Directions:
And so begins the preparation for the creation of a delectable Butter Pecan Cake topped with luscious Cream Cheese Frosting.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
To start, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, generously grease two 8-inch round cake pans and make sure to line the bottoms with parchment paper. This will ensure easier release of the cakes once.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
The softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar are combined in a large mixing bowl. Cream them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. An electric mixer can be used for achieving a smooth consistency.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
The eggs should be added one by one, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. To enhance the flavors further, gently stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture in small portions. Alternate each addition with buttermilk. Start with the dry ingredients and end with them as well.
Step 5: Fold in the Pecans
The toasted pecans, having been chopped, should be gently folded into the batter, ensuring an even distribution throughout.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
The cake batter should be divided evenly between the prepared cake pans. Afterwards, use an offset spatula to smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
As the cakes cool, take the time to prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, diligently beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until achieving a creamy and smooth consistency. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the mixture, ensuring thorough combination.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have completely cooled on a rack, carefully take them out of the pans. Next, choose a serving plate and place one cake layer on it. Apply a generous layer of cream cheese frosting onto the top of this layer. Then, take the second cake layer and position it on top of the first one. Proceed to frost the entire cake using the remaining cream cheese frosting.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
To add an elegant finishing touch, you can garnish the cake with toasted pecans. If desired, serve this irresistible Butter Pecan Cake by slicing it and impress your guests while delighting their taste buds.
Recipe Tips and Variations
Toasting Pecans: To toast pecans, you can follow these simple steps. Firstly, spread the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Next, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 8-10 minutes or until they become fragrant. Once they are done, allow them to cool before chopping and adding them to the cake batter.
Make It Ahead: The cake layers can be baked in advance and frozen for up to a month. Once the layers have thawed, proceed to frost the cake.
Substitute Buttermilk: If you find yourself without buttermilk, don’t fret. You can easily create a homemade substitute. Just mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup of milk. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it thickens and curdles slightly.
