Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is a sweet indulgence that combines the rich flavors of pecans and butter in a delightful, gooey texture. This cake is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. Its unique blend of creamy ingredients and crunchy nuts makes it stand out from traditional cakes, ensuring it’s a hit at any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of cream cheese, butter, and pecans creates a rich taste that you’ll crave.
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious dessert without hassle.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with ice cream or serve it cold as a delightful snack.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or family gathering, this cake fits right in.
- Decadent Texture: Experience the gooey goodness that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake, gather the necessary tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking dish (9×13 inch)
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool ensures that your cream cheese and butter achieve the perfect smooth consistency, making mixing effortless.
- Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish helps maintain even heat distribution while baking, ensuring your cake cooks evenly.
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (28 g)
- 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans (140 g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 g)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (226 g)
- 1 whole egg, softened
- 1 egg yolk, softened
- 2 1/2 cups icing sugar (325 g)
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (141 g)
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g)
- Browned butter from earlier step
- 1 whole egg, softened
- 1 egg yolk, softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- 1 tablespoon optional bourbon
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, softened (120 ml)
For Serving
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
- 5 tablespoons salted butter, softened (70 g)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, softened (120 ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Make Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with some butter or cooking spray. This will prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Batter Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
Beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth.
Gradually add in the icing sugar until well combined.
Then mix in one whole egg and one egg yolk until fluffy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl:
Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually fold this mixture into your wet ingredients.
Step 5: Add Pecans and Flavorings
Stir in chopped pecans along with vanilla essence and optional bourbon. Ensure everything is well incorporated.
Step 6: Pour into Baking Dish
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish evenly. Spread it out gently with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
After removing from the oven, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Drizzle with heavy cream for extra richness!
How to Serve Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
Serving your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake can elevate the experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to make your dessert even more enjoyable.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture complements the gooey cake perfectly.
- Butter Pecan Ice Cream: Enhance the pecan flavor with this nutty ice cream option.
Drizzle with Sauce
- Caramel Sauce: A warm drizzle adds sweetness and a rich flavor.
- Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, this adds a decadent touch.
Add Fresh Fruits
- Sliced Bananas: They add a creamy texture and a hint of freshness.
- Berries: Strawberries or raspberries provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
Serve Warm
- Warm it Up: Heating the cake slightly before serving enhances its gooeyness and aroma.
How to Perfect Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
Perfecting your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake can be simple with these helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to achieve the best results.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and cream cheese to come to room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a denser cake.
- Watch Your Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cake towards the end of baking to prevent overcooking.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Best Side Dishes for Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
Complement your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake with these amazing side dishes. They pair beautifully and enhance the overall dessert experience.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it adds a fluffy texture that balances the richness of the cake.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides refreshing flavors and colors.
- Pecan Pie: For true pecan lovers, this classic dessert is a fitting companion.
- Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee enhances the flavors and adds warmth.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecakes offer a creamy contrast that pairs well with pecans.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: These classic treats can satisfy any sweet tooth and complement your cake nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake, be mindful of common pitfalls that could affect your results.
- Not softening ingredients: Ensure that the butter and cream cheese are softened properly. This helps create a smooth batter that blends well.
- Skipping the browning step: Browning the butter adds a deep flavor. Don’t skip this step; it makes your cake more delicious.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of a light and gooey cake.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. An inaccurate temp can alter cooking time and texture.
- Ignoring ingredient measurements: Use precise measurements for the best results. Baking is a science, so being exact matters.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before sealing it to prevent condensation.
Freezing Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake.
How Can I Customize My Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?
You can add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even different nuts to personalize your cake.
Can I Use Different Nuts Instead of Pecans?
Yes! You can substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Each will give a unique flavor twist.
What Should I Serve with Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?
This cake pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
How Do I Know When My Cake is Done Baking?
The edges should be set, but the center may remain slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Final Thoughts
The Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is both comforting and versatile. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings!
Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert with our Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake. This sweet treat combines rich, buttery flavors with crunchy pecans for a gooey texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for gatherings or an afternoon snack, this cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or ice cream. A delightful blend of cream cheese and pecans makes it a standout option for any occasion. Whether served warm or chilled, every bite is a heavenly experience you won’t want to miss.
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups icing sugar
- 1 whole egg and 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- Vanilla essence
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth; add icing sugar, then mix in an egg and yolk until fluffy.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; fold into wet ingredients.
- Stir in chopped pecans and vanilla essence.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for about 60 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 331
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 253mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider browning the butter before incorporating it into the batter. Customize your cake by adding chocolate chips or different nuts according to your taste preferences.
