Indulge in a Sweet Butter Pecan Cake Loaf Recipe Today!

Dessert enthusiasts adore this butter pecan cake loaf that brings Southern charm right to your kitchen table.

Warm, nutty aromas waft through the house as the delicate cake bakes to golden perfection.

Pecans add a delightful crunch and rich, buttery depth to every slice of this classic treat.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward recipe with ease.

The combination of sweet, moist cake and toasted pecans creates a truly memorable dessert experience.

Each bite promises a delectable balance of flavors that celebrates simple, comforting ingredients.

Prepare to savor a slice of pure homemade happiness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Storage Tips for Butter Pecan Cake Loaf With Icing

• Keep the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining its delicious moisture and soft texture.
• Store iced cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
• Slice the cake before freezing, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake remains delicious for 2-3 months, perfect for future sweet cravings.
• Prepare the cake and cream cheese icing separately up to 2 days in advance. Store cake at room temperature and icing in the refrigerator, assembling just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and taste.

FAQs

• How do I know if the pecans are properly toasted?

Look for a golden-brown color and a nutty, fragrant aroma. The pecans should smell slightly toasted but not burnt. Stir them frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even toasting.

• Can I substitute sour cream with something else?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a direct substitute for sour cream. It provides similar moisture and tanginess to the cake batter. Make sure to use full-fat yogurt for the best texture.

• Why do I need to alternate wet and dry ingredients when mixing?

Alternating ingredients helps prevent overmixing and ensures a smoother, more evenly textured cake. This method helps incorporate the flour without developing too much gluten, which can make the cake tough.

• How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Use either parchment paper with overhanging edges or thoroughly grease and flour the pan. This creates a non-stick surface and makes removing the cake much easier after baking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing

• Pecans: Bring nutty depth and delightful crunch, select fresh, golden-brown kernels without any rancid smell for maximum flavor enhancement.
• Butter: Provides rich, smooth foundation with deep flavor notes, choose high-quality unsalted butter for precise baking control.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates tender cake backbone, select unbleached flour for better texture and more natural taste.
• Baking Powder: Ensures perfect cake rise, check freshness by testing for immediate bubbling when mixed with liquid.
• Baking Soda: Helps balanced chemical leavening, store in airtight container to maintain potency.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile, use fine-grain table salt for even distribution.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy moisture and incredible softness, select full-fat version for richest results.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers luxurious, tangy icing base, use room temperature block-style cream cheese for smoothest texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates silky smooth icing consistency, sift to eliminate potential lumps.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic undertone, opt for pure extract over artificial versions.
• Milk: Adjusts icing spreadability, use whole milk for richest texture.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure, select fresh large eggs at room temperature.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and tenderizes cake, choose fine-grain for seamless mixing.

Tools You’ll Need for This Sweet Cake Loaf

• Loaf Pan: Essential for shaping and baking the cake, ensuring even cooking and perfect rectangular form.
• Skillet: Crucial for toasting pecans, bringing out their rich, nutty flavor before adding to the batter.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for creaming butter and sugar, and combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Separate Mixing Bowl: Used for whisking dry ingredients, preventing lumps in the cake batter.
• Electric Mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar, and beat cream cheese icing to smooth perfection.
• Wire Rack: Allows cake to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom from trapped steam.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients and ensuring even distribution.
• Spatula: Helps fold pecans into batter and spread icing evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for consistent results.
• Toothpick: Crucial for testing cake doneness by checking if it comes out clean.

How to Bake Butter Pecan Cake Loaf from Start to Finish

• Fire Up the Oven

Kick things off by warming your oven to a toasty 350F. Grab your loaf pan and give it a quick spray or line with parchment paper for a smooth cake release.

• Pecan Party

Toss those pecans into a skillet and dance them around over medium heat. Watch them turn golden and release their nutty – about 5-7 minutes. Pull them off the heat and let them chill.

• Mix Batter

Whip butter and sugar until they’re light and dreamy. Crack in eggs one by one, splash of vanilla for excitement. In another bowl, blend flour, rising agents, and salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet, splashing in sour cream between additions. Mix just until everything plays nice together.

• Nutty Embrace

Fold those toasted pecans into the batter, making sure every bite gets some pecan love.

• Baking Adventure

Pour batter into your prepped pan, smooth the top like you’re creating art. Slide into the oven and bake 55-65 minutes. Check with a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let cake rest in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

• Creamy Crown

Whip cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Gradually invite powdered sugar, vanilla, and a tiny salt pinch. Add milk slowly until your icing reaches perfect drizzle consistency.

• Dress to Impress

Once cake is completely cool, lavish it with that dreamy cream cheese icing. Sprinkle extra pecans on top for a gorgeous finishing touch.

Add-Ons to Make This Cake Loaf More Fun

• Gently toast pecans until they release a rich, nutty aroma without burning, stirring frequently to ensure even golden color and maximum flavor development.
• Prepare the cake loaf a day in advance and store at room temperature wrapped in plastic wrap to enhance moisture and allow flavors to meld beautifully.
• Swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, ensuring you use one with xanthan gum for optimal texture and structure.
• Replace butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt for a delicious allergen-friendly version.
• Experiment with adding a touch of maple extract or brown sugar to the cream cheese icing for deeper, more complex sweetness that complements the pecan profile.

Serve Butter Pecan Cake Loaf With Tea or Coffee

• Breakfast Bliss: Slice this cake and serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee for a delightful morning treat that starts your day with sweet, nutty goodness.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair with a hot tea or iced beverage for a luxurious midday snack that elevates your relaxation moment with rich, creamy flavors.
• Dessert Elegance: Present as a stunning finale to your dinner party, garnished with extra pecans and maybe a light dusting of powdered sugar for an impressive presentation that wows guests.
• Holiday Gift Idea: Wrap individual slices in decorative parchment paper for a homemade gift that spreads warmth and shows personal culinary love during special occasions.

Irresistible Butter Pecan Cake Loaf

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Butter pecan cake loaf with cream cheese icing delivers Southern comfort in a single slice. Nutty, sweet layers promise delightful indulgence for passionate bakers seeking a classic dessert that melts hearts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 12 tbsps milk (for consistency)
• ¼ cup pecans, toasted and chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease thoroughly to ensure easy cake release.
2. Pecan Roasting: Toast chopped pecans in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until they develop a rich golden color and fragrant aroma. Set aside to cool completely.
3. Batter Foundation: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then blend in eggs one at a time with vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt).
4. Mixture Integration: Alternately fold dry ingredients and sour cream into the butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined to maintain batter’s delicate texture.
5. Pecan Incorporation: Fold toasted pecans into batter, ensuring even distribution without deflating the mixture.
6. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Bake for 55-65 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
7. Cooling Stage: Rest cake in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Icing Preparation: Whip cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually adding powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
9. Icing Refinement: Adjust consistency by adding milk in small increments until desired spreading texture is achieved.
10. Final Presentation: Generously spread cream cheese icing over cooled cake, garnishing with additional toasted pecans for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Enhance Pecan Toasting: Stir constantly during toasting to prevent burning and ensure even, golden-brown color with maximum nutty flavor.
• Prevent Cake Dryness: Do not overmix batter, as this develops gluten and can create a tough, dense texture; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Master Moisture Balance: Use room temperature ingredients to help create a more uniform, smoother cake batter with better overall texture and rise.
• Control Icing Consistency: Add powdered sugar or milk gradually to achieve the perfect spreadable texture that holds shape without being too thick or runny.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg