Carol’s Butter Pecan Cake: A Southern Delight Recipe

Butter pecan cake. The very name conjures images of cozy gatherings, the warm glow of candlelight, and the rich, nutty aroma wafting from the kitchen. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors, a celebration of Southern baking at its finest. Carol’s Butter Pecan Cake, in particular, is a cherished recipe passed down through generations, known for its exceptional moistness, intense butter pecan flavor, and the perfect balance of sweetness. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring your own Carol’s Butter Pecan Cake becomes a family favorite.

**Why Carol’s Butter Pecan Cake?**

There are countless butter pecan cake recipes online, so what sets Carol’s apart? It’s the attention to detail, the quality of ingredients, and the specific techniques that combine to create a truly exceptional cake. The cake itself is incredibly moist, thanks to the generous use of butter and buttermilk. The pecans are toasted to perfection, enhancing their nutty flavor and adding a delightful crunch. And the butter pecan glaze? It’s the crown jewel, a decadent cascade of buttery, pecan-infused sweetness that elevates the cake to a whole new level.

**A Cake Steeped in Tradition**

Butter pecan cake has deep roots in Southern cuisine, where pecans are abundant and baking is a cherished art form. This cake is often served during holidays, family reunions, and other special occasions. It’s a symbol of hospitality and a reminder of simpler times, when baking was a way to show love and care.

**Ingredients You’ll Need**

Before you begin, gather your ingredients. Using high-quality ingredients will make a significant difference in the final result.

**For the Cake:**

* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 2 cups granulated sugar
* 4 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

**For the Butter Pecan Glaze:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

**Equipment You’ll Need**

* Two 9-inch round cake pans
* Mixing bowls (large and medium)
* Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
* Wire rack
* Saucepan

**Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions**

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Carol’s Butter Pecan Cake.

**Part 1: Preparing the Cake Batter**

1. **Preheat and Prepare Pans:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures easy removal.

2. **Toast the Pecans:** Spread the pecans for the cake layer (1 cup) on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch them carefully to prevent burning. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

4. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, creating a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results. This usually takes 3-5 minutes.

5. **Add Eggs:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract.

6. **Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a denser, less tender cake. Mix until the dry ingredients are *just* incorporated. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.

7. **Fold in Pecans:** Gently fold in the toasted pecans. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

**Part 2: Baking the Cake**

1. **Divide Batter:** Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

2. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness at 30 minutes. The top of the cake should be golden brown, and the edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pan.

3. **Cool in Pans:** Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cakes in the pans helps them to set properly and prevents them from breaking.

**Part 3: Making the Butter Pecan Glaze**

1. **Toast Pecans:** Spread the pecans for the glaze (1 cup) on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch them carefully to prevent burning. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Set aside.

2. **Melt Butter:** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

3. **Add Sugar and Milk:** Stir in the sugar and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. Continue to boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.

4. **Remove from Heat:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans.

**Part 4: Assembling the Cake**

1. **Level the Cakes (Optional):** If the cakes are uneven, use a serrated knife to level the tops. This will create a more visually appealing finished product.

2. **Glaze the First Layer:** Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Pour about half of the butter pecan glaze evenly over the top of the cake layer, allowing it to drip down the sides.

3. **Add the Second Layer:** Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the glazed first layer.

4. **Glaze the Second Layer:** Pour the remaining butter pecan glaze over the top of the second cake layer, allowing it to drip down the sides.

5. **Let the Glaze Set:** Allow the glaze to set for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the glaze to soak into the cake and creates a delicious, gooey texture. The glaze will thicken as it cools.

**Tips for Success**

* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Ensure that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps them to emulsify properly, resulting in a smoother batter and a more tender cake.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Toast the Pecans:** Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Don’t skip this step!
* **Cool the Cakes Completely:** Allow the cakes to cool completely before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting and running off the sides of the cake.
* **Adjust Sugar to Taste:** If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze.
* **Use a Serrated Knife for Leveling:** A serrated knife is the best tool for leveling the cakes. It will cut through the cake cleanly without tearing it.
* **Get Creative with Decorations:** While the glaze is the star of the show, feel free to add other decorations, such as pecan halves, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

**Variations**

* **Butter Pecan Cupcakes:** This recipe can easily be adapted to make butter pecan cupcakes. Simply fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes. Frost with the butter pecan glaze.
* **Pecan Praline Filling:** For an extra layer of flavor, add a pecan praline filling between the cake layers. You can find numerous praline filling recipes online.
* **Bourbon Butter Pecan Cake:** Add a tablespoon or two of bourbon to the glaze for a boozy kick.
* **Cream Cheese Frosting:** While the butter pecan glaze is traditional, you can also use a cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.

**Serving Suggestions**

Carol’s Butter Pecan Cake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with other desserts and beverages.

* **Coffee or Tea:** A warm cup of coffee or tea is the perfect complement to the cake’s rich flavor.
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
* **Fruit:** A side of fresh berries or sliced peaches can provide a refreshing contrast to the cake’s sweetness.

**Storage Instructions**

* **Room Temperature:** Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

**Troubleshooting**

* **Cake is Dry:** This could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour accurately and avoid overbaking the cake.
* **Cake is Dense:** This could be due to overmixing the batter or not using enough leavening agents. Be careful not to overmix the batter and make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh.
* **Glaze is Too Thin:** This could be due to not boiling the glaze long enough or using too much milk. Make sure to boil the glaze for the specified amount of time and use the correct amount of milk.
* **Glaze is Too Thick:** This could be due to boiling the glaze for too long. If the glaze becomes too thick, add a little bit of milk to thin it out.

**A Recipe Worth Sharing**

Carol’s Butter Pecan Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a piece of Southern history, a symbol of family traditions, and a testament to the power of homemade goodness. This cake is sure to impress your friends and family, and it’s a perfect addition to any special occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a truly unforgettable dessert.

**Nutritional Information (Approximate)**

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.* These values are estimates per slice (assuming the cake is cut into 12 slices).

* Calories: 450-550
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 100-120mg
* Sodium: 200-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Sugar: 40-50g
* Protein: 4-6g

Enjoy your delicious Carol’s Butter Pecan Cake! This recipe has been carefully crafted and tested to ensure success, even for novice bakers. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. The most important ingredient is love, so bake with passion, and your cake will be a masterpiece.

**Final Thoughts**

Carol’s Butter Pecan Cake is a labor of love, but the results are well worth the effort. The moist cake, the crunchy pecans, and the decadent glaze combine to create a truly unforgettable dessert. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to bring joy to your table. Share it with loved ones and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy Baking!