Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you today! Get ready to dive into the delightful world of Carol’s Butter Pecan Cake. This cake has it all—it’s light, fluffy, and packed with that irresistible buttery flavor, punctuated by those deliciously crunchy pecans. I can’t even begin to express how much joy this cake has brought into my life over the years.
I remember the first time I had this cake—it was at a family gathering, and Carol was the star of the show with her beautiful butter pecan creation. Everyone raved about it and before I knew it, I was asking her for the recipe. Since then, I’ve made this cake countless times for birthdays, holidays, and even just a Tuesday afternoon treat. There’s something so special about serving up a slice of this cake with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. It truly feels like a warm hug on a plate!
What’s in Carol’s Butter Pecan Cake?
Let’s talk ingredients! This cake is simple but oh-so-delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:
Flour: The base of our cake. I usually go for all-purpose flour; it gives the cake that lovely structure.
Sugar: A sweet touch to balance out that butter. Granulated sugar is my go-to.
Eggs: These will add moisture and help the cake rise beautifully. I use large eggs—organic if I can find them.
Butter: The star of the show! I always use unsalted butter, as it allows me to control the saltiness.
Baking Powder: This guy helps our cake rise to fluffy perfection. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
Chopped Pecans: These provide that wonderful crunch and rich flavor that pairs so perfectly with the buttery cake.
Is Carol’s Butter Pecan Cake Good for You?
While we can’t exactly call this cake a health food, let’s be honest—it’s all about balance, right?
Pecans: They are packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Plus, they contain antioxidants that can lower cholesterol levels! So when you chow down on those delightful pecans, you can feel a smidgen good about it.
But, just to keep it real, this cake is definitely indulgent. It’s best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re keeping an eye on sugar or saturated fat intake. After all, life is about enjoying our treats!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1 cup chopped pecans
This will serve about 12 slices of pure bliss!
How to Make Carol’s Butter Pecan Cake?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Give it a whisk and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, and trust me, it’s worth the wait!
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. Gradually add in the flour mixture, alternating with a splash of milk if needed, until everything is well combined.
6. Gently fold in the chopped pecans. This is my favorite part because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love snacks in their cake?
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. While the cakes cool, prepare the buttercream frosting and mix in some crushed pecans to spread a nutty delight on top.
10. Once the cake layers are cool, frost generously and top with extra pecans if you desire. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
A Touch of Pecan Perfection
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try adding in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a little warmth, or even drizzle some caramel sauce on top for extra decadence. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extraordinary dessert experience.
I truly hope you give Carol’s Butter Pecan Cake a try. I promise it will impress your family and friends (and you might even want to keep it all to yourself, no judgment here!). Give it a go, and please share how yours turned out. I can’t wait to hear all about your cake adventures! Happy baking!
