Rich, buttery, nutty, and unapologetically indulgent. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step Southern Butter Pecan Cake done the traditional way.

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Southern Butter Pecan Cake

Servings

10–12 slices
Prep time: 25 minutes
Bake time: 30–35 minutes

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Ingredients

Buttered Pecans

• 1½ cups chopped pecans

• 3 tablespoons butter

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Cake Batter

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon butter extract (optional but very Southern)

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

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Butter Pecan Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• ¼–⅓ cup heavy cream or milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: ½ teaspoon butter extract

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Step-by-Step Directions

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STEP 1: Toast the Pecans

1. Melt butter
   Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add pecans
   Stir in chopped pecans and cook 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly toasted.

3. Cool
   Remove from heat and let cool completely.
   (Do not skip cooling—hot pecans can melt the batter.)

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STEP 2: Prepare Oven and Pans

1. Preheat oven
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare pans
   Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or one 9×13-inch pan.

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STEP 3: Make the Cake Batter

1. Cream butter and sugar
   In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar on medium speed for 3–4 minutes, until light and fluffy.

2. Add eggs
   Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Add extracts
   Mix in vanilla and butter extract.

4. Mix dry ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Alternate wet and dry
   Add flour mixture to the batter in three additions, alternating with buttermilk.
   Start and end with flour. Mix just until combined.

6. Fold in pecans
   Gently fold in the cooled buttered pecans.

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STEP 4: Bake

1. Pour batter
   Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.

2. Bake
   Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. Cool
   Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

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STEP 5: Make the Frosting

1. Beat butter
   Beat butter until creamy and smooth.

2. Add sugar
   Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time.

3. Add cream & flavor
   Add heavy cream, vanilla, salt, and butter extract. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.

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STEP 6: Assemble the Cake

1. Level layers
   Trim cake tops if needed.

2. Frost
   Spread frosting between layers, over the top, and around the sides.

3. Garnish
   Press extra toasted pecans onto the sides or sprinkle on top.

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Tips for Authentic Southern Flavor

• Butter extract adds bakery-style richness

• Buttermilk keeps the cake tender and moist

• Toasting pecans in butter is non-negotiable 😌

• Let the cake sit overnight for even better flavor

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Variations

• Bundt version: Bake at 325°F for 50–60 minutes

• Caramel drizzle: Add warm caramel sauce on top

• Sheet cake: Perfect for potlucks and holidays

• Cream cheese frosting: For a slightly tangy twist