A warm kitchen with the scent of freshly baked goods is a little slice of heaven. Imagine biting into a slice of decadent butter pecan pound cake that melts in your mouth like the warm hugs from Grandma after a long day. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that dances on your taste buds and serenades your senses.
Every event becomes special when you bring out this gem from the oven. Be it birthdays, family gatherings, or just because it’s Tuesday (and who needs a reason for cake?), this decadent butter pecan pound cake makes everything feel like a celebration. It’s so good; you might even want to keep it all to yourself—no judgment here!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The decadent butter pecan pound cake is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal prep time
- Its rich flavor combines buttery goodness with crunchy pecans that will please everyone
- Visually stunning with its golden crust and sprinkled nuts, this cake will be the star of any dessert table
- Perfect for celebrations but delicious enough for everyday indulgence!
I remember the first time I made this cake; my family devoured it within minutes at our Sunday dinner. The laughter and compliments were worth every ounce of effort!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for a richer flavor; room temperature is best for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances the richness of the butter; consider organic sugar for a deeper taste.
- Eggs: Fresh large eggs help achieve a fluffy texture; bring them to room temperature before mixing.
- All-Purpose Flour: Sifted flour prevents lumps; using a kitchen scale ensures precise measurements.
- Chopped Pecans: Toasted pecans add crunch and depth; lightly roast them for extra flavor before adding.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise beautifully; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla enhances flavor; avoid imitation extracts for the best results.
- Milk: Whole milk adds moisture and richness; you can substitute with buttermilk for added tanginess.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat and Prepare Your Kitchen: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with some butter or non-stick spray to ensure clean removal later.
Cream Together Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes should do it.
Add Eggs One at a Time: Beat in eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to blend fully before adding the next. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
Combine Dry Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour with baking powder. This step ensures even distribution when combined with wet ingredients.
Mix Everything Together Slowly: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture while alternating with milk. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing!
Fold in Chopped Pecans and Vanilla Extract: Gently fold in chopped pecans along with vanilla extract until evenly distributed. The aroma will be irresistible!
Bake Until Golden Brown : Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake in preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool slightly before transferring from pan onto wire rack. Slice once cooled completely—if you can resist that long!
Enjoy every bite of this decadent butter pecan pound cake! It’s perfect on its own or paired with whipped cream or fresh fruit. So go ahead, indulge!
You Must Know
- Decadent Butter Pecan Pound Cake is rich, buttery, and perfect for any occasion
- The warm aroma of toasted pecans fills your kitchen, making it feel cozy
- This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings or quiet afternoons
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the dry ingredients gradually while folding in toasted pecans for a delightful crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds based on your preference. You can also add chocolate chips or dried fruits for an extra flavor twist. Experimenting makes this cake truly yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave or enjoy them cold.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your pound cake turns out perfectly moist, use room temperature ingredients
- Don’t skip toasting the pecans; it enhances their flavor significantly!
- Lastly, letting the cake cool completely before slicing prevents crumbling and makes serving easier
Baking this Decadent Butter Pecan Pound Cake reminds me of family gatherings where everyone gathered around the table, eagerly awaiting a slice. Their smiles made every minute spent in the kitchen worth it.
FAQ
What makes this pound cake so decadent?
The rich butter and toasted pecans create a luxurious texture and flavor profile.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce added salt to maintain balance in flavors.
How do I know when my pound cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Decadent Butter Pecan Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices
Description
Decadent Butter Pecan Pound Cake is a rich, buttery dessert studded with toasted pecans, delivering melt-in-your-mouth goodness that makes every occasion feel special.
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter
- Granulated Sugar
- Eggs
- All-Purpose Flour
- Chopped Pecans
- Baking Powder
- Vanilla Extract
- Milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with milk until just combined.
- Fold in chopped pecans and vanilla extract.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack. Slice once cooled completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg