Butter Pecan Layer Cake

Delight in Decadence – Crafting the Ultimate Butter Pecan Layer Cake Extravaganza!

Indulge your senses in a symphony of flavors with our Butter Pecan Layer Cake, a culinary masterpiece that marries the richness of butter and the nutty crunch of pecans. Elevate your baking prowess as we guide you through the art of creating this delectable layer cake that promises to be the star of any dessert table. Join us on this journey of decadence, where each layer tells a story of buttery bliss and pecan perfection.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  1. Unsalted Butter – 1 cup, softened: The foundation for a rich and moist cake.
  2. Granulated Sugar – 2 cups: Sweetens and complements the buttery goodness.
  3. Eggs – 4, room temperature: Bind the ingredients together for a tender crumb.
  4. All-Purpose Flour – 3 cups: The mainstay for the cake structure.
  5. Baking Powder – 1 tablespoon: Leavens the cake, creating a light and airy texture.
  6. Salt – 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
  7. Whole Milk – 1 cup: Adds moisture and contributes to a tender crumb.
  8. Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons: Infuses a warm and aromatic undertone.
  9. Chopped Pecans – 1 cup: The star ingredient, providing a delightful crunch.

For the Butter Pecan Frosting:

  1. More Unsalted Butter – 1 cup, softened: Intensifies the buttery flavor in the frosting.
  2. Confectioners’ Sugar – 4 cups: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
  3. Heavy Cream – 1/4 cup: Creates a luscious and creamy consistency.
  4. Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon: Rounds out the flavor with a hint of vanilla.
  5. Chopped Pecans – 1/2 cup: Adds a layer of nutty texture to the frosting.

Instructions:

Baking the Cake Layers:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
  6. Fold in Chopped Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed in the batter.
  7. Divide and Bake: Divide the batter equally among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cooling the Cake Layers: Allow the cake layers to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Butter Pecan Frosting:

  1. Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy and smooth.
  2. Gradually Add Confectioners’ Sugar: Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
  3. Pour in Heavy Cream and Vanilla: Pour in heavy cream and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
  4. Fold in Chopped Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring an even distribution.

Assembling the Layer Cake:

  1. Level the Cake Layers: If needed, level the cake layers using a serrated knife to ensure an even surface.
  2. Spread Frosting Between Layers: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of butter pecan frosting on top. Repeat for the remaining layers.
  3. Frost the Exterior: Frost the sides and top of the assembled cake with the remaining butter pecan frosting, creating a smooth and even finish.

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • Toasted Pecans: For an intensified nutty flavor, toast the chopped pecans before folding them into the batter and frosting.
  • Brown Butter Frosting: Take the frosting to the next level by browning the butter before preparing the butter pecan frosting.
  • Pecan Praline Layer: Add a layer of pecan praline between the cake layers for a delightful surprise.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

  • Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a keto-friendly flour alternative.
  • Use a sugar substitute for both the cake and frosting.
  • Adjust the quantity of heavy cream in the frosting based on your preferred carb intake.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Opt for a low-carb flour substitute in the cake batter.
  • Choose a low-carb sweetener for both the cake and frosting.
  • Adjust the quantity of heavy cream in the frosting to meet your low-carb preferences.

As you cut into this luscious Butter Pecan Layer Cake, anticipate a symphony of textures and flavors that celebrate the harmonious union of butter and pecans. Share this masterpiece with loved ones or savor it in solitary indulgence; each bite is a testament to the joy found in the art of baking. Let this recipe be a cherished addition to your repertoire, bringing decadence and delight to every celebration. May your moments be sweet, and your Butter Pecan Layer Cake, even sweeter!