Description
If you’re craving something rich, nutty, and unapologetically indulgent, this Buttery Pecan Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is exactly what you need. Toasted pecans bring buttery depth, while the soft cake layers and creamy brown sugar frosting offer sweet, caramel-like comfort in every bite. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings, fall celebrations, or anytime you want to impress with a homemade dessert. Packed with bold flavor and made with everyday ingredients, this cake is a standout in any collection of quick breakfast ideas, easy dessert recipes, or weekend baking projects.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups toasted pecans, chopped
1 cup light brown sugar (for frosting)
½ cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
¼ cup heavy cream
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
1. Toast pecans in a dry skillet or 350°F oven until fragrant. Cool and chop.
2. Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
4. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
7. Fold in toasted pecans.
8. Divide batter into greased 9-inch round cake pans.
9. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
11. For frosting: melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan until dissolved.
12. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a boil; cool slightly.
13. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
14. Frost cooled cake layers and top with extra pecans if desired.
Notes
Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor—don’t skip it!
Let frosting cool slightly before spreading to avoid melting your cake.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg