Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings joy to every gathering, look no further than this Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake! This cake has a rich, buttery texture that melts in your mouth, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. It’s a recipe that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also fills your heart with warmth and nostalgia. I love making this cake whenever I want to impress guests or simply treat my loved ones on a busy weeknight. Trust me, once you try this cake, it will become a beloved staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this cake without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will adore the sweet, gooey goodness!
• Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual weeknight dessert, this cake fits right in.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pecans and creamy filling creates an irresistible taste that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this cake in advance and store it for later enjoyment!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake. Let’s gather what we need!

For the Cake

• 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)
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (141 g)
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g)
• Browned butter from earlier step
• 1 whole egg, softened
• 1 egg yolk, softened
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla essence
• (optional) 1 tablespoon bourbon
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, softened (120 ml)
• 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Different Nuts: Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Incorporate Chocolate: Add chocolate chips into the batter for a deliciously decadent twist.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those who need it.
• Try Different Extracts: Experiment with almond or coconut extract instead of vanilla for unique flavors.

How to Make Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes the process smoother and ensures you won’t miss anything along the way. Prepping ahead also helps keep things organized in your kitchen.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter until it turns golden brown. This step adds depth and richness to your cake. The nutty aroma will fill your kitchen and set the stage for an amazing treat!

Step 3: Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth. This creamy mixture forms the base of your gooey filling and ensures every bite is full of delightful flavor.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in one whole egg and one egg yolk along with vanilla essence into the cream cheese mixture. Incorporating these ingredients properly helps achieve that luscious texture we all love in gooey butter cakes.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents so that your cake rises beautifully without any lumps.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while mixing gently. Be careful not to over-mix; we want our cake light and fluffy!

Step 7: Fold in Pecans

Finally, fold in those lovely chopped pecans. Their crunchiness adds an enjoyable contrast to the smoothness of the cake—every bite should be a delightful surprise!

Step 8: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour or until golden brown on top. The smell wafting through your home will make waiting nearly impossible!

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake cool completely before slicing. Serve it warm or at room temperature with whipped cream if desired—it’s sure to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect gooey butter pecan cake!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Having your butter, cream cheese, and eggs at room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until the ingredients are combined allows the cake to rise perfectly without becoming dense. Overmixing can break down the air bubbles created when you beat the butter and sugar.

• Toast your pecans: Lightly toasting your chopped pecans enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch that complements the gooeyness of the cake. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet will do!

• Check for doneness: Since ovens can vary, keep an eye on your cake as it cooks. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

• Let it cool before slicing: Allowing the cake to cool completely helps it set up properly, making it easier to cut into beautiful slices without losing that gooey texture.

How to Serve Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

This delicious gooey butter pecan cake is perfect for any occasion! Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive get-together with friends, serving this treat beautifully can make all the difference.

Garnishes

• Chopped Pecans: Sprinkling some extra toasted chopped pecans on top adds an appealing crunch and enhances the nutty flavor of the cake.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream provides a light and airy contrast to the rich cake while keeping everything dairy-free.
• Fresh Berries: Adding fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries not only adds color but also a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm slices of this gooey cake, providing a creamy contrast that’s hard to resist.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits is a refreshing side that complements the richness of the cake while adding vibrant colors to your plate.
• Coffee or Herbal Tea: Serving this dessert alongside a cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances its flavors; choose something mild to let the cake shine through.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzling some vegan caramel sauce over each slice elevates this dessert even further by adding another layer of sweetness and richness.

Enjoy every bite of your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake! It’s bound to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it, making it a great option for gatherings or just to have a sweet treat on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, place it in the refrigerator where it can last up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the cake into individual slices for easy serving later.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, simply leave at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for a quick defrost.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• If reheating the whole cake, cover it with foil and warm it in an oven set to 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans in Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?

Absolutely! While pecans give this cake its unique flavor and texture, you can replace them with walnuts or even almonds if you prefer. Just chop them up similarly!

How can I make my Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

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

This cake is delicious on its own, but you could pair it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Fresh fruit like berries would also be a lovely addition!

Why is my cake not gooey enough?

If your cake turns out less gooey than expected, it may need more butter or cream cheese. Ensure you’re measuring accurately and consider adjusting your oven temperature slightly lower if it’s baking too fast.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake as much as I do! It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family or just indulging yourself. There’s something truly special about the combination of gooey sweetness and crunchy pecans that makes every bite heavenly. Don’t hesitate to get creative and add your personal touch! Happy baking!