Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Recipe By:

Stephanie

Posted:

September 4, 2025

Updated:

September 4, 2025

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A delicious and rich Butter Pecan Pound Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. This cake is moist, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, making it a favorite for family gatherings, celebrations, or even just a cozy night in. The delightful combination of butter and toasted pecans creates a unique flavor that stands out while being comforting at the same time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: The straightforward steps ensure that even novice bakers can create a stunning cake without stress.
Rich Flavor: The buttery taste paired with toasted pecans gives each bite a delicious depth that’s hard to resist.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Serve it at birthday parties, holiday feasts, or simply as an afternoon treat with coffee.
Moist Texture: This pound cake stays moist due to the generous amount of butter and eggs used in the recipe.
Make Ahead Option: You can bake it in advance and store it, allowing flavors to develop even further.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Butter Pecan Pound Cake, gather your tools and set up your kitchen. Having everything ready will streamline the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Mixing bowls
Loaf pan
Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps achieve a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing ingredients together.
Loaf pan: Essential for giving your cake its classic shape, ensuring even baking throughout.
Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cake after baking, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1.5 cups butter (softened)
1.5 cups sugar
5 large eggs (room temperature)
2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)

How to Make Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease your loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent the cake from sticking once it’s baked.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter and sugar. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This typically takes about 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture. Mix well after each addition until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together sifted flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed.

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in toasted pecans using a spatula. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Once done, remove from oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your homemade Butter Pecan Pound Cake with friends and family!

How to Serve Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Butter pecan pound cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it plain or dressed up, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Classic Slice

A simple slice of butter pecan pound cake is delicious on its own. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.

Whipped Cream Delight

Top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream. This adds a light and airy texture that complements the dense cake perfectly.

Ice Cream Pairing

Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream enhances the rich flavors of the cake.

Fruit Compote

Drizzle some homemade fruit compote over your slice for added sweetness and freshness. Berries or peaches work particularly well.

Nuts and Caramel Sauce

Sprinkle toasted pecans and drizzle caramel sauce on top for an indulgent finish. This combination enhances both flavor and texture.

Coffee Glaze

Add a simple coffee glaze made from powdered sugar and brewed coffee for an extra kick. It pairs beautifully with the buttery notes of the cake.

How to Perfect Butter Pecan Pound Cake

To ensure your butter pecan pound cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Sift flour properly: Sifting the flour helps avoid lumps and ensures an even texture in your batter.
Toast your pecans: Toasting pecans before adding them enhances their flavor, making your cake even more delicious.
Don’t overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid a tough texture in your pound cake.
Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is done.
Allow cooling time: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent breakage.

Best Side Dishes for Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Pairing side dishes with butter pecan pound cake can enhance your overall dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

Fresh Berries
A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds freshness and acidity that balances the richness of the cake.
Vanilla Yogurt
Creamy vanilla yogurt provides a tangy contrast that complements the sweet flavors of the pound cake beautifully.
Chocolate Sauce
Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each slice adds decadence and pairs wonderfully with the nutty notes of the cake.
Cream Cheese Frosting
A thick layer of cream cheese frosting gives an extra creamy texture while adding a slight tanginess that works well with sweetness.
Chai Tea
A warm cup of chai tea serves as an aromatic beverage to enjoy alongside your slice, enhancing its flavors through spices.
Lemon Zest Sugar
Sprinkle some lemon zest sugar on top for a hint of citrus that cuts through the richness of the pound cake while adding brightness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Butter Pecan Pound Cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold eggs and butter can lead to a dense cake. Always let your ingredients come to room temperature for the best results.
Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too long can make your cake tough. Mix until just combined to keep it tender and fluffy.
Skipping the Toasting Step: Not toasting pecans can result in a bland flavor. Toast them lightly for enhanced taste and crunch.
Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
Not Measuring Flour Properly: Too much flour can lead to a dry cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Keep away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor transfer.

Freezing Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Wrap slices in plastic wrap, then foil, for up to 3 months.
Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat slice on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Butter Pecan Pound Cake so delicious?

The combination of rich butter, sugar, and toasted pecans creates a moist and flavorful cake that’s hard to resist.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes! You can substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer different flavors or textures in your Butter Pecan Pound Cake.

How do I know when my Butter Pecan Pound Cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready!

Can I add frosting to my Butter Pecan Pound Cake?

Certainly! A cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze can complement the flavors beautifully.

Is there a gluten-free version of Butter Pecan Pound Cake?

You can replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends to create a gluten-free version of this delightful cake.

Final Thoughts

This Butter Pecan Pound Cake is not only rich and satisfying but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding chocolate chips or spices like cinnamon. Enjoy baking this delicious treat!