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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease thoroughly to ensure easy cake release.
- 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.
- 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).
- Mixture Integration: Alternately fold dry ingredients and sour cream into the butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined to maintain batter’s delicate texture.
- Pecan Incorporation: Fold toasted pecans into batter, ensuring even distribution without deflating the mixture.
- Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Bake for 55-65 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
- Cooling Stage: Rest cake in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Icing Preparation: Whip cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually adding powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Icing Refinement: Adjust consistency by adding milk in small increments until desired spreading texture is achieved.
- 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