Butter Pecan Cake Frosting Recipe – Experience Share

I have long experience in baking cakes and recently discovered a butter pecan cake frosting recipe that captured my attention. Watching the process inspired me to recreate it in my kitchen.

The main specialty of this butter pecan cake frosting recipe lies in its rich, creamy frosting mixed with crunchy toasted pecans, giving a distinct nutty flavor and smooth texture.

I will now demonstrate step-by-step how to make this butter pecan cake frosting recipe, showing how to toast pecans, mix the batter, and create a smooth, creamy frosting for an indulgent dessert.

About This Butter Pecan Cake Frosting Recipe

The butter pecan cake frosting recipe has a rich, creamy sweetness that melts smoothly on the tongue. Toasted pecans add a gentle crunch and a warm, nutty flavor that balances the sugary richness.

Brown sugar and butter create a deep, caramel-like taste, while the heavy cream gives a light, airy texture that feels indulgent yet soft. The frosting’s flavor enhances the cake layers, making each slice feel decadent but not overly heavy.

The toasted pecans provide subtle hints of toasted warmth, leaving a lingering, comforting sweetness that is both memorable and delicious.

How To Prepare Butter Pecan Cake Frosting Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Saucepan
• Cake pans (two 8-inch)
• Cooling rack
• Knife for chopping pecans
• Whisk

Ingredients

For the Butter Pecan Cake:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1½ cups pecan chips
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon maple extract
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

For the Butter Pecan Frosting:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup buttered pecan chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Toast the Pecans

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan chips in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Remove and allow them to cool.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat 12 tablespoons of butter with 1½ cups granulated sugar and ½ cup packed brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale.

3. Incorporate Eggs and Extracts

Add 2 whole eggs, 1 egg yolk, 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon maple extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully combined.

4. Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.

5. Alternate Wet and Dry Additions

Stir ½ cup sour cream and 1 cup whole milk into the butter mixture, alternating with the dry ingredients. Begin and finish with the dry ingredients. Stir until smooth, taking care not to over mix.

6. Incorporate Pecans

Fold the toasted pecan chips into the batter gently, ensuring they are evenly spread throughout.

7. Bake the Cake Layers

Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between them. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, and then transfer to a wire rack.

8. Prepare the Frosting Base

In a medium saucepan, melt ¼ cup butter and 1 cup brown sugar over medium heat. Stir in 3 cups heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until smooth. Let this mixture cool slightly.

9. Finish the Frosting

Whisk in 2 cups powdered sugar, ½ cup buttered pecan chips, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the cooled mixture until it has a spreadable texture.

10. Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting evenly on top. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the cake with the remaining frosting. Add extra pecan chips on top for decoration if desired. Chill the cake for 30 minutes to let the frosting set before serving.

Note: For extra flavor, toast the pecans with a pinch of salt. The frosting can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before spreading.

Nutrition Facts Of Butter Pecan Cake Frosting Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	480 kcal
Fat	25 g
Carbohydrates	60 g
Protein	5 g
Sugars	40 g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will love this butter pecan cake frosting recipe because it transforms a simple cake into a rich, indulgent dessert.

The toasted pecans add a delightful crunch, while the buttery, brown sugar frosting provides a creamy, caramel-like sweetness that balances the soft cake layers.

Each slice feels decadent without being overly heavy, and the flavors are warm and comforting. The frosting spreads smoothly, making the butter pecan cake frosting recipe look as good as it tastes.

Baking this butter pecan cake frosting recipe brings a sense of accomplishment and fills the kitchen with an inviting, nutty aroma that draws everyone in.

Why My Recipe Works

This butter pecan cake frosting recipe works because it balances rich, creamy ingredients with the crunch of toasted pecans.

Brown sugar and butter are cooked together to develop a deep, caramel-like flavor, while heavy cream creates a smooth, velvety texture that holds its shape on the cake. Folding in pecans at the right moment ensures even distribution without losing their crunch.

The careful mixing and gradual incorporation of ingredients allow the frosting to achieve the perfect consistency, making it easy to spread and enhancing the cake’s flavor and presentation in every slice.

My Favorite Ways To Serve It Up

This butter pecan cake frosting is delightful spread generously over a layered butter pecan cake, letting the frosting cascade slightly over the edges for a rustic look.

It works beautifully as a topping for cupcakes, adding a rich, nutty finish to single servings. A small dollop can elevate warm brownies or slices of pound cake, bringing a creamy, toasted flavor to each bite.

Serving it slightly chilled intensifies the texture, while a light sprinkle of extra toasted pecans on top adds crunch and visual appeal, making desserts feel indulgent and inviting.

When To Serve

This butter pecan cake frosting recipe is best served after the cake has fully cooled, allowing the frosting to set slightly for easy slicing. It works beautifully for birthdays, family gatherings, or weekend desserts, adding a rich, nutty touch to any occasion.

The frosting can also be enjoyed with individual cupcakes or small cake slices as an afternoon treat or after-dinner dessert.

Chilling the butter pecan cake frosting recipe briefly enhances the texture, while serving at room temperature brings out the creamy, buttery flavor, making each slice smooth, indulgent, and satisfying.

Expert Tips

1. Lightly toasting pecans before adding them to the frosting brings out a rich, nutty flavor and ensures they stay crunchy in the creamy frosting.

2. Use butter, eggs, and cream at room temperature. This helps the frosting blend smoothly without lumps and creates a consistent texture.

3. Gently melt the brown sugar with butter to develop a caramel-like depth of flavor without burning. Stir constantly for even cooking.

4. Add heavy cream slowly while whisking to achieve a smooth, glossy frosting that holds its shape on the cake.

5. Gently fold toasted pecans into the frosting at the end to avoid crushing them, keeping the crunch intact.

6. Allow the cake to cool completely and chill slightly if needed. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures clean, easy layers when assembling.

Additions

✔ Extra Toasted Pecans – Sprinkle additional toasted pecans on top of the frosting for extra crunch and a decorative touch.

✔ Sea Salt – A light pinch of flaky sea salt on the frosting enhances the caramel notes and balances the sweetness.

✔ Maple Extract – Adding a few drops of maple extract intensifies the nutty, buttery flavor for a richer taste.

✔ Chocolate Drizzle – Melted milk or dark chocolate drizzled over the frosted cake adds a decadent contrast to the nutty sweetness.

✔ Caramel Sauce – Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the frosting for a layered, indulgent flavor.

✔ Toasted Coconut – Mix in some lightly toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist that complements the pecans.

Substitutions

Butter → margarine or plant-based butter

Whole milk → almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk

Heavy cream → coconut cream for a non-dairy option

Pecan chips → walnuts or almonds

Brown sugar → coconut sugar or maple sugar

Storage Instructions

Store the butter pecan cake frosting recipe in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two days, ensuring the frosting stays creamy.

For longer storage, refrigerate the butter pecan cake frosting recipe for up to five days; allow it to come to room temperature before serving to restore softness and flavor.

The butter pecan cake frosting recipe can also be frozen for up to two months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain the texture of both cake and frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

This butter pecan cake frosting recipe is always a hit, and everyone enjoys it after I make it. The rich, creamy frosting paired with the soft, tender cake layers creates a dessert that brings smiles every time.

I make this butter pecan cake frosting recipe for special occasions and serving guests, and each time, the results are rewarding and delicious. I am sharing my easy method so others can recreate this indulgent cake at home.

Following the steps ensures a consistent, flavorful result that is both comforting and impressive, making butter pecan cake frosting recipe a favorite in any gathering.

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