Sometimes, a dessert comes along that makes you feel like you’re wrapped up in a warm blanket, and this Butter Pecan Cake is exactly that. This cake is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a celebration of rich, buttery flavors and the warmth of toasted pecans, all wrapped up in a soft, tender crumb. Every bite has that Southern charm, like something you’d find in your grandma’s kitchen after Sunday dinner. With a blend of golden cake layers and a smooth, dreamy frosting, this cake is perfect for any celebration or for a simple dessert that feels a little special.

Jump to Recipe

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just trying out your first homemade cake, this recipe is approachable, and the results are absolutely worth it. And don’t let the layers intimidate you—it’s all about taking each step one at a time, and by the end, you’ll have a cake that looks as good as it tastes. So, let’s dive in, because this Butter Pecan Cake is one you’re going to want to share with everyone (if you can bear to part with a slice)!

Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Cake ❤️

This cake has a lot going for it, but here are some of the standout reasons it’s going to become your new favorite:

Nutty, Buttery Flavor in Every Bite: The magic starts with toasting the pecans, which brings out their natural oils and gives them a deeper, richer flavor. Combined with the buttery cake and frosting, each bite is packed with that unmistakable nutty taste.
Perfect Texture Balance: The cake itself is soft and fluffy, while the pecans add a satisfying crunch. It’s the kind of cake where every layer brings something different to the table, making it so satisfying to eat.
Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Flavor: You don’t need any fancy ingredients for this cake. Just pantry staples like butter, sugar, and flour come together to create a dessert that feels extra special.
Great for Special Occasions or Just Because: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or a potluck with friends, this cake will be the showstopper. But it’s also the kind of dessert you can make just because you’re in the mood for something delicious.

Ingredients List 📝

This Butter Pecan Cake is made with simple, everyday ingredients that come together in an unforgettable way. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

1-1/4 cups butter, softened, divided
Tip: Set out your butter a little early so it’s soft but not melted. This helps create a light, fluffy cake.
2-2/3 cups chopped pecans
Tip: Fresh, high-quality pecans make all the difference here.
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Tip: Real vanilla extract gives a deeper flavor, but you can use vanilla bean paste for an even bolder taste.
1 cup milk
Tip: Whole milk works best to keep the cake rich and tender.

For the Frosting:

1 cup butter, softened
8 to 8-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Tip: Sift the sugar for a smoother frosting.
1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk
Tip: Evaporated milk adds richness without making the frosting too thin.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Remaining toasted pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions 🍰

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

The first step is to toast your pecans, which gives them a richer flavor and extra crunch. Spread your pecans and 1/4 cup of the butter in a baking pan and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Stir them every few minutes to prevent burning and make sure they toast evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden and fragrant—just be sure to set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the remaining 1 cup of softened butter and the sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key because it creates a light texture in your cake. Beat on medium-high speed for about 3-5 minutes, until you see the mixture has lightened in color. Adding air into the butter and sugar is what helps make your cake so fluffy!

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Adding the eggs individually lets them incorporate smoothly, so don’t rush through this step. After the eggs, stir in the vanilla extract. This is the backbone of flavor in the cake, giving it that classic, warm taste.

Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Alternately

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Now, take turns adding the dry mixture and the milk into the creamed butter mixture. Start with the flour mixture, then milk, and repeat, mixing just until everything is combined. The batter should be smooth but don’t overmix, or your cake could turn dense. When the batter is ready, fold in about 1-1/3 cups of your toasted pecans for that nutty goodness.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among three greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Smooth the tops and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tip: If you want extra-tender cake layers, wrap the cooled layers in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for a couple of hours or overnight. It makes frosting easier and improves the texture.

Step 6: Whip Up the Frosting

For the frosting, cream the softened butter and sifted confectioners’ sugar together until smooth and creamy. Slowly add in the evaporated milk and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is fluffy. The frosting should be spreadable, but feel free to adjust the thickness by adding a little more sugar or milk, depending on your preference. Stir in the remaining toasted pecans for a final, delicious crunch.

Step 7: Frost and Assemble

Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then add the next layer, repeating until all layers are stacked. Use the remaining frosting to cover the sides and top of the cake. For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional toasted pecans on top.

Engagement Elements: Why This Cake is Close to My Heart ❤️

This Butter Pecan Cake is a personal favorite of mine, especially for family gatherings. It’s the kind of recipe that brings back memories of baking with my grandma, who always had a knack for creating desserts that felt like home. There’s something about the warm, nutty flavor and the fluffy texture that just feels comforting, like you’re sitting at the family table with everyone you love.

I’ve made this cake for birthdays, holidays, and even “just because” moments, and it always impresses. And I’ve found that each time I make it, I can tweak it a little to suit the occasion or the season.

Fun Variations to Try 🎉

Want to make this Butter Pecan Cake uniquely yours? Here are a few ideas:

Browned Butter Twist: Swap regular butter for browned butter in the cake batter to add a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Maple Pecan: Add a touch of maple syrup to the batter or frosting for a seasonal twist. This is especially delicious in the fall!
Bourbon Infusion: For an adult version, add a splash of bourbon to the frosting for an added depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the pecans.

Serving Suggestions: Make It Even More Special 🎂

This cake is fantastic on its own, but there are some fun ways to serve it up:

With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla or butter pecan ice cream pairs perfectly with this cake.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle a little caramel sauce over each slice for a gooey, extra-sweet treat.
Warm it Up: Try microwaving a slice for a few seconds before eating. The frosting melts just slightly, and it’s heavenly!