Name: Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter; 3 cups (333 g) cake flour; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups (354 ml) buttermilk, room temperature preferred; 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups (160 g) pecan halves, very finely chopped; 1 ½ cups (340 g) unsalted butter, softened; 6 oz cream cheese, softened; ⅓ cup (66 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 4 ½ cups (562 g) powdered sugar; 1 Tablespoon heavy cream; ⅓ cup (35 g) pecan halves, very finely chopped, optional

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 57 reviews

There is something truly magical about a Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that combines the rich, nutty flavor of toasted pecans with the creamy tanginess of smooth cream cheese frosting. This cake is a celebration of textures and warmth in every bite, perfect for cozy gatherings or simply treating yourself to an indulgent slice. The moistness of the buttermilk-infused cake, paired with the buttery pecan crunch, makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a dessert that feels both nostalgic and luxurious, this recipe is your new best friend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three round baked cakes placed on black wire cooling racks. Each cake is golden brown with a slightly uneven surface texture, showing the baked grain and small air bubbles. The cakes sit on a white marbled surface. Two hands wearing white oven mitts with a quilted pattern and small dots are lifting the middle cake by its metal pan. The scene has a clean and simple look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is super approachable thanks to simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the cake’s irresistible flavor, moist crumb, and beautiful appearance.

Unsalted butter: Provides the rich, creamy base essential for moist cake and frosting without extra salt.
Cake flour: Ensures a tender, delicate crumb for the perfect soft texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake evenly and helps create a light structure when creamed with butter.
Light brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel notes and extra moisture to both the cake and frosting.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give the cake a perfect rise and fluffy texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors beautifully.
Buttermilk: Adds acidity for tender crumb and a slight tang that complements the pecans.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s richness and structure.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the cake and frosting with a warm, classic aromatic note.
Pecan halves (finely chopped): Bring that unmistakable nutty crunch and buttery flavor throughout the cake and optionally in the frosting.
Cream cheese: Creates the luscious, tangy base for the frosting that cuts through the sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a spreadable perfection.
Heavy cream: Lightens the frosting and adds a silky smooth finish.

How to Make Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pecans

Start by finely chopping 1 ½ cups of pecan halves. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for just a few minutes until fragrant—this deepens their flavor and brings out that irresistible nutty aroma. Set aside to cool before folding them into the batter.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter with both granulated sugar and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for trapping air, which helps the cake rise beautifully while adding that rich buttery sweetness.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt, setting the stage for a perfectly light cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Beat together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Buttermilk not only keeps the cake moist but also balances the sweetness with a mild tang, which plays beautifully with the cream cheese frosting later.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet

Add the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture alternately into the creamed butter and sugar, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined—overmixing can toughen the cake, but under mixing leaves lumps.

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold the toasted pecans into the batter, spreading their flavorful crunch evenly throughout. This little step makes every bite a delightful surprise of nutty texture.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake layers should spring back lightly when touched.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add light brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and powdered sugar. Beat until fluffy, adding a tablespoon of heavy cream to reach your preferred spreadable consistency.

Step 9: Assemble and Frost

Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting between the layers and cover the entire cake. Optionally, sprinkle finely chopped pecans on top for an extra special finishing touch.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This image shows a three-layer cake on a round white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each layer of the cake has a light brown color with a thick layer of smooth white frosting between them. The top of the cake is covered with finely crushed nuts in the middle, surrounded by evenly spaced swirls of creamy white frosting along the edge. Whole pecans are placed on top of the crushed nuts and also scattered around the base of the cake on the plate. In the background, there is a blurry bottle of milk and a fork. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a handful of toasted pecan halves or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top can instantly elevate the cake’s presentation. Fresh seasonal berries can also add a lovely pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a beverage, try a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai to complement the cake’s nutty sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cake as mini slices on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce. For parties, cut into petite squares and place on decorative toothpicks with candied pecans for an elegant finger food treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe covered in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm and the cake moist. It will keep well for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to meld and improve even more.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers before assembling, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Frost the cake fresh after thawing overnight in the fridge. Alternatively, freeze the fully frosted cake uncovered briefly to harden the frosting, then wrap it securely.

Reheating

Because of the cream cheese frosting, reheating is best done by bringing the cake to room temperature before serving rather than applying heat directly. This keeps the frosting from melting and preserves the cake’s soft texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, but cake flour provides a lighter, more tender crumb because of its lower protein content. If using all-purpose flour, measure carefully and consider sifting to reduce density.

How do I toast pecans without burning them?

Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently and removing them as soon as they emit a nutty aroma. They can go from toasted to burnt very quickly, so keep a close eye.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

You can substitute plant-based buttermilk and cream cheese alternatives, and use dairy-free butter to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free. Be mindful that textures and flavors may change slightly.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

Simply mix 1 ½ cups of milk with 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 10 minutes to curdle before using as a buttermilk substitute.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the cake is perfectly baked. Avoid opening the oven door frequently to prevent sinking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cake that feels like a comforting hug wrapped in nutty, buttery goodness, you absolutely must try this Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to impress guests or gift yourself a slice of happiness whenever the craving strikes. Once you make it, I have a feeling this will become one of your go-to cake recipes, as it has mine. So grab those pecans, preheat your oven, and prepare for some serious deliciousness!