
Decadent Butter Pecan Cake: A Sweet and Nutty Delight
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this rich and indulgent butter pecan cake. With a golden, buttery base topped with a syrupy glaze and crunchy pecans, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday meal or a casual gathering, this cake promises to be the highlight of your dessert table. Follow this easy recipe for an unforgettable treat.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (or homemade cake mix)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup chopped pecans (added to the batter)
For the Syrup Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole pecans (for garnish)
- Whipped cream or ice cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake.
- Make the cake batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and water. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in the pecans: Add the chopped pecans to the batter, mixing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
Step 2: Prepare the Syrup Topping
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sugar and cream: Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then simmer for about 3 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
- Set aside: Once the topping is thickened, remove it from heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Pour the syrup over the cake: When the cake is done baking, pour the syrup mixture over the warm cake. Allow it to soak into the cake for a rich and sweet flavor.
- Garnish with pecans: Sprinkle the whole pecans on top of the cake for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
- Cool slightly and slice: Let the cake cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm syrup and toasted pecans make this cake a truly indulgent dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Cake:
- Buttery and moist: The cake is made with butter and has a soft, moist texture that pairs perfectly with the rich syrup topping.
- Crunchy and sweet: The pecans add a satisfying crunch and a lovely nutty flavor, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the cake.
- Quick and easy: Made with simple ingredients, this cake is easy to prepare and comes together in no time.
- Perfect for any event: Whether it’s a festive holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner, this cake is sure to be a hit.
Expert Tips:
- Toast the pecans: For a deeper, more enhanced flavor, toast your pecans in a dry skillet before adding them to the batter or topping the cake.
- Serve warm: This cake is best served warm, and it’s even better with ice cream or whipped cream on top.
- Store leftovers properly: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.