣ While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese (4 ounces) and butter (½ cup) until smooth.
🔟 Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the milk until you reach your desired consistency.
1️⃣1️⃣ Once the cake is completely cool, frost it generously with the cream cheese icing.
Handy Tips
- Use good quality butter for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter, or your cake will be tough.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Check for doneness around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking. Overbaking can result in a dry cake.
Crunch Factor
The chopped pecans provide a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the moist cake and creamy icing. For an extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the batter.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use toasted pecans.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice twist.
- Use a piping bag to create decorative swirls on top of the frosting.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Wrap the loaf cake in cellophane and tie it with a ribbon. Add a small tag with the recipe name and your family’s best wishes. A pretty cake stand also makes this a lovely gift.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Chocolate Pecan: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the batter.
🌟 Maple Pecan: Add ½ cup of maple syrup to the batter and 1 teaspoon of maple extract to the frosting.
🌟 Salted Caramel Pecan: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the frosted cake.
🌟 Coffee Pecan: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter and a splash of coffee liqueur to the frosting.
Troubleshooting
- Cake is dry: You may have overbaked it. Next time, check for doneness earlier.
- Cake is dense: You may have overmixed the batter. Be careful not to overmix.
- Frosting is too thin: Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Frosting is too thick: Add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
FAQ
- Can I use other nuts? Yes, you can substitute walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts for the pecans.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two in advance and frost it just before serving.
- Can I freeze this cake? Yes, wrap the frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- How many servings does this make? This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
Conclusion
This Butter Pecan Cake Loaf is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Its moist texture, delicious pecan flavor, and creamy icing will leave everyone wanting more. Make it for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just because – you deserve a slice of happiness! Don’t forget to share your baking creations with us on social media – we can’t wait to see them!