Butter Pecan Pound Cake is a delicious, indulgent dessert that blends the richness of buttery pound cake with the nutty crunch of toasted pecans. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a sweet bite. The cake is easy to make, with simple ingredients, and the addition of a brown sugar glaze takes it to the next level of decadence.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon butter extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup toasted chopped pecans
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Toast the Pecans:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Extracts:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla and butter extracts.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until everything is just combined.
- Fold in Pecans:
- Gently fold the toasted pecans into the batter.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×5-inch loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- While the cake bakes, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Glaze the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, pour the warm glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Serving and Storage:
- Serving: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Toasting the pecans brings out their flavor and enhances the overall taste of the cake.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain the cake’s tenderness.
- Let the cake cool slightly before glazing to help the glaze set properly.
Health Considerations:
While Butter Pecan Pound Cake is a treat, the pecans add some healthy fats, protein, and fiber to the cake. Pecans also provide important nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E.
Nutritional Information (per slice, 1/12 of the cake):
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 4g
Substitutes and Variations:
- Swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a spiced version.
- Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free cake.
- For a dairy-free option, replace the butter with vegan margarine and use almond milk in place of whole milk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Can I use salted butter? You can, but reduce the added salt to balance the flavors.
Conclusion:
This Butter Pecan Pound Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the rich flavor of butter combined with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. Easy to prepare, it’s perfect for all kinds of occasions. The cake is moist, flavorful, and topped with a sweet brown sugar glaze that makes it irresistible. Enjoy it as a snack or dessert, and watch it disappear in no time!