Are you looking for butter pecan pound cake recipe? Butter pecan pound cake is a delicious and decadent dessert that beautifully combines the richness of butter with the nutty crunch of toasted pecans. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, special occasion, or a simple family gathering, this Southern classic is sure to become a favorite. The dense, moist texture, paired with the buttery flavor and crunch from the pecans, makes it an irresistible treat for any dessert lover.
In this guide, you will learn how to make the perfect butter pecan pound cake, with tips and variations to make the recipe your own. Follow along, and soon you’ll be enjoying this decadent cake with a cup of coffee or as a sweet dessert after a meal.
Why Butter Pecan Pound Cake?
If you’re asking why you should choose butter pecan pound cake over other desserts, the answer is simple: it offers the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and versatility. The cake is incredibly moist thanks to the combination of butter and sour cream, while the toasted pecans add a wonderful crunch and rich nutty flavor. Here are some key reasons why butter pecan pound cake is the perfect dessert choice:
- A moist and flavorful cake: The butter provides richness, while the pecans give it a satisfying crunch, creating the ultimate balance of flavor and texture.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a birthday celebration, or even a cozy afternoon tea, this cake fits the bill. You can serve it on its own or top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Simple yet indulgent: Despite its gourmet appeal, this cake is easy to make. With just a few common ingredients, you can bake a dessert that will impress everyone at the table.
For those new to baking or simply wanting to enhance their cake skills, learning how to properly incorporate toasted pecans can elevate your cake.
Ingredients for Butter Pecan Pound Cake
This recipe calls for simple ingredients that, when combined, create a rich, buttery pound cake that you’ll want to make time and time again. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped (see how to toast pecans below)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup sour cream
Optional Ingredients:
- Brown sugar for a deeper flavor
- Cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced variation
Toasting Pecans
To enhance the flavor of your butter pecan pound cake, toasted pecans are essential. The toasting process brings out the natural oils and flavors, giving your cake an extra layer of depth. You can toast the pecans in the oven or on the stovetop.
Toasting Method:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), spread the pecans on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast the pecans for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
For an in-depth look at how to incorporate nuts into your cake batter, check out this detailed guide on how to use nuts in cake.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Butter Pecan Pound Cake
Creating the perfect butter pecan pound cake is simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide that will help you achieve the best results:
1. Prepping the Pecans
As mentioned earlier, toasting the pecans is essential to bring out their flavor. Make sure to chop the pecans before toasting them so that they incorporate evenly into the cake batter.
2. Creaming Butter and Sugar
Start by creaming the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer or stand mixer for best results, and beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed for about 4-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is essential as it incorporates air into the batter, which helps create a tender cake.
3. Adding Eggs
Next, add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. This will help prevent the batter from curdling and ensure a smooth consistency.
4. Alternating Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix the batter just until combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
5. Adding the Vanilla Extract
Stir in the vanilla extract to give the cake a warm, comforting flavor.
6. Folding in Toasted Pecans
Once your batter is smooth, fold in the toasted pecans. This will distribute the nuts evenly throughout the cake.
7. Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased and floured bundt pan. Spread the batter evenly and tap the pan gently to remove air bubbles. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 1 hour and 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cooling and Serving
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. You can serve it as is, or add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
If you want more tips on perfecting your cake, make sure to check out this article on what makes a pound cake different from a regular cake.
Tips for the Perfect Butter Pecan Pound Cake
Achieving the ideal texture and flavor for your butter pecan pound cake comes down to a few important tips. Here are some of the best ways to ensure your cake turns out perfectly:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense cake.
- Proper Flour Measurement: Always measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Too much flour can lead to a dry cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before beginning. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or separate.
- Cool the Cake Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. Cutting into it while it’s still warm can result in a crumbly texture.
Variations of Butter Pecan Pound Cake
While the classic butter pecan pound cake is delicious, there are many ways to adapt the recipe to suit different preferences. Here are some fun variations you can try:
1. Vegan Butter Pecan Pound Cake
If you’re looking for a plant-based version, replace the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs (made by mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water, and letting it sit for 5 minutes). Use dairy-free sour cream or almond yogurt as a substitute for sour cream.
2. Gluten-Free Butter Pecan Pound Cake
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum or guar gum to help provide structure.
FAQs About Butter Pecan Pound Cake
What if I don’t have sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with plain yogurt, buttermilk, or even cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Can I use raw pecans instead of toasted ones?
While raw pecans are fine to use, toasted pecans add a richer, nuttier flavor to the cake. Toasting also enhances their crunch, making them the better option for this recipe.
How do I store leftover cake?
Store leftover butter pecan pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that butter pecan pound cake is one of the most comforting and indulgent desserts you can bake. With its rich buttery flavor, moist texture, and the delightful crunch of toasted pecans, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can perfect this cake and make it your own.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for cakes and other baked goods, check out this guide to making the best nut cake for additional tips and recipes.
Happy baking!