Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Published: September 4, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist and Rich Texture: Each slice of butter pecan pound cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the generous amount of butter.
Deliciously Nutty Flavor: The toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and a depth of flavor that enhances every bite.
Versatile Dessert: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy afternoon tea, this cake suits any occasion wonderfully.
Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this impressive dessert without hassle.
Make Ahead Friendly: This cake stays fresh for days, making it an excellent option for preparing in advance.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, ensure you have the right tools at hand. Having everything organized will help streamline your process and make baking enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Measuring cups
Baking pan (loaf or bundt)
Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: This tool ensures that your butter and sugar are creamed perfectly, resulting in a smooth batter.
Baking pan: Choosing the right size helps in achieving even baking and prevents overflow.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1.5 cups butter (softened)
1.5 cups sugar
5 large eggs (room temperature)
2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)

How to Make Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the moment it goes in.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease your baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. If you’re using a bundt pan, make sure to get into all the nooks.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together sifted flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed.

Step 6: Incorporate Pecans

Once the batter is smooth, gently fold in the toasted pecans using a spatula until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Remove from oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

How to Serve Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Butter pecan pound cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it plain or dressed up, there are many serving options to enhance its rich flavors.

Classic Slice

Serve a simple slice of butter pecan pound cake on its own for a classic dessert experience.

With Whipped Cream

Top each slice with freshly whipped cream for an airy complement to the dense cake.

Ice Cream Delight

Pair it with your favorite vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert that balances warmth and cold.

Fruit Compote

Drizzle warm fruit compote over the cake, adding a fruity freshness that contrasts beautifully with the buttery flavor.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat for gatherings or quiet moments.

Toasted Pecans on Top

Garnish slices with extra toasted pecans for added crunch and visual appeal, enhancing both taste and texture.

How to Perfect Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Achieving the perfect butter pecan pound cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out wonderfully every time.

Use room temperature ingredients: Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
Toast the pecans: Toasting enhances the nutty flavor of the pecans. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
Don’t overmix: Gently mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense rather than light texture in your pound cake.
Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your pound cake is ready; if not, give it more time in the oven.
Allow cooling time: Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent breaking and ensures even cooling.

Best Side Dishes for Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Pairing side dishes with butter pecan pound cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its rich flavor profile.

Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds brightness and acidity that balances the sweetness of the cake.
Citrus Salad: A refreshing citrus salad with oranges and grapefruits can provide a zesty contrast to the dense pound cake.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice enhances sweetness and offers an indulgent touch.
Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a warm chocolate sauce can take each bite of pound cake to another level of decadence.
Coconut Cream: Light coconut cream provides a tropical flair that pairs wonderfully with the nutty flavors of butter pecan.
Spiced Apples: Warm spiced apples add comfort and warmth, creating a lovely combination when served alongside butter pecan pound cake.
Vanilla Custard: A smooth vanilla custard is an elegant accompaniment that adds creaminess without overpowering the cake’s flavor.
Almond Milkshake: A chilled almond milkshake creates an inviting beverage option that complements dessert nicely while keeping it light.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and avoiding common mistakes is key to making the perfect Butter Pecan Pound Cake.

Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision. This ensures your cake has the right texture and flavor.
Skipping the room temperature eggs: Using cold eggs can affect the batter’s consistency. Let your eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.
Not toasting pecans: Untoasted pecans lack flavor. Toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their nuttiness before adding them to your batter.
Ignoring oven temperature accuracy: An oven thermometer can help ensure you’re baking at the correct temperature, preventing undercooked or overcooked cakes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Keep it in the fridge if your kitchen is warm.

Freezing Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet on low heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Butter Pecan Pound Cake.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can, but it’s best to use unsalted butter. This gives you more control over the saltiness of your cake.

How do I know when my Butter Pecan Pound Cake is done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

What can I substitute for chopped pecans?

You can use walnuts or even chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor profile in your Butter Pecan Pound Cake.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

Final Thoughts

This Butter Pecan Pound Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its rich flavors make it perfect for celebrations, brunches, or simply as a delightful treat at home. Feel free to customize it with different nuts or add spices like cinnamon for an extra twist!

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