Butter Pecan Layer Cake
Toasted Butter Pecans
1½ cups chopped pecans
3 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and stir in pecans.
Toast for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Cool completely before using.
Cake Ingredients (for three 8-inch or two 9-inch layers)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tbsp vanilla extract
3 cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour with 3 tbsp replaced with cornstarch)
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
Toasted buttered pecans (reserve ½ cup for topping)
Frosting Options
✨ Option 1: Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tsp vanilla extract
3–3½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk, as needed
✨ Option 2: Brown Sugar Buttercream
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup light brown sugar
3½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla
Pinch of salt
2–3 tbsp cream or milk
Instructions
1. Make the Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line pans with parchment.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to the wet in 3 parts, alternating with buttermilk in 2 parts.
Fold in 1 cup of the toasted pecans (save the rest for garnish).
Divide evenly into prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
2. Make the Frosting
For cream cheese frosting, beat butter, cream cheese, and brown sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, then powdered sugar gradually. Adjust consistency with cream.
For buttercream, cream butter and brown sugar, then add powdered sugar and cream until fluffy.
3. Assemble the Cake
Level cake layers if needed.
Spread frosting between each layer.
Frost the top and sides of the cake.
Press reserved toasted pecans around the sides or sprinkle on top.