Sweet and Savory Butter Pecan Cake: A Comforting Dessert for Any Occasion

Looking for a comforting yet indulgent dessert that will satisfy both your sweet tooth and your love for nuts? This butter pecan cake is a perfect choice! The soft and moist cake combined with a rich syrupy topping and crunchy pecans creates a mouthwatering dessert that will steal the show. It’s simple to make, making it an ideal treat for family gatherings or any special occasion. Follow the steps below to create this delicious dessert!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 box of yellow cake mix (or homemade cake mix)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup chopped pecans (for the batter)

For the Syrup:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole pecans (for garnish)
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional for serving)

Instructions:

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the cake ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and water. Mix until smooth.
3. Add the pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans to the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center of the cake.

Step 2: Make the Syrup

1. Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the sugar and cream: Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a boil. Allow it to simmer for 3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
3. Set aside: Once thickened, remove the syrup from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Pour the syrup: After the cake has finished baking, pour the syrup evenly over the warm cake. The syrup will soak into the cake, making it rich and decadent.
2. Garnish with pecans: Sprinkle the remaining whole pecans on top of the cake for an extra touch of flavor and crunch.
3. Cool and slice: Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares.

Step 4: Serve

Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added creamy touch. This cake is perfect for any dessert table and is sure to be a hit with guests.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Cake:

• Rich and indulgent: The cake is soft and moist, while the syrup topping adds a rich, sweet flavor.
• Nutty and crunchy: The pecans provide a satisfying crunch that complements the cake’s texture.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this cake comes together effortlessly.
• Perfect for celebrations: Whether for a special holiday or a weekend treat, this butter pecan cake is sure to please.

Tips for a Perfect Butter Pecan Cake:

• Toast the pecans: If you want to enhance the nutty flavor, toast the pecans in a skillet before adding them to the batter or garnishing the cake.
• Serve it warm: This cake is best enjoyed warm. The syrup absorbs beautifully into the cake, making each bite extra decadent.
• Store properly: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.