Butter Pecan Pound Cake is the epitome of Southern indulgence. With its rich, buttery texture and the nutty crunch of toasted pecans, this cake delivers a flavor profile that feels nostalgic yet irresistible. Whether you're serving it for a holiday gathering, a weekend brunch, or as a sweet treat alongside coffee, this cake is guaranteed to impress. The creamy glaze, made with butter and cream cheese, adds the perfect finishing touch, making this dessert nothing short of decadent.
In this recipe, I’ll guide you step-by-step to ensure your pound cake turns out perfectly moist and full of flavor. From creaming the butter to toasting the pecans, every detail is crafted to elevate this classic dessert.
Ingredients for Butter Pecan Pound Cake
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and their roles in creating this masterpiece:
For the Pound Cake
- 3 Cups Cake Flour: Provides a tender crumb. Cake flour has lower protein content, which keeps the cake soft.
- 2 Cups Sugar: Sweetens the cake while contributing to its moistness.
- 1 Cup Packed Brown Sugar: Adds a deep caramel flavor and enhances the moist texture.
- 3 Sticks Butter (Room Temperature): The star of the pound cake, butter provides richness, flavor, and structure.
- 5 Eggs (Room Temperature): Act as a binding agent while adding moisture and structure to the cake.
- 1 Cup Whole Buttermilk (Room Temperature): Enhances tenderness and adds a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder: Gives the cake a slight lift for a light, fluffy texture.
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cake’s flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon Pound Cake Extract: A flavor booster that enhances the classic pound cake taste.
- 2 Cups Toasted Pecans: Bring a nutty crunch and Southern charm to the cake.
For the Creamy Glaze
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness and smooth consistency.
- 4 oz Butter: Adds richness to the glaze.
- 4 oz Cream Cheese: Balances sweetness with a creamy, tangy flavor.
- 4 Teaspoons Half-and-Half: Thins out the glaze to a pourable consistency while adding richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pecans
- Toast the Pecans: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans evenly on a baking sheet. Toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Stir halfway through to avoid burning. Allow them to cool completely, then chop roughly. Toasting intensifies their natural flavor.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and brown sugar together on medium-high speed for 3-7 minutes, until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which makes the cake light.
3. Add the Eggs
- Reduce the mixer speed to medium. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Incorporate the Flavor Extracts
- Mix in the vanilla extract and pound cake extract. These extracts enhance the classic pound cake flavor, giving it that rich, bakery-quality taste.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the batter, alternating with the buttermilk.
- Start and end with the flour (flour > buttermilk > flour).
- Mix on low speed, being careful not to overbeat, as this can toughen the cake.
6. Add the Toasted Pecans
- Fold the chopped, toasted pecans into the batter using a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
7. Bake the Cake
- Grease and flour a tube pan (or use a non-stick baking spray). Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Pro Tip: Check the cake at 45 minutes. Baking times can vary. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once done, let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Then, invert the cake onto a cake plate.
Make the Creamy Glaze
- In a medium bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until no lumps remain.
- Add the half-and-half a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
Pro Tip: For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner consistency, add a bit more half-and-half.
Assemble the Cake
- Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Allow it to cascade down the sides for a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slices of Butter Pecan Pound Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect Southern afternoon treat.
- For an elegant presentation, garnish with additional toasted pecans on top of the glaze.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pound Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all dairy and eggs are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients combine evenly for a smoother batter.
- Proper Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour to keep the cake tender.
- Toasting the Pecans: Never skip toasting the pecans—it brings out their natural oils and intensifies their flavor.
- Baking Time: Check the cake early, as oven temperatures may vary. Always use a toothpick test.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Butter Pecan Pound Cake combines the classic charm of a Southern pound cake with the nutty, caramel-like flavor of toasted pecans. The rich buttery crumb, combined with the creamy glaze, creates a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. With its perfect balance of texture and flavor, this pound cake will have your family and friends asking for seconds.
In Conclusion
This Butter Pecan Pound Cake is a showstopper that’s both simple to make and stunning to serve. From the toasty pecans to the buttery glaze, every bite is a harmonious blend of rich flavors and textures. Follow this detailed recipe, and you’ll create a dessert that’s sure to outshine the competition and earn rave reviews.
Bake this Southern classic today—you deserve a slice of indulgence!