Description
If you’re craving a rich and nutty dessert that feels like a warm hug, this Buttery Pecan Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is everything you need. This cake is soft, fluffy, and filled with toasted pecans, making every bite deeply satisfying. Topped with a creamy, caramel-kissed brown sugar frosting, it’s a show-stopping centerpiece for holidays, potlucks, or weekend baking. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast treat, easy dessert idea, or a comforting food idea to share with family, this easy recipe checks all the boxes. Ideal for those who love breakfast ideas that lean sweet or dinner ideas that end on a high note.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 cup chopped toasted pecans
4 tablespoons butter (for frosting)
1/2 cup brown sugar (for frosting)
4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and toast chopped pecans on a baking sheet for 6–8 minutes. Cool completely.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry.
6. Fold in the toasted pecans evenly into the batter.
7. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans. Divide the batter evenly.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
9. For the frosting, heat butter and brown sugar in a saucepan until bubbly. Let cool.
10. Beat in cream cheese, then gradually add powdered sugar. Adjust consistency with milk or cream.
11. Frost cooled cake layers and decorate with extra toasted pecans if desired.
Notes
For deeper flavor, don’t skip toasting the pecans—it makes a noticeable difference.
If the frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before using.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: buttery pecan cake, brown sugar frosting, easy dessert, nutty cake, cake recipe