Description
This irresistible Buttery Pecan Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is a rich and indulgent dessert perfect for any celebration or cozy weekend bake. The moist, buttery crumb is studded with toasted pecans and topped with a luscious caramel-like frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hunting for easy recipe ideas, sweet food inspiration, or classic Southern dessert ideas, this cake is a showstopper that checks all the boxes. Ideal for quick breakfast cakes, elegant dinner ideas, or special-occasion baking.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
1 1/2 cups toasted pecans (chopped)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
2–2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
2–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for frosting)
Extra pecans for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Toast the pecans on a baking sheet for 8–10 minutes, then let them cool.
3. Cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in batches, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
7. Fold in the cooled, toasted pecans.
8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes.
9. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. For the frosting, melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil and stir for 1–2 minutes.
11. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
12. Beat in powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
13. Frost the bottom cake layer, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides.
14. Decorate with additional toasted pecans.
Notes
For a lighter texture, use cake flour instead of all-purpose.
Always toast the pecans for the best flavor boost.
If your frosting is too thick, add more cream one tablespoon at a time.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 39g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: pecan cake, brown sugar frosting, holiday cake, Southern dessert, easy cake recipe