Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Of course! Butter Pecan Pound Cake is a Southern classic known for its rich, buttery flavor, dense yet tender crumb, and the delicious crunch of toasted pecans. This recipe is a from-scratch masterpiece.

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Butter Pecan Pound Cake

This recipe is designed for a standard 10-cup Bundt pan or two 9×5-inch loaf pans.

Ingredients

For the Toasted Pecans:

· 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
· 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cake:

· 3 cups all-purpose flour
· 1 teaspoon baking powder
· ½ teaspoon salt
· 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
· 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
· 6 large eggs, room temperature
· 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
· 1 teaspoon butter extract (optional, but highly recommended for that classic flavor)
· 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk, room temperature

For the Glaze (Optional):

· 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
· 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
· ½ teaspoon vanilla or butter extract
· Pinch of salt

Instructions

Part 1: Toast the Pecans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss the chopped pecans with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter until coated.
3. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 5-8 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch closely to prevent burning. Let them cool completely.

Part 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Generously grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt or tube pan. Be thorough to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or with a hand mixer), beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the sugar and beat for 5-7 minutes until the mixture is very light and fluffy. This step is crucial for texture.
4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed. Mix in the vanilla and butter extract.
5. Combine Wet & Dry: On low speed, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk in two parts, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined after each addition. Do not overmix.
6. Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the cooled, toasted pecans until evenly distributed.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a long wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto the rack to cool completely.

Part 3: Add the Glaze (Optional)

1. Whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, extract, and salt. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a drizzle-able consistency.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled cake.

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Recipe Tips & FAQs

· Room Temperature Ingredients: This is non-negotiable for a pound cake. Cold ingredients will not emulsify properly, leading to a dense, heavy cake.
· Creaming Time: Creaming the butter and sugar for the full 5-7 minutes incorporates air, which is the main leavening agent in a pound cake. This creates a lighter texture.
· Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix only until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough cake.
· Why 325°F? The lower baking temperature allows the dense cake to bake through evenly without over-browning the outside.
· Testing for Doneness: Because it’s a large, dense cake, use a long wooden skewer to test the very center. A toothpick might not be long enough.
· The “Butter Extract” Secret: Butter extract is the key to that classic, intense buttery flavor found in bakery-style butter pecan cakes. It’s highly recommended!
· Storage: This cake keeps beautifully. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. It also freezes well (without glaze) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.

Enjoy this rich, nutty, and utterly delicious Southern treat! It’s perfect for a special occasion or any day that calls for a spectacular dessert.