Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is a decadent treat that captures the essence of comfort food. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake combines rich flavors of butter and pecans with a creamy texture that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or enjoying it as an everyday dessert, this cake will surely impress everyone at the table.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake Base
• For the Cake Batter
• For Additional Flavor
• For Topping
• How to Make Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare Your Pan
• Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
• Step 5: Add Eggs and Cream Cheese
• Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
• Step 7: Fold in Pecans
• Step 8: Bake
• Step 9: Cool & Serve
• How to Serve Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
• Warm with Ice Cream
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
• Topped with Whipped Cream
• Garnished with Pecans
• Accompanied by Coffee
• Served at Room Temperature
• How to Perfect Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
• Best Side Dishes for Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
• Reheating Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different nuts in my Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?
• How do I know when my Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is done?
• Can I make this cake ahead of time?
• What can I serve with my Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery goodness and crunchy pecans creates a delightful taste experience.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion—from birthdays to holiday feasts—this cake is a crowd-pleaser.
• Decadent Texture: The gooey center and rich flavors make each slice a truly indulgent treat.
• Customizable Options: Add bourbon for extra depth or switch up the nuts based on your preference.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake, gather your tools. Having the right equipment can make the process seamless and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Baking pan
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Speeds up mixing ingredients and ensures a smooth batter without lumps.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan helps evenly distribute heat for consistent baking results.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base

• 2 tablespoons salted butter (28 g)
• 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans (140 g)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 g)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (226 g)
• 1 whole egg, softened
• 1 egg yolk, softened
• 2 1/2 cups icing sugar (325 g)

For the Cake Batter

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (141 g)
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g)
• Browned butter from earlier step

For Additional Flavor

• 1 whole egg, softened
• 1 egg yolk, softened
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla essence
• 1 tablespoon optional bourbon
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, softened (120 ml)

For Topping

• 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
• 5 tablespoons salted butter, softened (70 g)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, softened (120 ml)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt

How to Make Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease your baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed. This will ensure even distribution in your batter.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Cream Cheese

Add in the softened cream cheese along with one whole egg and one egg yolk. Beat until completely blended.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in your dry ingredient blend. Ensure everything is just combined; over-mixing can lead to dense cake.

Step 7: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in chopped pecans using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 8: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted should come out clean from the center.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Allow your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Serving your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake can elevate any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance the enjoyment of this rich dessert.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve warm slices topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a generous drizzle of caramel sauce over each slice for an extra layer of sweetness that complements the pecans.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Lightly whipped cream can provide a fluffy texture that balances the cake’s density, making every bite more enjoyable.

Garnished with Pecans

• Sprinkle chopped roasted pecans on top as a garnish to add crunch and enhance the nutty flavor present in the cake.

Accompanied by Coffee

• Enjoy slices alongside freshly brewed coffee or espresso for a satisfying afternoon treat that pairs wonderfully.

Served at Room Temperature

• Let the cake cool to room temperature before serving; this allows the flavors to settle and enhances its gooey texture.

How to Perfect Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

To achieve the best version of your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake, consider these helpful tips:

• Use softened butter – Ensure both salted and unsalted butter are softened for easier mixing and better incorporation into the batter.
• Cream cheese temperature – Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing; this helps create a smooth filling without lumps.
• Measure ingredients accurately – Use precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to avoid altering the cake’s texture.
• Don’t overmix – Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a denser cake rather than a light and gooey one.
• Check doneness carefully – Start checking your cake around 50 minutes. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs for that gooey center.
• Cool completely – Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing; this ensures the proper gooey texture holds together.

Best Side Dishes for Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake can enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – The classic pairing provides a creamy complement to the rich cake.
2. Coffee or Espresso – A strong coffee balances sweetness while enhancing flavor profiles.
3. Fresh Berries – Raspberries or strawberries add tartness, cutting through the richness of the cake.
4. Chai Tea – The spices in chai tea create a warm, cozy atmosphere when served alongside this dessert.
5. Chocolate Sauce – A drizzle of chocolate sauce adds indulgence, perfect for chocolate lovers.
6. Fruit Compote – A warm fruit compote brings freshness and acidity that pairs well with sweet desserts.
7. Cheese Plate – A selection of mild cheeses can provide contrasting flavors that highlight various elements of the cake.
8. Sweetened Whipped Cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream is a simple yet effective accompaniment that adds fluffiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake can be delightful, but some common mistakes can ruin its texture and flavor. Here are key pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping ingredient measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Incorrect amounts can lead to an unbalanced cake.
• Not softening butter and cream cheese: Ensure both the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth batter and better texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough instead of light and gooey.
• Using cold eggs or buttermilk: Cold ingredients can affect how well they mix. Always use eggs and buttermilk at room temperature for the best results.
• Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Every oven is different, and checking early can prevent overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store the Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake in an airtight container.
• item It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• item Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain moisture.

Freezing Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

• item Wrap individual slices or whole cake in plastic wrap.
• item Place wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• item It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

• item Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap slices in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• item Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• item Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake that might help you while making this treat.

Can I use different nuts in my Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?

Yes! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when my Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is done?

The cake should be set around the edges but slightly gooey in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake one day in advance. Just store it properly in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with my Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Final Thoughts

The Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is not only rich and flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adding chocolate chips or using different nuts based on your preferences. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a delightful dessert that everyone will love!