Old Fashioned Butter Pecan Cake Recipe From Scratch

Old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe is a timeless dessert celebrated for its moist texture and rich, nutty flavor. This cake features finely chopped pecans blended into a tender buttery batter, finished with a creamy, sweet frosting that enhances its classic taste.

The purpose of creating this old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe is to bring warmth and comfort to gatherings, family meals, or special moments, offering a dessert that is both nostalgic and indulgent.

Butter pecan cakes have roots in Southern American baking traditions, where pecans are widely grown and used to enrich desserts.

The following presents the steps to make this old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe along with serving suggestions, tips, health benefits, creative variations, storage methods, and answers to common questions.

Old Fashioned Butter Pecan Cake Recipe From Scratch

Old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe made from scratch has a rich, buttery flavor that melts in the mouth, complemented by the warm, nutty taste of finely chopped pecans.

The cake is tender and moist, carrying the gentle sweetness of brown and granulated sugar throughout. The frosting adds a creamy, slightly caramelized layer that enhances the cake’s depth, creating a smooth, indulgent texture.

Toasted pecans provide a subtle crunch that contrasts with the soft crumb, leaving a lingering, comforting sweetness. This classic dessert delivers a nostalgic, home-baked experience full of warmth and flavor.

How To Prepare Old Fashioned Butter Pecan Cake Recipe?

To make this old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe perfectly, follow each step carefully. I’ve detailed the process clearly, highlighting key tips for mixing, baking, and frosting.

Essential tools are listed to make the process easier, but don’t worry if some are missing. The result is a moist, flavorful, nutty cake everyone will enjoy.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils

• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13 inch baking pan or equivalent
• Spatula
• Saucepan (for frosting)
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups pecan halves, very finely chopped
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk, room temperature preferred
• 3 cups cake flour
• 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 can (5 oz) evaporated milk
• 8 to 8 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, then lightly dust it with flour.

2. Toast the pecans (optional)

Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and place them in the oven for 5–7 minutes, until you can smell their aroma. Chop them finely and set aside.

3. Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

4. Cream the butter and sugars

In a large bowl, beat the butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients

Add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture alternately, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans carefully.

6. Bake the cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Prepare the frosting

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and evaporated milk. Stir constantly as it comes to a gentle boil. Remove from heat, and then gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Beat the frosting until smooth and creamy.

8. Frost and serve

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Slice and enjoy. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Note: For a more intense pecan flavor, you can lightly toast the pecans before chopping. The frosting is rich and buttery; ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to avoid melting.

Nutritional Amount Of Old Fashioned Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	450 kcal
Fat	24 g
Carbohydrates	55 g
Protein	4 g
Sugar	38 g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe offers rich, buttery flavor and the toasty, nutty taste of finely chopped pecans. The cake stays moist and tender, while the creamy frosting adds a sweet, slightly caramelized layer that enhances the texture.

Toasted pecans provide a gentle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft crumb. The old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe brings warmth and nostalgia, reflecting classic Southern baking traditions.

The result is a dessert full of comforting flavors that delights the palate, leaving a lasting impression and making gatherings or quiet moments at home more memorable

Why My Recipe Works

This old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe works because it balances rich butter, sweet brown sugar, and tender cake flour to create a moist, flavorful cake. Finely chopped pecans are evenly distributed, adding texture and natural nutty sweetness.

Room temperature eggs and buttermilk help the batter mix smoothly, producing a light crumb. Baking at the right temperature ensures even cooking without drying the old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe.

The frosting is cooked just enough to develop a creamy, stable texture that spreads easily and complements the cake. Attention to ingredient quality and proper mixing produces consistent, reliable results every time.

Decorating And Serving Ideas

For decorating old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe, lightly toast extra pecans and scatter them across the top of the frosted cake for added texture and visual appeal.

Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over the top to highlight the nutty flavor. Fresh berries or thinly sliced fruits like strawberries or pears can add color and a subtle contrast to the sweetness.

Serving the old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe slightly chilled enhances the frosting’s creaminess, while warming a slice slightly before serving brings out the buttery aroma. Pairing with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the rich, nutty flavors.

Health Benefits

Old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe contains pecans, which provide healthy fats, protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and vitamin E.

These nutrients support heart health and help maintain energy levels. The eggs in the cake contribute protein and important nutrients like chorine, supporting brain function. Butter in moderation provides fat-soluble vitamins, while the milk adds calcium for bone strength.

While this old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe is indulgent and contains sugar, enjoying it in reasonable portions can provide a source of energy and a satisfying treat that includes some beneficial nutrients from the nuts and dairy ingredients.

Expert Tips

1. Take butter, eggs, and buttermilk out of the fridge ahead of time so they reach room temperature. This helps the batter mix smoothly and bakes up tender rather than dense.

2. Measure the ingredients carefully. Too much flour or not enough sugar or fat can make the cake dry or heavy. Use a kitchen scale or spoon‑and‑level method for flour rather than packing it in.

3. Cream butter and sugars thoroughly until light and airy before adding eggs. This traps air in the batter that helps the cake rise and stay soft.

4. Mix gently once you add the flour and buttermilk. Over mixing can activate gluten and make the cake tough or chewy instead of soft and tender.

5. Grease and flour (or parchment line) the baking pan properly so the cake releases cleanly after baking. That prevents sticking and damage when removing the cake.

6. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before frosting it. Frosting a warm cake can cause melting or sliding frosting, which spoils the look and texture.

Additions For More Delicious Ideas

✔ Caramel Drizzle: Gently warm caramel sauce and drizzle it over the frosted cake to add a rich, buttery sweetness that enhances the natural nutty flavor of the pecans. The sticky, golden topping creates a luxurious texture and makes the cake visually appealing.

✔ Chocolate Chips: Stir mini or finely chopped chocolate pieces into the cake batter. As the cake bakes, the chocolate melts slightly, creating pockets of creamy chocolate that pair beautifully with the buttery pecan flavor.

✔ Toasted Coconut: Sprinkle golden, toasted coconut flakes on top of the frosting. This adds a subtle crunch and a mild, nutty-sweet flavor that complements the pecans, giving the cake a layered taste and texture.

✔ Maple Syrup: Replace part of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup in the batter. This adds a warm, aromatic sweetness and a slight hint of earthiness that enhances the cake’s depth of flavor and gives it a cozy, homemade touch.

✔ Spices: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or a touch of allspice to the batter. These warm spices deepen the flavor profile, highlighting the pecans and brown sugar, and giving the cake a comforting, slightly spiced aroma that enhances its old-fashioned charm.

Variations

➤ Chocolate Butter Pecan Cake: Add cocoa powder to the batter and fold in chocolate chips for a rich chocolate version. Top with chocolate buttercream and sprinkle chopped pecans for a decadent twist.

➤ Caramel Pecan Layer Cake: Make a layered cake and drizzle homemade caramel sauce between layers and over the frosting. The caramel enhances the nutty flavor and adds extra sweetness.

➤ Pecan Spice Cake: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice into the batter for a warm, spiced variation. Frost with classic butter cream or cream cheese frosting to complement the spices.

➤Maple Pecan Cake: Substitute part of the sugar with pure maple syrup and add a hint of maple extract in the frosting for a naturally sweet and aromatic cake.

➤ Gluten-Free Butter Pecan Cake: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of cake flour. The texture remains tender and moist, keeping the buttery, nutty flavors intact for those with dietary restrictions.

Storage Methods

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep it moist and soft. For longer storage, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, keeping it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cake can last up to 2 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving. Frost after thawing if desired to maintain the best texture and appearance.

Conclusion

This old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe is a delightful, wholesome dessert that combines the natural goodness of pecans, eggs, and milk with a rich, buttery flavor.

The old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe is easy to make, and following this method ensures a moist, tender texture every time. I created this old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe to share during serving time, bringing warmth and enjoyment to family and friends.

After baking, it can be savored as a comforting treat or shared at gatherings. I hope you try this old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe and enjoy the delicious results as much as I do.

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