Butter Pecan Pound Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a cake that’s buttery, nutty, and melts in your mouth with every bite, this Butter Pecan Pound Cake is exactly what you need. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself, this cake combines the rich flavor of butter pecans with a soft, moist pound cake base. It’s simple to make but tastes like something from a bakery!

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to helpful baking tips and serving ideas — so you can bake the best Butter Pecan Pound Cake ever.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Pound Cake

There’s something deeply comforting about the taste of butter pecan. The combination of caramelized butter and toasted nuts creates a rich aroma that fills your kitchen and makes everyone impatient for dessert. Here’s why this cake stands out:

• 🧈 Rich buttery flavor – The base of this cake is loaded with butter, giving it that classic pound cake taste.

• 🌰 Toasted pecans – Roasted pecans add crunch, texture, and a nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with the buttery sweetness.

• 🍰 Moist and tender crumb – Thanks to sour cream or buttermilk, the texture stays soft and dense but never dry.

• 🍮 Perfect for any occasion – Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday dinner, this cake always feels festive and special.

Discover also our Peach Cobbler Pound Cake Recipe.

Ingredients for Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Here’s everything you’ll need for this flavorful dessert:

For the Cake

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup butter-flavored shortening (or replace with butter for extra richness)

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 6 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup sour cream or buttermilk

• 1½ cups toasted pecans, chopped

For the Butter Pecan Glaze (optional but irresistible!)

• 4 tablespoons butter

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted

Read also: Delicious Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cake

How to Make Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Follow these simple steps to make a perfectly golden, tender cake that’s bursting with butter pecan flavor.

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast them for about 5–7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool before folding into the batter.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy — about 3 to 5 minutes. This step adds air to the batter and gives your pound cake its signature texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with sour cream (or buttermilk). Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined — don’t overmix.

Step 5: Fold in the Pecans

Gently fold in the toasted pecans using a spatula.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased and floured 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack. While the cake cools, prepare the butter pecan glaze.

How to Make the Butter Pecan Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and milk, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil for about 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth.

Drizzle the warm glaze over the cooled pound cake. If desired, sprinkle additional toasted pecans on top for an extra crunch.

Tips for the Perfect Butter Pecan Pound Cake

• Room temperature ingredients: Always use room temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream for even mixing and a smooth texture.

• Toast the pecans: This step enhances their flavor and makes a big difference in taste.

• Don’t overmix: Once you add flour, mix just until incorporated to avoid a dense or dry cake.

• Check early: Every oven is different, so start checking at the 70-minute mark.

• Cool completely: Let the cake rest before adding glaze — this helps it stick without melting off.

Variations and Add-Ins

If you like to experiment in the kitchen, here are a few delicious twists you can try:

• Butter Pecan Cream Cheese Pound Cake: Add 4 oz of softened cream cheese to the batter for a tangy richness.

• Caramel Butter Pecan Pound Cake: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake instead of glaze for an indulgent touch.

• Butter Pecan Rum Pound Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of dark rum or rum extract to the batter for depth and warmth.

• Mini Loaves or Cupcakes: Turn the recipe into smaller servings — perfect for gifts or parties!

Serving Suggestions

Butter Pecan Pound Cake tastes incredible on its own, but you can elevate it even more with these serving ideas:

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a melt-in-your-mouth dessert.

• Add a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a buttered pecan latte for a cozy afternoon treat.

• During the holidays, top it with candied pecans or powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

How to Store Butter Pecan Pound Cake

• Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days — just bring to room temp before serving.

• Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

 

This Butter Pecan Pound Cake Recipe is a Southern classic that never disappoints. With its buttery base, toasted pecans, and melt-in-your-mouth glaze, it’s the kind of dessert that feels special yet simple enough for any day of the week.

Whether you’re baking it for the holidays or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe delivers that perfect combination of comfort and flavor. So grab your mixing bowl, toast those pecans, and get ready to fall in love with every bite!