Description
This Butter Pecan Bliss Cake is a decadent Southern American dessert featuring moist cake layers studded with toasted pecans and topped with a rich, buttery brown sugar frosting. Perfect for holidays and special occasions, this cake combines the nutty crunch of pecans with a smooth, sweet frosting that will delight any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
For the Butter Pecan Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2–2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three batches, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Finally, fold in the finely chopped toasted pecans. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: Melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir in the brown sugar and cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and slightly thickened. Add the heavy cream and salt, then remove from heat. Let this mixture cool for 10–15 minutes. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth and spreadable frosting.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate and generously spread with the prepared frosting. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly. Garnish with the chopped toasted pecans on top for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Prepare the cake layers a day ahead and wrap tightly after cooling for easier assembly the next day.
- For extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the cake batter or frosting.
- Ensure pecans are toasted to enhance their nutty flavor before adding to cake and for garnish.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American