Nothing beats the joy of baking a cake, especially when it’s a crowd-pleaser like the Butter Pecan Cake. This delectable treat is not only a favorite in my household but also among friends and family who can’t resist its heavenly flavor. In this article, we’ll embark on a culinary journey through the ingredients, preparation steps, and the sheer delight of savoring this mouthwatering Butter Pecan Cake. So, gather your baking essentials and let’s get started on creating a dessert that’s both easy to make and impossible to forget.
Ingredients:
To begin our sweet endeavor, let’s gather the essential ingredients that make the Butter Pecan Cake a true delight:
- 1-1/4 cups butter, softened (divided)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2-2/3 cups chopped pecans
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 4 eggs
For the Frosting:
- 8 to 8-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup butter, softened
Preparation:
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step preparation of the Butter Pecan Cake:
- Toasting Pecans: Start by placing 2-2/3 cups of chopped pecans and 1/4 cup of butter in a baking pan. Toast them at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently. Once toasted, set them aside.
- Preparing the Batter: In a large bowl, cream together sugar and the remaining softened butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combining Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1-1/3 cups of the toasted pecans.
- Baking the Cake: Pour the batter into three greased and floured 9-inch round baking pans. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Frosting: For the frosting, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar in a large bowl. Add the evaporated milk and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. Stir in the remaining toasted pecans.
- Assembly: Once the cakes are cooled, spread the frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Butter Pecan Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. With its straightforward preparation and the rich, nutty goodness of pecans, this cake is a testament to the joy that baking can bring. So, whether it’s a special occasion or just a desire for a sweet treat, indulge in the pleasure of creating and savoring this delightful Butter Pecan Cake with family and friends.