Butter Pecan Pound Cake: A Rich & Nutty Delight

Introduction

There’s something special about the rich, buttery taste of butter pecan pound cake. The first time I baked it, my kitchen was filled with the warm aroma of toasted pecans and creamy butter. Slicing into the golden loaf revealed a moist, dense crumb with just the right amount of crunch from the pecans. It was love at first bite!

This cake has become a family favorite, especially for holidays and gatherings. The combination of browned butter, toasted pecans, and a tender crumb makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether served plain, with a glaze, or topped with whipped cream, it’s sure to impress.

What I love most is the simplicity of this recipe. With just a handful of pantry staples, it’s easy to make. The secret to its moist texture is sour cream or buttermilk, which enhances richness while keeping it light. Toasting the pecans adds an extra layer of flavor in every bite.

If you enjoy classic pound cakes with a buttery, nutty twist, this recipe is for you. It’s delicious, versatile, and perfect with coffee, tea, or as a comforting dessert.

Why This Recipe Works

Rich and Buttery Texture

The dense yet tender crumb of butter pecan pound cake is a standout feature. The combination of butter and sour cream creates a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Unlike lighter cakes, pound cake is meant to be substantial, with a satisfying bite that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.

Properly creaming softened butter with sugar is key to achieving the right consistency. This process introduces air into the batter, ensuring a light yet moist texture. If the butter isn’t creamed long enough, the cake may turn out too heavy.

Perfectly Moist Every Time

The key to a moist pound cake is sour cream or buttermilk. These ingredients keep the cake soft without making it greasy or dense.

For a tangy flavor, buttermilk is a great choice, while sour cream adds a creamier texture. Either way, your cake will stay moist for days, making it ideal for make-ahead baking.

Nutty, Caramelized Flavor

To get the best butter pecan flavor, always toast the pecans before adding them to the batter. This enhances their natural oils, making them extra crunchy and flavorful. The result is a cake with a perfect balance of soft texture and nutty crunch in every bite.

Together, these elements give the butter pecan pound cake the perfect balance of richness, moisture, and flavor—making it a must-try for any dessert lover!

What You’ll Need

Essential Baking Tools

Before you start baking, having the right tools will make the process easier and ensure perfect results:

• Stand or hand mixer – Helps achieve a smooth, well-aerated batter.
• Bundt or loaf pan – Creates the classic pound cake shape while ensuring even baking.
• Mixing bowls – Use one for combining the dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients.
• Cooling rack – Allows the cake to set properly after baking, preventing sogginess.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for the best texture.

Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients

Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to make a rich, buttery, and nutty butter pecan pound cake:

• Unsalted butter (1 cup) – Softened for easy mixing, adding deep richness to the cake.
• Granulated sugar (2 cups) – Provides sweetness and structure.
• Eggs (4 large) – Helps bind the batter and adds moisture.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups) – Forms the base of the cake, giving it a sturdy yet tender crumb.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon) – Ensures a slight rise without making the cake too airy.
• Salt (½ teaspoon) – Enhances the overall flavor balance.
• Sour cream (1 cup) – Keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle tang.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons) – Deepens the cake’s warm, sweet aroma.
• Toasted pecans (1½ cups) – Adds crunch and a nutty caramelized flavor.
• Brown sugar (¼ cup) – Infuses the cake with a touch of caramel-like sweetness.

With these ingredients and tools ready, you’re just a few simple steps away from baking a butter pecan pound cake that’s soft, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible!

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Butter Pecan Pound Cake

• Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 60 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt or loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure an easy release after baking.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

Place the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once they become fragrant and slightly darker, remove them from the heat and let them cool.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, ensuring a soft and tender cake.

Step 4: Add the Eggs One by One

Beat in the 4 large eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. This helps create a smooth, well-emulsified batter.

Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet mixture.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup of sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter.

Step 7: Fold in the Pecans and Brown Sugar

Stir in the toasted pecans and ¼ cup of brown sugar, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter for maximum flavor.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly across the top.Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool entirely. Letting it rest ensures the perfect texture before slicing.

This butter pecan pound cake is best enjoyed warm, with or without a drizzle of glaze!

Tips and Hacks for the Best Butter Pecan Pound Cake

How to Achieve the Perfect Texture

• Cream butter and sugar properly: Beat them for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. This step traps air, making the cake soft and tender. If your cake turns out dry, don’t worry you can fix a dry cake with some helpful tips!
• Avoid overmixing: Stir only until combined after adding the flour to prevent a dense cake.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Butter, eggs, and sour cream should be at room temperature for a smoother batter.

Ways to Enhance the Flavor

• Brown the butter – Melt the butter in a pan until golden brown for a rich, nutty depth.
• Add a hint of spice – A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg pairs beautifully with toasted pecans.
• Try a flavored extract – Swap vanilla for maple or butter pecan extract for a twist.

Make It Even More Indulgent

• Top with a brown sugar glaze – A drizzle of warm brown sugar and butter glaze adds extra sweetness.
• Serve with whipped cream or ice cream – The creamy contrast complements the rich cake.
• Add chocolate chips – Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a buttery-chocolatey surprise.

These small adjustments can take your butter pecan pound cake from delicious to extraordinary!

Nutrition Score

The Butter Pecan Pound Cake is not only a flavorful treat but also surprisingly balanced in terms of its nutritional profile. Here’s a breakdown of its approximate values per serving:

• Calories: 350 – This is a reasonable amount for a satisfying dessert, providing energy without going overboard.
• Carbohydrates: 45g – While it’s a dessert, the cake has a balanced level of carbs that’s typical for baked goods.
• Protein: 5g – The eggs and pecans contribute a modest amount of protein, making it a bit more filling.
• Sugar: 25g – The sweetness is a highlight, though it’s not excessive compared to many other cakes.
• Fiber: 2g – The pecans provide a small amount of fiber, which can help balance the sugar content.
• Sodium: 250mg – This is relatively low for a cake, especially with the addition of salt to enhance flavor.
• Fat: 18g – Mostly from the butter and pecans, providing a satisfying richness.

While it’s a decadent cake, the combination of ingredients like pecans and sour cream helps create a dessert that’s indulgent yet relatively balanced.

Serving & Storage

Best Ways to Serve Butter Pecan Pound Cake

While this pound cake is fantastic on its own, here are a few serving ideas to make it even more enjoyable:

• With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: The richness of the cake pairs beautifully with a warm drink. Whether it’s a strong cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea, this combo will enhance the flavor of both the cake and your beverage.
• Top It with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For a more indulgent treat, serve slices with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy contrast complements the nutty, buttery flavors of the cake.
• Serve with Fruit: Fresh berries or a fruit compote make a perfect addition to the cake. Try pairing it with strawberries, blueberries, or even a warm caramelized fruit topping for added depth of flavor.
• For Special Occasions: If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving the pound cake as part of a dessert table. Drizzle a brown sugar glaze or a simple vanilla frosting over the cake for an elegant touch.

Storage Tips to Keep Your Cake Fresh

To ensure your butter pecan pound cake stays fresh for days, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure the cake has completely cooled before sealing it, as this helps retain its moisture.
• Refrigeration: If you’re not planning to finish the cake within a few days, refrigerate it to extend its shelf life. It will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge, though it may dry out slightly. To keep it moist, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before storing.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze your cake. Cut the cake into slices, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a warm treat.

Variations of Butter Pecan Pound Cake

This butter pecan pound cake is incredibly versatile and can be customized in various ways to suit different preferences and occasions. Here are a few fun variations to try:

1. Butter Pecan Pound Cake with Glaze
   After baking, drizzle a warm brown sugar glaze or a simple vanilla glaze over the cake. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and moisture, making the cake even more indulgent.
2. Butter Pecan Pound Cake topped with Cream Cheese Frosting
   For a richer, creamier topping, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the cooled cake. The tangy flavor of the frosting complements the buttery richness of the cake perfectly.
3. Old-Fashioned Butter Pecan Pound Cake
   For a classic twist, substitute sour cream with buttermilk. This version brings out a lighter, fluffier texture while still retaining that rich, buttery flavor.
4. Chocolate Butter Pecan Pound Cake
   Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful surprise. The chocolate will melt into the cake as it bakes, providing an extra layer of richness and flavor.

These variations allow you to put your own spin on the traditional butter pecan pound cake while keeping the core flavors intact. You can also explore variations of other recipes, like our Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe,where you can adjust spices and flavors to match your taste. Whether you want to add a glaze, some frosting, or even incorporate other ingredients, this cake is a blank canvas for creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does butter pound cake need to be refrigerated?
   No, butter pecan pound cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Refrigeration can extend its shelf life, but it may affect the texture slightly.
2. How do you keep a pound cake from crumbling?
   To keep your pound cake from crumbling, avoid overbaking it, and make sure to properly mix the wet and dry ingredients. Overbaking can dry out the cake and cause it to become crumbly.
3. Why does a pound cake not rise?
   A pound cake may not rise if the baking powder is expired, the butter isn’t properly creamed, or if the batter is overmixed. Ensuring the ingredients are properly measured and mixed will help achieve the right texture.
4. How do you keep a pound cake from cracking?
   To prevent cracking, bake the cake at a consistent temperature and avoid overbeating the batter. Be sure to check that your oven’s temperature is accurate for even baking.

Conclusion

Baking your own Butter Pecan Pound Cake is an incredibly rewarding experience. The rich, buttery texture combined with the crunch of toasted pecans makes it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you serve it plain, with a glaze, or topped with whipped cream, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

Not only is it easy to make, but the versatility of the recipe means you can adapt it to your preferences, making it even more enjoyable. Whether you stick to the classic version or explore one of the variations, this Butter Pecan Pound Cake is a delightful addition to your baking repertoire.

So why not try making it today? With its simple ingredients and straightforward process, you’ll have a delicious cake that will leave everyone asking for the recipe!