Indulge in a true Southern classic with this Butter Pecan Pound Cake. Made with toasted pecans and a rich, buttery glaze, this cake is perfect for any occasion. The cake is soft, moist, and loaded with pecan flavor—ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a comforting slice of cake!
Ingredients
For the Pound Cake
- 3 cups cake flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 sticks butter, room temperature
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole buttermilk, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon pound cake extract (optional)
- 2 cups toasted pecans, chopped
For the Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 oz butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 teaspoons half-and-half
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth and fluffy (about 3-7 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and pound cake extract.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Add Flour and Buttermilk
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Gently fold in the toasted pecans.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased and floured tube pan. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Check the cake at the 45-minute mark. Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. If there’s batter on the toothpick, continue baking until fully cooked.
Step 5: Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a cake plate. Cover with a tight-fitting cover to keep the cake moist.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened butter, cream cheese, and half-and-half until smooth and thick. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Tips for Success
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor—toast them for 5-7 minutes at 350°F before adding them to the batter.
Enjoy this rich, buttery cake full of Southern pecan flavor!