The aroma of fresh-baked cake wafts through the air like a warm embrace on a chilly day. When it comes to creating something truly special, nothing beats the delightful experience of making a decadent butter pecan pound cake that dances with nutty flavors and buttery goodness.
This is not just any cake; it’s a slice of nostalgia served on a plate. Imagine gathering around the table with loved ones as laughter fills the room while indulging in this luscious treat. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply because you want to impress your neighbor who thinks they’re the baking queen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This decadent butter pecan pound cake is incredibly easy to make, allowing beginners to shine
- The buttery flavor combined with crunchy pecans creates an irresistible taste sensation
- Visually stunning with its golden crust, it’s sure to be a showstopper at any gathering
- Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with frosting, it’s versatile enough for all occasions
I’ll never forget the time I whipped up this butter pecan wonder for my sister’s birthday. The look on her face when she took that first bite was priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for that rich flavor; it’s essential in creating a moist texture.
- Granulated Sugar: The sugar adds sweetness and helps achieve that delightful golden color in the cake.
- Eggs: Fresh large eggs are best; they help bind all ingredients together and provide structure.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better texture; it gives structure without being too dense.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your cake rises beautifully and has a light crumb.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors without making the cake taste salty.
- Chopped Pecans: Toast them lightly for added crunch and depth of flavor; they’re the star of this recipe!
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile, adding warmth and sweetness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your batter. Make sure to grease and flour a loaf pan generously.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process takes about 3-5 minutes.
Add Eggs One at a Time: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the mix until fully incorporated, ensuring each egg blends well before adding the next—this keeps your batter airy.
Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined; overmixing could lead to tough cake.
Add Vanilla Extract and Pecans: Pour in pure vanilla extract and fold in chopped pecans gently using a spatula—it keeps those lovely nuts whole for extra crunch!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool before removing from pan.
Now you have created an incredibly moist and flavorful decadent butter pecan pound cake that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- This decadent butter pecan pound cake is your ticket to a dreamy dessert experience
- It’s rich, buttery, and the perfect treat for any occasion
- The aroma while it bakes is pure bliss, making your kitchen feel like a cozy bakery
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing. Begin by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add eggs. This sequence creates a beautifully textured cake that rises perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out half of the butter with cream cheese for added tanginess. You can also toss in chocolate chips or dried fruits for extra flavor bursts that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze slices, reheating in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before enjoying.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a perfectly moist cake, avoid overmixing your batter after adding flour; this can make it dense
- Always measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing for clean cuts and better flavor release
Baking this decadent butter pecan pound cake always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited dessert time, their eyes lighting up as I unveiled my creation.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted for this pound cake?
Yes, but reduce additional salt in the recipe to maintain balance.
How do I know when my pound cake is done baking?
The cake should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Can I freeze this decadent butter pecan pound cake?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing for up to three months.
Decadent Butter Pecan Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in this rich, buttery pound cake infused with toasted pecans, delivering a delightful texture and flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in vanilla extract and toasted pecans.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (64g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For a tangy twist, replace half of the butter with cream cheese. - Enhance flavors by adding chocolate chips or dried fruits. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.