The Ultimate Pecan Delight Cake Recipe Everyone Will Love

Pecan delight cake whispers sweet southern comfort through every delectable slice.

Nutty aromas drift from this classic dessert, promising rich layers of indulgence.

Warm kitchens come alive with delightful memories and nostalgic flavors waiting to unfold.

Soft textures mingle with crunchy pecan accents, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Bakers treasure these moments when simple ingredients merge into something magical.

Complex yet approachable, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced cooks to its delicious world.

You can find unexpected joy in crafting each tender, caramelized bite.

Prepare to experience a dessert that connects generations through its irresistible charm.

Questions Home Bakers Ask About Pecan Cake

• Can I use salted butter instead of adding kosher salt?

Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt to prevent the cake from becoming too salty.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid having wet batter on the toothpick.

• What if I don't have corn syrup?

You can substitute with honey or maple syrup, which will provide a similar sticky texture and sweetness to the pecan topping.

• How should I store this cake?

Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For best flavor, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Pecan Cake That’s Soft, Moist, and Nutty

• Experience a delightful contrast between the crunchy caramelized pecans and the soft, moist cake that creates an irresistible sensory adventure in every single bite.
• Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that deliver impressive results with minimal effort and just 30-40 minutes of baking time.
• The unique inverted technique brings a dramatic presentation where golden pecans beautifully crown the cake, making it a show-stopping dessert that looks professionally crafted yet is surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Equally wonderful as a midday snack, weekend dessert, or special occasion centerpiece, this cake satisfies sweet cravings while offering a nostalgic, homemade warmth that feels like a culinary hug.

Ingredients Required for the Pecan Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.

• Pecans: Provides crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.
• Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, caramel-like topping.
• Corn Syrup: Helps create a smooth, glossy pecan layer.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the topping.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the pecan layer.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness of the topping.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray or Butter: Prevents cake from sticking to the pan.

Pecan Cake Baking Instructions Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

• Nonstick cooking spray
• Butter

Step 2: Create Magical Pecan Topping

• Melting butter
• Adding brown sugar
• Pouring corn syrup

• Vanilla extract
• Kosher salt
• Chopped pecans

Spread this golden mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan.

Step 3: Blend Dry Cake Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Baking powder

Set this mixture aside for later.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

• Room temperature egg
• Vanilla extract

Scrape down the bowl’s sides to ensure everything blends perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Cake Batter

• Dry ingredient mixture
• Milk

Start and end with the flour mixture. Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Carefully spoon the batter over the pecan layer, spreading it evenly. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out mostly clean.

Step 7: Dramatic Cake Reveal

The moment of truth! Immediately after baking, place a plate over the pan and flip the cake in one swift motion. Let the pan rest on top for a minute to ensure all those delicious pecans stay in place.

Tips for Texture and Toasty Pecan Layers

• Precision Pecan Placement: Spread pecans evenly across the bottom of the pan for a perfectly uniform caramel layer that looks and tastes amazing.
• Room Temperature Magic: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and egg, are at room temperature to create a smoother, more consistent cake batter.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients carefully, stopping just when combined to prevent a tough, dense cake texture.
• Toothpick Test Trick: Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – a few moist crumbs are perfect, but no wet batter should stick.
• Quick Inversion Strategy: Flip the cake immediately after baking and let it rest briefly to help the caramel topping release smoothly without breaking the cake's structure.

How to Store Leftover Slices Without Drying Out

• Refrigerate: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Seal the cake in a freezer-safe container or wrap it completely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and soft.

Pair This Cake with Drinks and Sauces

• Pair with Caramel Coffee: Brew a rich, smooth caramel-flavored coffee that complements the nutty pecan topping and sweet caramelized layers of the cake. The warm, aromatic coffee will enhance the dessert's deep, toasty notes.
• Match with Bourbon Vanilla Cream: Serve a small glass of bourbon-infused vanilla cream alongside the cake. The smooth, slightly boozy cream cuts through the cake's sweetness and echoes the rich, buttery pecan flavors.
• Create a Cinnamon Chai Contrast: Brew a spicy cinnamon chai tea that offers a warming, complex counterpoint to the cake's sweet and nutty profile. The tea's aromatic spices will dance beautifully with the pecan's earthy undertones.
• Complement with Maple Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with a touch of pure maple syrup to create a light, decadent topping. This adds an extra layer of sweetness that harmonizes perfectly with the cake's caramelized pecan base.

Flavor Variants for Your Next Pecan Cake

• Caramel Pecan Paradise: Replace corn syrup with caramel sauce and add a drizzle of additional caramel on top after baking for extra richness.
• Chocolate Pecan Dream: Mix in 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the cake batter and sprinkle dark chocolate chips over the pecan layer before baking for a decadent chocolate version.
• Maple Pecan Sensation: Substitute corn syrup with pure maple syrup and add a touch of maple extract to the cake batter for a deep, woodsy flavor profile.
• Bourbon Pecan Indulgence: Splash a tablespoon of bourbon into the pecan topping mixture and add a pinch of cinnamon to the cake batter for a sophisticated adult version of the classic cake.

Pecan Delight Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets sweet indulgence in this irresistible pecan delight cake, blending rich nutty flavors with classic Southern charm. Warm spices and buttery pecans create a mouthwatering dessert that invites you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Topping/Caramel Layer:

• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup (70 grams) light brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ¼ cups (125 grams) pecans, roughly chopped

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

Wet Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup (160 milliliters) whole milk, room temperature

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake foundation by warming the oven to 350°F and coating an 8-inch round pan with a thin layer of cooking lubricant.
2. Craft the luscious pecan glaze by melting butter in a saucepan, then incorporating brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and fold in vanilla, salt, and chopped pecans.
3. Distribute the pecan mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a rich caramel-like base.
4. Combine flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate mixing bowl, whisking until thoroughly integrated.
5. In a large mixing vessel, whip butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth cream-like consistency.
6. Introduce egg and vanilla to the butter mixture, blending until harmoniously combined and scraping down the bowl’s edges.
7. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk and maintaining a gentle mixing technique to preserve the batter’s delicate texture.
8. Gently ladle the batter over the pecan layer, ensuring complete and even coverage across the pan’s surface.
9. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until a test skewer emerges with minimal moisture.
10. Immediately after removing from the oven, place a serving plate over the pan and swiftly invert the cake, allowing the pecan topping to settle perfectly onto the surface.
11. Let the inverted pan rest momentarily before carefully lifting, ensuring all caramelized pecans remain beautifully intact.

Notes

• Prepare this showstopping cake when you want to impress guests with a stunning dessert that looks professional but is surprisingly simple to make.
• Allow butter, eggs, and milk to reach room temperature before starting to ensure smooth mixing and a tender cake texture.
• The pecan topping creates a luscious caramel-like layer that transforms an ordinary cake into an extraordinary treat with minimal extra effort.
• Inverting the cake immediately after baking is crucial to keep the beautiful pecan topping intact and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
• Watch the baking time carefully, as ovens vary – start checking around 30 minutes to prevent the cake from becoming dry or overdone.
• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness for another 2-3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg