What makes a perfect dessert combination – is it the richness of butter and pecans paired with a tangy cheese icing? This homemade butter pecan cake is incredibly easy to make and features a moist texture from browned butter and crunchy pecans, making it a family favorite. Save this idea for your next special occasion or weeknight dinner treat. Try it soon and enjoy the delightful flavors. Pin for later

Butter Pecan Cake with Cheese Icing

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, buttery cake filled with the rich flavor of pecans, topped with a creamy, tangy cheese icing. This Butter Pecan Cake with Cheese Icing is a masterpiece of simplicity, using everyday ingredients to create a truly impressive dessert. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a show-stopping result. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of butter, pecans, and cheese icing creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s both rich and refreshing. Plus, the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making it a convenient choice for any baker.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is surprisingly easy to prepare. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple to mix and assemble.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The end result is a beautifully layered cake with a creamy icing, perfect for special occasions or everyday treats. The best part? It requires minimal effort and time, making it a great choice for busy bakers.

Key Ingredients

The star of the show is undoubtedly the pecans, which add a delicious texture and flavor to the cake. You’ll also need butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and a few other basic ingredients to create the cake itself. For the cheese icing, you’ll need cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. If you’re looking for substitutions, you can try using walnuts or hazelnuts instead of pecans, or using a different type of cheese for the icing. However, keep in mind that these substitutions may affect the overall flavor and texture of the cake.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Chop the pecans and set them aside. Measure out the flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients, and whisk them together in a large bowl.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix together the butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
3. Step 3: Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan, and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
4. Step 4: To make the cheese icing, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, and mix until combined. Spread the icing over the cooled cake, and decorate with additional pecans if desired.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined.
• If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can try using a different type of nut or omitting them altogether. However, keep in mind that the pecans add a delicious flavor and texture to the cake.
• To ensure the cake is fully cooked, check it after 25 minutes and then every 5 minutes thereafter. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, and the edges should be lightly golden brown.

Heat Control

When baking the cake, it’s essential to keep an eye on the temperature and timing. The ideal temperature is 350°F (180°C), and the cake should be baked for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, continue baking in 5-minute increments until the toothpick comes out clean.

Crunch Factor

The pecans add a delicious crunch to the cake, but if you’re looking for an extra crunchy texture, you can try topping the cake with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt. The cheese icing adds a creamy element, which provides a nice contrast to the crunchy pecans.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting, try placing it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This will help the cake to set and make it easier to frost.
• If you’re having trouble getting the cheese icing to spread smoothly, try warming it up in the microwave for a few seconds. This will help to soften the icing and make it more pliable.
• To add an extra layer of flavor to the cake, try using a flavored extract like almond or coconut. This will add a delicious and unique twist to the traditional butter pecan flavor.

Storage Tips

• The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months. If freezing, allow the cake to thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
• The cheese icing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Allow the icing to come to room temperature before using.
• To keep the cake fresh, try storing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. This will help to keep the cake moist and prevent it from drying out.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This cake is perfect for gifting, and can be packaged in a variety of ways. Try placing the cake in a decorative tin or box, and topping it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few chopped pecans. You can also add a gift tag or card with a personal message, making it a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends and family.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra boost of flavor.
• Use a different type of nut, such as walnuts or hazelnuts, for a unique twist on the traditional pecan flavor.
• Add a handful of chocolate chips or shredded coconut to the batter for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Troubleshooting

• If the cake is too dense, try reducing the amount of flour or adding an extra egg to the batter.
• If the cheese icing is too thin, try adding a little more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, try adding a little more cream cheese or butter.
• If the cake is overcooked, try reducing the baking time or temperature. If it’s undercooked, try baking it for a few more minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this cake contains gluten due to the presence of flour. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative for a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This Butter Pecan Cake with Cheese Icing is a true showstopper, and is sure to impress your friends and family with its rich flavor and beautiful presentation. With its easy preparation and minimal ingredients, it’s a great choice for any baker. So why not give it a try? With these simple steps and helpful tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious and impressive dessert that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.