There is nothing quite like the warm, nutty aroma that fills your kitchen when baking this Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe. It’s a dreamy dessert that brings together the rich creaminess of buttery, velvety frosting with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, all wrapped up in a moist, tender cake. Every bite feels like a little celebration of texture and flavor harmony, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a cozy moment with your favorite cup of tea. Trust me, once you try this Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you because each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this cake truly special. From the buttery nuttiness to the fluffy cream cheese frosting, every item is simple but essential.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): The foundation for that rich, creamy flavor and perfect for browning to add a nutty depth.
- Chopped pecans (1 ½ cups): These provide the signature crunch and earthy undertones.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure of the cake, making it tender but sturdy enough to hold the frosting.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Essential for a light, airy crumb.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetness that lifts the cake without overpowering.
- Large eggs (4): Adds moisture, richness, and helps with the cake’s rise.
- Whole milk (1 cup, room temperature): Brings softness and moisture to the batter.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): A warm aroma that ties every ingredient together.
- Softened unsalted butter (½ cup): For a luscious, creamy frosting base.
- Softened cream cheese (8 oz): Creates that irresistible smooth, tangy frosting.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Adjusts frosting consistency to perfect spreadability.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances frosting flavor with subtle warmth.
- Extra chopped toasted pecans: For decorating and adding crunch on top.
- Caramel drizzle: Adds a decadent, buttery-sweet finishing touch.
- Cinnamon or nutmeg dusting: Optional, for a hint of spice aroma.
How to Make Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Toast your chopped pecans in a skillet with a little butter over medium heat, stirring often for around 5 to 7 minutes. This step unlocks their full, nutty flavor and brings out an amazing aroma that sets the stage for your entire cake.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
Next, melt the remaining butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep swirling the pan until the butter turns a gorgeous golden brown and fills your kitchen with a warm, nutty scent. This browned butter is a secret ingredient, elevating the cake’s richness to an entirely new level.
Step 3: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it thoroughly and lining it with parchment paper or lightly dusting it with flour to prevent sticking. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out cleanly.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening agent evenly for a perfectly risen cake.
Step 5: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, beat your eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step incorporates air, which will give your cake a wonderfully tender crumb.
Step 6: Add Browned Butter and Milk
Slowly mix in the browned butter, followed by the milk and vanilla extract. Adding these wet ingredients gradually helps keep the batter smooth and perfectly balanced in moisture.
Step 7: Combine and Fold
Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake. Then, carefully fold in the toasted pecans for bursts of nuttiness throughout.
Step 8: Bake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to get that perfect texture every time.
Step 9: Make the Frosting
Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth. Then add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and ready to spread.
Step 10: Frost and Decorate
Spread the luscious frosting over the cooled cake. Top with extra toasted pecans for added texture and decadence, and if you want a little extra flair, drizzle caramel over the top and sprinkle a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth and spice.
How to Serve Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Extra toasted pecans and a caramel drizzle elevate the look and flavor of this Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe, making every bite both visually appealing and indulgently crunchy. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg adds subtle warmth that’s perfect for the fall or winter months.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a beverage, a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea complements the buttery pecan flavors perfectly, balancing sweetness with a gentle bitter contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into generous squares and serve on rustic wooden boards for a cozy, homey feel, or plate individual slices with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce and a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans. For a stunning dessert centerpiece, layer cake squares with whipped cream and fresh berries in a trifle dish, showcasing the rich layers and nutty crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The frosting keeps the cake moist, and chilling enhances the flavors, making each slice even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting. This makes it easy to prepare ahead and still serve a freshly frosted cake later.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, microwave individual slices for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the frosting and brings out the buttery pecan richness to life, creating a comforting treat that feels freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use chopped walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional in this recipe and provide a unique flavor, walnuts can add a lovely, slightly earthier crunch. Just toast them the same way to bring out their nutty aroma.
Is it necessary to brown the butter?
While not strictly necessary, browning the butter adds a depth and warmth to the cake that regular melted butter can’t quite match. It creates a rich, nutty undertone that complements the pecans beautifully.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
How thick should the frosting layer be?
Aim for a generous but not overwhelming layer, about ¼ to ½ inch thick. It should be thick enough to provide creamy richness but still allow the buttery pecan flavors of the cake to shine through.
Can I prepare the frosting a day ahead?
Definitely! The frosting can be made a day in advance and stored tightly covered in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before frosting your cake to make spreading easier.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe is your go-to. It’s a beautifully balanced treat brimming with buttery, nutty flavors, tender cake, and luscious frosting. Put on your apron and dive in—this cake is destined to become a beloved classic in your kitchen just like it is in mine!
Print
Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Butter Pecan Bliss Cake is a creamy, irresistible dessert featuring toasted pecans and rich browned butter in a moist cake base, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, extra pecans, and optional caramel drizzle for a decadent finish.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnishes
- Extra chopped toasted pecans
- Caramel drizzle
- A dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg
Instructions
- Toast the Pecans: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped pecans and stir frequently for 5–7 minutes until golden and aromatic. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Brown the Butter: In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and either line it with parchment paper or lightly flour it to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
- Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Browned Butter and Milk: Slowly incorporate the browned butter into the egg and sugar mixture. Then add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing gently to combine.
- Combine and Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the toasted pecans to evenly distribute them.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Garnish with additional toasted pecans and optionally drizzle with caramel sauce and dust with cinnamon or nutmeg as desired.
Notes
- Ensure butter for the frosting and milk are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- For an extra touch, toast pecans just before using to enhance their flavor.
- Store leftover cake refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
