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

Some of my favorite childhood memories revolve around my grandmother’s kitchen, especially during the holidays when her famous butter pecan cake took center stage. The buttery aroma of toasted pecans and rich vanilla would drift through the house, wrapping us in warmth and anticipation. That moist butter pecan cake, with its golden crumb and nutty flavor, was more than dessert—it was tradition.

Inspired by her classic Southern touch, this butter pecan cake recipe delivers everything you crave in a pecan dessert: a tender, fluffy texture, deep buttery flavor, and a satisfying crunch in every bite. It’s beginner-friendly, uses simple ingredients, and feels like a hug in cake form. Whether you’re planning a weekend bake, a holiday treat, or a family favorite for potlucks, this easy butter pecan cake will steal the show and your heart.

Browse our Sweet Treats board for even more irresistible dessert recipes on Pinterest, or Follow Kai Recipe on Facebook for more sweet baking ideas.

What Is Butter Pecan Cake?

At its heart, butter pecan cake is a celebration of texture and flavor. Imagine a creamy texture, fluffy cake layers, and that unmistakable rich cake flavor—all brought together by unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and a generous helping of toasted pecans. Every bite delivers a nutty flavor that’s deepened by a touch of cinnamon spice, giving this butter pecan cake recipe a cozy, comforting finish.

What makes this classic shine is its beautiful simplicity: the perfect level of sweetness, a golden, tender crumb, and pecans that bring a buttery crunch to every slice. If you’re on the hunt for a pecan dessert that satisfies without fuss, this easy butter pecan cake is your sweet spot.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon spice (optional but lovely)
• 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped

For the Optional Topping:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup pecans, chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

Tip: How to toast pecans? Bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or toast in a skillet over medium heat until aromatic.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9-inch round, square, bundt, or loaf pan. Line with parchment paper to prevent cake from sticking.

2. Toast the Pecans

• Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet.
• Toast in oven for 5–7 minutes or until fragrant.
• Let cool, then toss lightly in flour to prevent sinking in batter.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

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

4. Cream Butter and Sugar

• In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar for 3–5 minutes until light and fluffy.

5. Add Wet Ingredients

• Add eggs one at a time, beating after each.
• Stir in vanilla extract and buttermilk.

6. Combine and Fold

• Add dry ingredients to wet in three batches, mixing gently.
• Don’t overmix—we’re aiming for that perfect cake batter consistency.
• Fold in toasted pecans.

7. Bake

• Pour into prepared pan and smooth top.
• Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
• Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Optional Topping Recipe

For a buttery finish, try this warm brown sugar glaze:

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar.
2. Add pecans, vanilla, and cream. Simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Pour over cooled cake. Let it set for 10 minutes.

This butter pecan glaze adds a luscious, caramelized pecan touch that takes this cake from great to unforgettable.

Serving Suggestions

• Slice and serve warm for a comforting fall dessert recipe.
• Delicious with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pairs beautifully with:
  • Coffee or chai tea
  • Cold milk
  • A light dessert wine

Need more sweet inspiration? Check out this cheesecake swirl dessert you’ll love.

Cake Variations

Looking to mix things up? Try one of these:

• Cupcakes: Divide batter into cupcake liners; bake for 18–20 mins.
• Spice it up: Add nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth.
• Add-ins: Chocolate chips, grated carrots, or caramel bits.
• Frosting swap: Try a brown sugar buttercream or go rustic with no frosting.
• Layered look: Double the recipe for a beautiful layered butter pecan cake.

Craving vintage flavor? This retro cherry cake packed with flavor is another winner.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

Problem	Fix
Cake not rising	Check freshness of baking powder
Dense cake	Don’t overmix; use room-temp ingredients
Sticking	Always line pans and grease well
Dry cake	Don’t overbake; use proper measuring
Too sweet topping	Cut back sugar or add a pinch of salt

Pro tip: Always measure ingredients correctly—especially flour!

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Store layers: Wrap in plastic; keep at room temp for 2 days.
• Freeze: Up to 3 months—thaw overnight in fridge.
• Topping/frosting: Make in advance; reheat gently before serving.

Special Occasion Ideas

This holiday pecan cake is perfect for:

• Thanksgiving or Christmas
• Birthday cake for nut-lovers
• Potlucks and office parties
• Weekend brunch with friends

Another festive idea: this patriotic marble cake for festive occasions.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—your new go-to butter pecan cake from scratch. It’s the kind of cake that makes any gathering feel special, and it’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Trust me, once you’ve had a slice warm from the oven, topped with that buttery pecan glaze, you’ll be hooked.

Try it, tweak it, make it your own—and don’t forget to tag us in your creations. Discover more dessert inspiration on our Kai Recipes Pinterest page to keep your baking creativity flowing with sweet, seasonal treats.

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