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Butter Pecan Cake Layers

Irresistible Butter Pecan Cake Layers for Cozy Gatherings

Delightful Butter Pecan Cake Layers with nutty flavors and creamy frosting—perfect for cozy gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Cake Layers
  • 226 g unsalted butter for browning
  • 333 g cake flour
  • 200 g granulated sugar
  • 200 g light brown sugar firmly packed
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 354 ml buttermilk at room temperature
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 160 g pecans very finely chopped
Frosting
  • 340 g unsalted butter softened
  • 170 g full-fat brick-style cream cheese softened
  • 66 g light brown sugar firmly packed
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 562 g confectioners' sugar sifted
  • 1 tbsp heavy cream plus more as needed
  • 35 g chopped pecans optional for garnishing

Equipment

  • Light-colored saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • Wire rack
  • Cake stand or plate

Method
 

Cake Preparation
  1. Step 1: Brown the Butter - Melt 226 g of unsalted butter over medium-low heat until it reaches a deep amber color, about 8–10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients - Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F), grease three 20-cm round cake pans, and whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients - Whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Combine Ingredients - Blend the cooled browned butter with the dry mix, then gradually add the wet mixture and fold in chopped pecans.
  5. Step 5: Bake - Distribute batter into pans and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Step 6: Cool Cakes - Let cakes cool in pans for 15-20 minutes, then invert onto racks to cool completely.
  7. Step 7: Make Frosting - Beat together softened butter and cream cheese, then gradually add brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and confectioners' sugar, adjusting with heavy cream.
  8. Step 8: Assemble Cake - Level cooled cakes, spread frosting between layers, frost the top and sides.
  9. Step 9: Garnish - Sprinkle optional chopped pecans on top before chilling the cake.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Garnish optional chopped pecans enhances flavor and aesthetics.

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