Sweet and nutty Southern Pecan Cake Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen, y’all! As a southern cook, I am thrilled to share with you my favorite recipe for the most delicious southern pecan cake you will ever taste. This is not just any ordinary cake, my friends. This is a pecan praline cake that combines the nutty flavor of pecans with a rich and moist cake base.
I grew up in the southern United States, where pecans are as essential to our cuisine as grits and collard greens. Living in the south means we make everything from scratch, especially desserts. Baking is something we take seriously here, and when it comes to pecan cakes, this recipe is a true winner.
In this article, I will guide you on how to make this decadent southern pecan praline cake using easy-to-find ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder and of course, pecans! So roll up your sleeves and let’s get baking! Trust me; your friends and family will be begging for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of Southern-style desserts? Are you looking for a cake recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing? Then, the Southern Pecan Cake Recipe is definitely for you!
What’s not to love about a moist and decadent cake infused with the delightful flavors of brown sugar, pecans, and nutmeg? Just the aroma of this cake baking in the oven will make your mouth water. One bite and you’ll be transported to a world of Southern comfort where life is sweet and easy.
This cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The rich, buttery flavor combined with the crunch of toasted pecans and subtle notes of nutmeg creates a symphony of flavors in your mouth. This unique combination of ingredients results in a perfect balance between sweetness and nuttiness.
Furthermore, the recipe is easy to follow, and the ingredients are simple and readily available. So, whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for all skill levels.
If you are looking for a dessert that’s sure to impress, then look no further than this Southern Pecan Cake Recipe. Trust me; it will be your new go-to dessert recipe!
Ingredient List
Before we dive into creating our delectable southern pecan cake, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients. Don’t worry, this cake recipe will not require a lot of fuss in terms of ingredients. Most of what you need can be easily found in your pantry or at your local grocery store. Here is a list of everything you’ll need to create this scrumptious cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (I recommend Betty Crocker)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup Southern Butter Pecan coffee creamer
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 ~~cups~~ sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Some Ingredient Notes
It’s important to never substitute an ingredient with something that you don’t think tastes good on its own. Making substitutions for specific dietary needs is okay and I will point out some substitutions later in the article, but it’s important to remember not to stray too far from the original recipe to maintain its classic taste.
The Southern Butter Pecan coffee creamer adds a special touch to this recipe, but if it isn’t available for purchase or if you prefer another flavor, you can use any other milk or creamer except for heavy whipping cream.
You may notice that there are no raisins listed in this recipe, although they are commonly used in pecan cakes as an added fruit component. Sometimes people tend to add raisins without accounting for the extra moisture they bring which can throw off the balance and texture of the cake.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Before we get started with the recipe, it’s important to prepare your baking pan. Grease a 9-inch cake pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter, then sprinkle with flour to prevent sticking. After that, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix all the dry ingredients together thoroughly.
Step 3: Add Butter and Eggs
Next, add 1 cup of softened butter to the dry mixture while slowly stirring the batter. Once fully incorporated, add in 4 large eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next.
Step 4: Fold In Pecans and Raisins
Now comes the delicious part! Fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans and 1 cup of raisins into the batter, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Make Pecan Praline Frosting
While waiting for the cake to bake, it’s time to make the topping! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Once melted, stir in 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup of milk, and 2 cups of powdered sugar until fully combined. Finally, mix in 1 cup of chopped pecans, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout.
Step 7: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is done baking and has cooled completely, spread the pecan praline frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Now all that’s left is to serve and enjoy your delicious Southern Pecan Cake!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making a southern pecan cake, there are endless possibilities for substitutions and variations. Depending on your taste preferences and dietary restrictions, here are some options to consider:
– Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour if you prefer a nuttier flavor.
– Vegan: For a vegan version, substitute the eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water for each egg) and use vegan butter instead of regular butter. You can also replace the cream cheese frosting with a vegan cream cheese or tofu-based frosting.
– Chocolate: For a decadent twist on the classic recipe, add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and mix in chocolate chips with the chopped pecans. You can also top the cake with a chocolate ganache frosting.
– Fruit: For added sweetness and texture, add 1 cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the batter. You can also mix in chopped apples or peaches for a fruity twist.
– Pecan Praline Overload: If you’re a fan of all things praline, try incorporating more into the recipe. Add crushed pralines to the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking. You can also swap out the cream cheese frosting for a decadent pecan praline frosting.
– Cake Mix: If you’re looking for an easier option, start with a boxed butter pecan or yellow cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch. Simply add in chopped pecans and follow the remaining instructions on the box.
No matter which variation you choose, these substitutions will help you create a unique and flavorful version of this classic southern delicacy.
Serving and Pairing
Southern pecan cake is perfectly paired with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. The rich, buttery flavor of the cake complements the nutty and caramel-like taste of pecans. It can also be enjoyed as a dessert after a hearty southern-style meal or as a midday snack.
For an added touch of sweetness, you can serve this cake with a drizzle of butter sauce or caramel sauce. You can also top it with whipped cream, fresh fruits or even more chopped pecans.
If you are feeling adventurous, try serving this cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or serving it as part of a larger dessert spread that includes other traditional southern desserts such as pecan pie, pecan bars or pralines.
This cake is perfect for celebrations and gatherings. Whether it’s an outdoor barbecue or a fancy dinner party, you can dress up this cake by serving it on a platter and decorating it with fresh flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this southern pecan cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will have your guests coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re making this Southern Pecan Cake for a special occasion or just want to save some time, you can easily make it ahead of time. This cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored properly.
To make in advance, bake the cake and allow it to cool completely. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create an even richer taste.
To reheat the cake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. You can also heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting may become slightly firm once chilled, but just let it sit at room temperature before serving again.
It’s important to note that while this cake can be made ahead of time and stored, it’s best to wait until a few hours before serving to add the pecan praline frosting. If you frost the cake too early, the pecan praline frosting may begin to melt and slide off the cake.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients ready to make the perfect Southern Pecan Cake, it’s time to ensure that it turns out just right. Here are some tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years to get the best results with this recipe:
1. Use fresh ingredients: Make sure that your eggs, butter, and pecans are fresh. Fresh ingredients will impact the texture and flavor of your cake.
2. Room temperature eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature before preparing the batter. Room-temperature eggs combine more easily with other ingredients which leads to a more evenly baked cake.
3. Don’t overmix: Overmixing will cause the cake to become dense or tough. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined.
4. Avoid opening the oven: It’s tempting but avoid opening your oven door frequently during baking as this may prevent your cake from rising correctly.
5. Check for doneness: Always test the center of your pecan cake towards the end of its bake time by inserting a toothpick or skewer in its center. If it comes out clean, it’s time to take it out!
6. Let it cool completely: Allow your southern pecan cake to cool completely before adding frosting or slicing! This will prevent having a crumbly mess when cutting it.
7. Use sharp knives: When cutting cakes like this one, use a sharp knife to ensure a smooth cut as well as reducing crumbling or tearing of the cake.
By following these simple tips, you’re sure to have a perfectly baked Southern Pecan Cake that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Pecan Cake Recipe is simply irresistible, with its delicious blend of flavors and textures that make it one of the best cake recipes out there. Whether you’re a fan of pecan pie or looking for a new dessert to add to your collection, this cake is sure to be a hit.
So, why not give this recipe a try? With customizable variations and the option to store and reheat it for later, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Plus, with these tips for perfect results, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with your culinary skills.
Don’t just take my word for it, give this recipe a go and see for yourself why Southern Pecan Cake is a staple in Southern cuisine. I guarantee that once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!
Southern Pecan Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 6 eggs
- 4 cups flour
- 1 nutmeg, grated
- 1 orange rind, grated
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 cup whiskey
- 1 quart pecans, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 lb raisins
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Blend in the rest of the ingredients.
- Pour in a tube pan and bake at 350F for 2 hours.