Magical Pecan Cake Recipe for Sweet Tooth Smiles

Decadent layers of sweetness dance across your taste buds with this mouthwatering pecan delight cake recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Southern bakers have perfected this classic dessert with rich, nutty undertones.

Soft, moist cake crumbles meld perfectly with crunchy pecans, creating a symphony of textures.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and tradition, beckoning you to savor every delectable bite.

Warm spices and creamy frosting complement the robust pecan flavor, making this cake a standout dessert.

The aroma alone will draw people from every corner of your home, anticipating that first heavenly forkful.

This irresistible treat is more than just a cake – it’s a celebration of flavor waiting to be devoured.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes Into a Pecan Cake

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for caramelizing and enhancing pecan flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Creates deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps create sticky caramel layer.
• Corn Syrup: Ensures smooth, glossy texture and prevents sugar crystallization.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the topping's flavor profile.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall taste sensation.
• Pecans: Delivers crunchy texture and nutty, earthy undertones to the cake.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural foundation of the cake.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the cake's overall flavor complexity.
• Baking Powder: Provides essential lift and airy texture to the cake.

• Butter: Creates tender, moist crumb and carries rich flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create soft cake texture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structural support to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, comforting aromatic notes.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps develop smooth, consistent batter.

Baking Tools to Nail Pecan Cake Texture

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar smoothly and beating ingredients together efficiently.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for preparing the rich pecan topping with butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking dry cake ingredients and combining flour mixture.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Necessary for mixing butter, sugar, eggs, and creating cake batter.
• 8-inch Round Cake Pan: Crucial for baking and creating the signature pecan layer.
• Whisk: Great for thoroughly mixing dry ingredients and ensuring even distribution.
• Spatula: Helpful for scraping bowl sides and spreading batter evenly.
• Toothpick: Used to check cake doneness by testing the center.
• Plate: Required for inverting and serving the cake after baking.

Bake a Pecan Cake That’s Moist and Memorable

• Pecan Caramel Base

Create a rich, gooey foundation by melting sweet caramel ingredients in a pan. Combine butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup until they transform into a luxurious golden mixture. Sprinkle chopped pecans across the bottom of your baking pan for a delightful crunch and flavor.

• Silky Cake Batter

Whip together soft butter and granulated sugar until they become light and fluffy. Gently fold in an egg and vanilla, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Gradually blend flour and milk into the mixture, ensuring a velvety consistency without overmixing.

• Oven Magic

Pour the delicate batter over the pecan caramel layer, spreading it carefully to cover every inch. Slide the pan into a warm oven preheated to a toasty temperature. Bake until the cake turns a beautiful golden brown and a quick test reveals a nearly clean testing tool.

• Decadent Reveal

The moment of truth arrives when you flip the cake. Place a serving plate over the hot pan and swiftly invert, allowing the caramel-pecan layer to beautifully coat the top. Let the pan rest momentarily to ensure all nutty treasures stay perfectly in place.

Additions and Tricks for a Bolder Nutty Flavor

• Caramel Pecan Magic: After inverting the cake, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for an extra decadent touch that amplifies the nutty, sweet flavors.
• Nutty Texture Boost: Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or toasted almonds if pecans aren't your favorite, creating a unique twist on the classic recipe while maintaining the rich, crunchy texture.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: This cake stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making it perfect for advance party planning or unexpected sweet cravings.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing the cake's delightful caramelized pecan topping and moist interior.
• Serving Sensation: Elevate each slice by adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which beautifully complements the warm, nutty notes of the cake.

Presenting Pecan Cake Beautifully

• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair this decadent cake with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich hot chocolate for a delightful morning treat that will make your taste buds dance.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Serve the cake slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the caramel-like pecan topping and create a luxurious dessert experience.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Cut the cake into elegant wedges and serve alongside a selection of light cheeses or fresh berries for a sophisticated afternoon tea spread that will impress guests with its rich, nutty flavors.
• Seasonal Garnish Option: Sprinkle some additional toasted chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving to add extra texture and a beautiful finishing touch to this irresistible cake.

Keeping Pecan Cake Moist for Days

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing moisture loss.
• Chilled Preservation Trick: Refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days, wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap to maintain its delectable texture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezing Magic: Slice the cake before freezing, then wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen slices stay delicious for 2-3 months, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Serving Temperature Wisdom: Let refrigerated or frozen cake slices rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying, allowing the flavors to soften and become more vibrant.

Heavenly Pecan Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Pecan delight cake brings Southern comfort to dessert tables with classic charm. Rich layers of nutty sweetness promise a delightful experience for home bakers eager to share warm hospitality.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¼ cups (125 grams) pecans, roughly chopped
• 6 tbsps (85 grams) unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup (70 grams) light brown sugar, packed
• 3 tbsps light corn syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 ¾ cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup (160 milliliters) whole milk, room temperature

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch round pan with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Pecan Glaze Creation: In a saucepan, melt butter and blend with brown sugar and corn syrup until a smooth, glossy caramel forms. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, salt, and chopped pecans, creating a rich, aromatic mixture.
3. Base Layer: Spread the pecan glaze evenly across the pan’s bottom, establishing a decadent foundation for the cake.
4. Dry Ingredient Blend: Whisk flour, salt, and baking powder together in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
5. Butter Mixture: Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, developing a smooth, aerated base.
6. Wet Ingredient Integration: Incorporate egg and vanilla into the butter mixture, blending until uniform and scraping down the bowl’s sides to ensure complete mixing.
7. Batter Assembly: Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk and maintaining a delicate mixing technique to preserve the batter’s texture.
8. Pan Filling: Carefully pour the batter over the pecan layer, ensuring complete and even distribution.
9. Baking Process: Bake for 35-40 minutes, testing doneness with a skewer that should come out nearly clean.
10. Final Presentation: Immediately invert the cake onto a serving plate, allowing the caramelized pecan topping to settle perfectly, then carefully remove the pan to reveal the stunning dessert.

Notes

• Select Quality Pecans: Choose fresh, crisp pecans without any rancid smell or dark spots for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Master the Caramel Layer: Stir continuously while creating the pecan glaze to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy texture.
• Invert with Confidence: Act quickly when flipping the cake to prevent the caramel from hardening and ensure a perfect pecan topping distribution.
• Temperature Matters: Allow ingredients like butter and eggs to reach room temperature for smoother mixing and more consistent cake texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg