Butter Pecan Pound Cake with Toasted Pecans and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you are looking to treat yourself or impress at your next gathering, the Butter Pecan Pound Cake with Toasted Pecans and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a dreamy indulgence that you simply cannot miss. This cake offers a buttery, moist crumb enriched with toasted pecans that add an irresistible crunch, all crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and tang. It is a true celebration of classic Southern flavors and a dessert that feels like a warm hug with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this stunning Butter Pecan Pound Cake, you’ll want to gather simple yet essential ingredients that play crucial roles: from the creamy butter that delivers richness, to the toasted pecans that introduce a nutty crunch, and the vanilla extracts that elevate the aroma and depth of flavor.

• Unsalted butter (2 sticks): Softened for a rich, creamy base that ensures moist texture and tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (2 cups): Adds sweetness and contributes to the golden crust.
• Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings a subtle molasses flavor and extra moisture.
• Large eggs (5, room temperature): Bind the ingredients and provide structure and richness.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The foundation for the cake’s tender crumb.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise to perfection.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Whole milk (1 cup, room temperature): Adds moisture and helps create a soft texture.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Offers warm, aromatic flavor that makes the cake irresistible.
• Butter extract (1 teaspoon, optional): Amplifies the buttery taste for extra decadence.
• Toasted pecans (1½ cups, roughly chopped): Provide crunch and that signature nutty flavor.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): The base of the cream cheese frosting for smooth sweetness.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness to the frosting while stabilizing texture.
• Heavy cream or milk (3–4 tablespoons): Adjust the frosting’s consistency to your liking.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Gives the frosting a lovely aromatic touch.
• Whole pecan halves: For garnishing that adds an elegant, crunchy finish.

How to Make Butter Pecan Pound Cake with Toasted Pecans and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or two 9×5-inch loaf pans. Getting this step right ensures the cake won’t stick and will release beautifully after baking.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

While the oven warms, toast your pecans lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Stir often so they don’t burn—this step unlocks the pecans’ rich flavor, making every bite wonderfully crunchy and aromatic.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. This creaming stage is essential to incorporate air, leading to a tender and airy cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

One at a time, add the eggs while continuing to beat until fully combined. Then pour in the vanilla and optional butter extract. Keep mixing so all these ingredients meld into a silky batter that smells absolutely divine.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of your leavening agents, which is key for uniform rising.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry flour mixture and milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. This technique keeps the batter smooth and prevents it from becoming tough. Carefully fold in the chopped toasted pecans at the end.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. Bake for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Trust your nose too—the cake will smell irresistibly buttery and nutty when it’s ready.

Step 8: Cool Before Frosting

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling prevents your frosting from melting and ensures that every slice is clean and beautiful.

Step 9: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the powdered sugar, melted butter, cream cheese, heavy cream (or milk), and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Adjust the cream to get the frosting to your desired consistency. It should be dreamy enough to slather generously all over the cake.

Step 10: Frost and Garnish

Once the cake is fully cooled, frost it generously and garnish the top with whole toasted pecan halves for a classic, stunning presentation.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Pound Cake with Toasted Pecans and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling a few extra toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon atop the frosting adds a finishing touch that looks elegant and tempts the taste buds. Fresh berries or a light drizzle of caramel sauce are also fantastic if you want to up the wow factor.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with freshly brewed coffee or a cup of hot tea that cuts through the richness. Serve alongside a simple vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for an extra special treat, especially in warmer months.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, slice the cake into smaller squares and serve on decorative plates with a pecan half on each piece. Or, stack small slices with layers of frosting between for a petite layer cake effect that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Butter Pecan Pound Cake with Toasted Pecans and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents the frosting from spoiling and maintains the cake’s moist texture. It should stay deliciously fresh for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and add freshly made frosting. While freezing the frosted cake is possible, the texture of the cream cheese frosting may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm, slice and microwave pieces for about 15 seconds. This little heat boost brings out the buttery flavors and softens the frosting just enough to feel freshly made without melting it completely.

FAQs

Can I use pecans that are not toasted?

Yes, but toasting the pecans is highly recommended because it enhances their flavor and crunch, making your Butter Pecan Pound Cake with Toasted Pecans and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe truly stand out.

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with a different type?

While you can use other frostings like buttercream, the tangy richness of cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the buttery cake and toasted nuts, making it a preferred choice.

Is this cake suitable for freezing pre-frosted?

Freezing is best prior to frosting as the texture of cream cheese frosting can change upon thawing. For best results, freeze unfrosted cake and add freshly made frosting after thawing.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Substituting butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives is possible. Use dairy-free margarine and plant-based milk to keep the texture close, but the flavor may vary slightly from the original.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked—avoid open crumbs or wet batter to ensure a great texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly special about the Butter Pecan Pound Cake with Toasted Pecans and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes every celebration or quiet moment feel sweeter. Whether you bake it for family, friends, or just yourself, it promises smiles, compliments, and unforgettable flavors. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy one of the coziest, most delightful cakes you’ll ever taste.

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