Moist Butter Pecan Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Butter pecan cake doesn’t whisper. It walks into the room with a shot of bourbon in one hand and a stick of butter in the other. It’s unapologetically Southern—dense, rich, and full of toasted pecans that crackle with every bite. You don’t eat this cake with tea and fine china. You eat it standing at the counter, with frosting on your fingers and zero regrets.

This isn’t your average sweet cake. It’s got attitude. The kind of attitude born from butter toasted with pecans until golden, folded into a batter so rich it practically hums. Then you crown the whole thing with a brown sugar frosting that’s halfway between a glaze and a caramel cloud.

The first time I had butter pecan cake, it was at a small-town wedding in Louisiana. No fondant, no tiers—just one big sheet of cake, sliced in squares, melting into paper plates. It didn’t look fancy, but damn if it didn’t taste like home. That bite hit hard: nutty, buttery, with a whisper of vanilla and brown sugar that made it unforgettable.

This recipe is my tribute to that cake. It’s not fussy. It’s not modern. But it’s beautiful in the only way that matters—deep flavor, comfort, and an invitation to come back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Loaded with toasted pecans for maximum crunch and flavor
• Brown sugar frosting that tastes like liquid gold
• Moist, rich, and buttery—no dry crumbs here
• Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or birthdays
• Make-ahead friendly and freezer-safe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Brown Sugar Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Toast the Pecans:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add chopped pecans and toast, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.

Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13 pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Stir in vanilla.
5. Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet mix, starting and ending with flour.
6. Fold in the toasted pecans.
7. Pour into prepared pan(s) and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting:

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and cream.
2. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat. Let cool for 5–10 minutes.
3. Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth and spreadable.
4. Spread over cooled cake immediately—it sets quickly.

Tips & Variations

• Use dark brown sugar in the frosting for deeper molasses notes.
• Add bourbon to the frosting for a grown-up twist.
• Turn it into cupcakes—just reduce bake time to 18–20 minutes.
• Add shredded coconut or chopped dates for extra texture.
• Make a layer cake and fill the middle with whipped cream or buttercream.

Note

Don’t overmix the batter—just blend until the flour disappears. And don’t skimp on the pecan toasting. It’s non-negotiable.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of butter pecan or vanilla ice cream.
• Drizzle with salted caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• Pair with hot coffee, spiced cider, or bourbon neat.
• Top with extra toasted pecans for crunch and visual appeal.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice – Based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 520
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Sugar: 38g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 300mg

User Reviews/Comments

Theresa J. (Montgomery, AL):
“This cake tasted like something my grandma would’ve made. Everyone at Sunday dinner went for seconds.”

Luis P. (Austin, TX):
“Brown sugar frosting is out of this world. I added a splash of bourbon—game changer.”

Megan F. (Seattle, WA):
“Super moist and full of pecans. Made it for Thanksgiving and it was the first dessert to vanish.”

FAQs

Can I make butter pecan cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two ahead. Store unfrosted cake wrapped tightly at room temp. Frost just before serving.

Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely. Wrap cooled, unfrosted layers in plastic and foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw and frost as needed.

What’s the best substitute for buttermilk?
Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup milk. Let sit 5 minutes and use in place of buttermilk.

Can I use pecan halves instead of chopped?
For decoration, yes. But chopped pecans blend better into the batter and give more even crunch.

Why is my frosting grainy?
Make sure the brown sugar fully dissolves in the cream and butter before removing from heat. Let it cool a bit before adding powdered sugar.

Can I make this as a sheet cake?
Definitely. Bake in a 9×13 pan and spread the frosting right on top—simple and satisfying.

Conclusion

Butter pecan cake doesn’t try to impress you—it just shows up and delivers. Every bite is loaded with warm, nutty flavor, buttery cake, and that brown sugar frosting that hits like a slow Southern drawl. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and forget the world for a second.

Whether it’s a holiday table centerpiece or just your way of saying “I deserve this,” this cake belongs in your rotation. No gimmicks. No tricks. Just butter, pecans, and a whole lot of soul.

Curious about the origin of this flavor combo? Check out the Wikipedia article on butter pecan to see how this beloved flavor became a classic.

Now get baking—this one’s too good to sit on the shelf.

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