Southern Pecan Cake: A Warm, Buttery, and Irresistible Dessert

Pecan Cake is a warm and inviting treat that evokes cozy gatherings and heartfelt conversations. With its nutty aroma and decadent sweetness, this cake brings the rich flavor of toasted pecans to life. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a Sunday family brunch or a special celebration, this delightful dessert never fails to impress.

What exactly is Pecan Cake? Originating from the Southern United States, this cake is a delightful combination of tender crumbs and crunchy pecans, often enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The icing on the cake, quite literally, comes in the form of a rich glaze that adds another layer of flavor. Each bite is a celebration of flavor that warms your heart and soul, making it a dish that feels both comforting and exciting.

You’ll love just how simple and quick this Pecan Cake is to whip up! With straightforward ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, this recipe doesn’t break the bank either. Plus, the delightful combination of textures—the moist cake paired with crunchy pecans—offers a satisfying experience for anyone who takes a bite. And best of all, it fills the air with an irresistible aroma as it bakes, making your kitchen feel like a warm, inviting haven.

Quick overview

Making this scrumptious Pecan Cake requires minimal tools and time, with only a stand mixer and basic baking essentials needed. The cake bakes in about 45-50 minutes, while the glaze comes together in just a few minutes more.

Ingredients

. Nonstick vegetable oil spray or unsalted butter for pan
. 8 oz. raw pecan halves (about 2 cups)
. 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
. 1.5 cups granulated sugar
. 2.5 tsp. kosher salt
. 2 tsp. baking powder
. 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
. 0.5 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
. 0.75 cup unsalted butter
. 0.75 cup whole milk
. 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
. 3 large eggs
. 1 cup dark brown sugar
. 0.75 cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
. 0.5 cup heavy cream
. 0.25 cup bourbon or water
. 0.5 tsp. kosher salt (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly coat a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray or unsalted butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re slightly darkened and fragrant. Let them cool while you prepare the batter.
3. In a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, kosher salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Beat in the softened unsalted butter until the mixture is sandy.
4. Gradually add the whole milk and vanilla bean paste (or extract) to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. One at a time, add the eggs, making sure to mix well after each addition.
5. Scrape the batter into the prepared springform pan and gently press the toasted pecans into the top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool in the pan.
7. For the glaze, combine the dark brown sugar, unsalted butter, heavy cream, bourbon (or water), and kosher salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking continuously for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
8. Brush half of the glaze over the cooled cake. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then carefully unmold the cake and serve it with the remaining glaze drizzled over the top.

What to serve with Pecan Cake

This Pecan Cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. Additionally, consider serving it alongside a hot cup of coffee or a light herbal tea to complement the flavors. A crunchy side salad can also balance the sweetness, making for a well-rounded meal.

Top tips for perfecting Pecan Cake

• For maximum flavor, be sure to toast the pecans—this enhances their nuttiness.
• Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix once you’ve added the eggs to avoid a dense cake.
• Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the glaze for the best texture.
• Experiment with different types of nuts if you want to mix things up!
• Consider adding chocolate chips for a decadent twist!

Storing and reheating tips

To store leftover Pecan Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for about a week. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven at a low temperature or microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

Pecan Cake

A warm and inviting treat featuring toasted pecans and rich spices, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Baking, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the cake

• 8 oz raw pecan halves (about 2 cups) Toast for maximum flavor.
• 2.25 cups all-purpose flour Consider gluten-free blend for substitutions.
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 2.5 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 0.75 cup whole milk Use room temperature for better mixing.
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs Room temperature for optimal texture.

For the glaze

• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 0.75 cup unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 cup bourbon or water Apple juice or strong coffee can be substitutes.
• 0.5 tsp kosher salt For glaze.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly coat a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray or unsalted butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re slightly darkened and fragrant. Let them cool while you prepare the batter.
3. In a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, kosher salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Beat in the softened unsalted butter until the mixture is sandy.
4. Gradually add the whole milk and vanilla bean paste (or extract) to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. One at a time, add the eggs, making sure to mix well after each addition.
5. Scrape the batter into the prepared springform pan and gently press the toasted pecans into the top.

Baking

1. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool in the pan.

Glaze

1. Combine the dark brown sugar, unsalted butter, heavy cream, bourbon (or water), and kosher salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking continuously for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
2. Brush half of the glaze over the cooled cake. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then carefully unmold the cake and serve it with the remaining glaze drizzled over the top.

Notes

To store leftover Pecan Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Refrigerate for about a week or freeze individual slices. Consider serving with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, and enjoy with coffee or herbal tea.

More Resources

If this pecan-packed delight won your heart, here are more cozy bakes and helpful reads to keep the flavor flowing:

From SmartCookRecipes.com

• Pecan Pie Brownies – Fudgy, Gooey & Irresistible – the perfect mashup of nutty pie and rich brownie in one bite.
• Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft, Gooey & Perfect – a classic favorite that always hits the spot.
• Classic Butter Cookies – Crisp Edges, Melt-in-Your-Mouth – simple and elegant, just like grandma used to make.
• Healthy Banana Bread – Moist, Simple & Naturally Sweet – a wholesome quick bread that feels just right with coffee.
• Easy Sweet Potato Casserole – for when you want something sweet and savory on the side.

Trusted Sources Around the Web

• Harvard Health – Health Benefits of Nuts – learn why pecans and their cousins are good for heart and brain health.
• USDA – Pecans Nutrition Facts – a full nutritional breakdown of these Southern gems.

This Pecan Cake is a delightful addition to your baking repertoire that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. With its rich flavors and inviting aroma, it’s perfect for any occasion. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and whip up this lovely treat soon—you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy the comforting flavors of Pecan Cake, and make it a centerpiece at your next gathering.