Secrets To Perfect Old Fashioned Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe from My Baking Addiction is a classic dessert made using yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, butter, milk, and chopped pecans, finished with cream cheese frosting and toasted pecans.

I made this old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe after watching a video where it was prepared, feeling inspired to recreate it at home.

My experience included mixing the wet ingredients, folding in cake mix and pecans, baking until golden, and cooling completely before frosting.

The main specialty of this old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe is the rich, buttery texture combined with crunchy toasted pecans. Step-by-step preparation highlights careful mixing, baking, frosting, and decorating.

Secrets To Perfect Old Fashioned Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Secrets to achieving an old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe start with using high-quality yellow cake mix and fresh pecans.

Toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their flavor and crunch. Beating eggs, sugar, milk, oil, and sour cream until smooth ensures a moist, tender cake.

Folding in the cake mix and pecans gently prevents the batter from becoming dense. Baking at the correct temperature until a toothpick comes out clean avoids undercooking.

Cooling the cake completely before frosting prevents melting. Cream cheese frosting should be whipped until light and creamy for easy spreading.

How To Prepare Old Fashioned Butter Pecan Cake Recipe?

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 60 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils

• Mixing bowls (2)
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• 9-inch cake pan
• Cooling rack
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) chopped pecans
• 2 ¼ cups (255 g) cake flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Buttercream

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pans

Set your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease your cake pan(s) and lightly dust them with flour. If you’re using round pans, cut a circle of parchment paper to line the bottom this helps the cake come out cleanly.

2. Combine wet and dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the yellow cake mix, sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat everything together until the batter is smooth and fully combined.

3. Fold in pecans

Take 120 g of chopped pecans and gently fold them into the batter using a spatula. Make sure they are evenly distributed without over mixing.

4. Pour the batter into the pan

Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan(s). Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top.

5. Bake the cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool the cake

Remove the cake from the oven and let it sit in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire cooling rack and allow it to cool completely.

7. Make the frosting

While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

8. Assemble and Decorate:

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly. Sprinkle toasted pecans on top of the frosted cake. Chill slightly if desired before serving for easier slicing.

Notes: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor. Simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.

Nutrition Facts Of Old Fashioned Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	5 g
Carbohydrates	65 g
Fat	26 g
Saturated Fat	10 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	42 g

Why This Recipe Is A Must-Try?

This old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe is a must-try because it delivers a moist, tender cake rich in buttery flavor and crunchy toasted pecans. The cream cheese frosting adds smooth, creamy sweetness that balances the nutty texture.

Baking old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe at home allows control over ingredients, freshness, and flavor intensity. Following the steps carefully produces a visually appealing cake that slices cleanly and tastes indulgent.

The combination of soft cake layers, rich frosting, and toasted pecans creates a comforting, classic dessert that stands out from ordinary cakes.

Why My Recipe Works

My old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe works because it balances moisture, flavor, and texture at every stage. Using sour cream and eggs creates a tender, soft cake that stays moist after baking. Toasting pecans enhances their natural flavor and adds a pleasant crunch.

Mixing the wet ingredients thoroughly and folding in the cake mix gently prevents the batter from becoming dense. Baking at the correct temperature ensures even cooking and a golden exterior.

Cream cheese frosting is whipped until smooth, spreading easily over cooled layers, bringing richness that complements the buttery cake and nutty pecans perfectly.

When To Serve

Old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe can be served after it has fully cooled and the frosting has set, usually a few hours after assembly. It works well as a dessert after lunch or dinner, during afternoon tea, or at celebrations like birthdays and family gatherings.

Slicing the cake into moderate portions allows guests to enjoy the rich, buttery layers and crunchy pecans without feeling overly full.

Serving slightly chilled enhances the cream cheese frosting texture, while serving at room temperature brings out the full flavor of the cake and nuts.

Health Benefits

Old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe contains pecans that provide healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants supporting heart health and digestion. Eggs contribute protein and essential vitamins that help maintain energy and bodily functions.

Milk and butter offer calcium and other nutrients important for strong bones. Cream cheese adds additional protein and calcium in moderation.

Consuming this old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe occasionally can satisfy sweet cravings while offering some nutritional benefits from nuts and dairy.

Controlling portion size allows enjoyment of the rich flavors while still gaining vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats naturally present in the ingredients.

Expert Tips And Tricks

1. Toast the pecans before adding them to the batter to enhance their flavor and give the cake a crunchy texture.

2. Measure the cake mix and wet ingredients carefully to maintain the right balance for a moist, tender cake.

3. Beat eggs, sugar, milk, oil, and sour cream until smooth to avoid lumps and ensure an even texture.

4. Fold in the cake mix and pecans gently to prevent the batter from becoming dense.

5. Bake at the correct temperature and check doneness with a toothpick to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

6. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to keep the cream cheese frosting smooth and prevent melting.

Additions To Make More Flavorful

➤ Caramel Pecan Filling – Prepare a light caramel sauce and fold in chopped pecans to layer between cake layers, adding sweetness and a nutty crunch.

➤ Brown Butter Frosting – Brown the butter before mixing with cream cheese for a deeper, roasted nutty flavor that complements the pecans in the cake.

➤ Chocolate Drizzle or Chips – Melt dark or milk chocolate to drizzle on top or fold chips into the batter for small bursts of chocolate flavor.

➤ Maple Syrup or Honey – Replace some sugar with maple syrup or honey to create a slightly denser cake with natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.

➤ Whipped Cream Topping – Add a layer of lightly sweetened whipped cream over the frosting before topping with pecans for a lighter, creamy texture contrast.

Storage Instructions

Store old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two days if the environment is cool.

For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to four days to maintain the freshness of the cream cheese frosting and prevent the pecans from becoming soft.

If freezing, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, allowing it to be frozen for up to two months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs Old Fashioned Butter Pecan Cake Recipe

Conclusion

This old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe has always been a favorite in my home. Everyone who tries it enjoys the moist, buttery layers and the crunch of toasted pecans, along with the creamy, sweet frosting.

I love serving it during family gatherings, special occasions, or just as a treat, and every time I make old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe, it brings smiles and compliments.

Following the method carefully ensures consistent results, and I hope others take the time to try making this classic old fashioned butter pecan cake recipe and experience the same joy and satisfaction I do.

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