Irresistible Southern Butter Pecan Cake

There's something magical about the combination of rich butter and toasted pecans that instantly transports you to a cozy Southern kitchen. This Butter Pecan Cake is everything you want in a dessert moist, buttery layers topped with a decadent pecan sauce that'll have your family asking for seconds before they've finished their first slice.

I still remember the first time I made this cake for a family gathering. My kitchen smelled like a bakery, and watching everyone's faces light up with that first bite reminded me why I fell in love with baking in the first place. It's one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for special occasions but simple enough to whip up on a Tuesday afternoon when you need a little sweetness in your life.

Jump To Recipe

• Why You'll Love This Butter Pecan Cake
• The Secret to Perfect Texture
• Ingredients
• Directions
• Tips for Cake Success
• Making It Your Own
• Perfect for Any Occasion
• Storage and Serving
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Irresistible Southern Butter Pecan Cake

Why You'll Love This Butter Pecan Cake

This isn't just any pecan layer cake it's a showstopper that delivers on both flavor and texture. The cake itself is incredibly moist thanks to the sour cream, while the butter creates that rich, tender crumb we all crave. But the real star is that gorgeous pecan sauce that gets drizzled over the top, adding both sweetness and a delightful nutty crunch.

What makes this recipe special is how forgiving it is. Even if you're not an experienced baker, you'll get beautiful results every time. The ingredients are pantry staples you probably already have, and the technique is straightforward no fancy equipment or complicated steps required.

The Secret to Perfect Texture

The magic happens when you cream the butter and sugar until they're light and fluffy. This creates tiny air pockets that give the cake its tender texture. Adding the eggs one at a time helps create a smooth batter, while alternating the dry ingredients with sour cream keeps everything perfectly balanced.

Don't skip the step of folding in the chopped pecans they add wonderful texture throughout the cake and complement the southern pecan cake tradition beautifully. I like to toast my pecans lightly in a dry skillet for about 3-4 minutes before chopping them. It intensifies their flavor and adds an extra layer of nuttiness that makes this cake truly special.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ cup heavy cream

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan I like to use a little extra butter and really coat every corner to prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for creating that perfect pound cake pecan texture we're after.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The mixture might look a little lumpy at first, but keep beating it'll come together beautifully. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture will give our cake its structure.
5. Here's where the magic happens: gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start with the flour mixture, then sour cream, then flour again, ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined overmixing can make the cake tough.
6. Gently fold in the chopped pecans. You want them evenly distributed but don't worry if they're not perfect rustic is beautiful! Similar to how we might prepare vanilla birthday cupcakes, gentle folding keeps the texture light.
7. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
9. While the cake cools, make the butter pecan sauce: In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, milk, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, remove from heat and stir in the remaining chopped pecans.
10. Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle that gorgeous pecan sauce over the top. Let it cascade down the sides for a truly impressive presentation.

Room temperature ingredients are your friend here they mix together much more easily and create a smoother batter. If you forgot to take your eggs and butter out ahead of time, place the eggs in warm water for 5 minutes, and cut your butter into small pieces to help it soften faster.

Tips for Cake Success

The pecan sauce might seem thin at first, but it'll thicken as it cools. If you want it extra thick, let it simmer for an additional minute or two. Just like when making gooey salted caramel cream cheese cupcakes, patience with the sauce really pays off.

For an extra special touch, try serving this with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast between the warm, nutty cake and cold cream is absolutely divine.

Making It Your Own

This upside down pecan cake inspired recipe is incredibly versatile. Want to make it more like a traditional pecan pie cake? Add a tablespoon of corn syrup to the sauce for that classic pecan pie flavor. Feeling adventurous? A splash of bourbon in the sauce adds a sophisticated warmth that adults will love.

You can also turn this into a layer cake by doubling the recipe and using two 8-inch pans. Just like our best chocolate cupcakes, sometimes bigger is better! Layer with cream cheese frosting and extra pecan sauce for a truly show-stopping dessert.

If you're serving this at a gathering, consider making mini no-bake key lime pie alongside it for guests who want a lighter option.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This cake fits beautifully into any menu, whether you're planning romantic dinner ideas for two or hosting a larger celebration. It pairs wonderfully with coffee for an afternoon treat, or serve it as the grand finale to traditional easter dinner menu gatherings.

The honey cake notes from the brown sugar sauce make it especially lovely for fall celebrations, while the buttery richness feels perfect for winter holidays. It's equally at home on a casual Sunday table as it is at your fanciest dinner party.

Storage and Serving

This cake actually gets better after a day! Store it covered at room temperature for up to three days, or wrap individual slices for grab-and-go treats. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.

If you're looking for more make-ahead options, check out our best make-ahead breakfast casseroles for complete meal planning inspiration.

For special occasions, consider creating a dessert spread with complementary treats like carrot cake cookies or chocolate chess pie to give guests variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

This velvet cake recipe creates memories that last long after the last crumb is gone. There's something so satisfying about pulling a homemade cake from the oven, watching the sauce bubble as you drizzle it over the warm surface, and seeing the pure joy on faces when people take that first bite.

Whether you're baking for a special someone or just treating yourself to something wonderful, this Butter Pecan Cake delivers every single time. It's comfort food at its finest rich, satisfying, and made with love.

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