Butterscotch Pecan Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is comforting, then Butterscotch Pecan Cake is a must-try! This cake is everything you could want in a treat—rich, buttery, and oh-so-sweet, with the warm, nutty crunch of toasted pecans. Each bite is like a cozy hug, with a perfect balance of sweetness and depth. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or simply treating yourself, this cake will quickly become your go-to for when you need something special (and absolutely delicious).

Why You’ll Love Butterscotch Pecan Cake

Perfectly Sweet:

This cake strikes the perfect balance of sweet but not too sweet. The buttery richness of the butterscotch combined with the crunchy pecans makes each bite satisfying and comforting. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a treat, but not overwhelming.

Moist and Tender:

The cake is incredibly moist and soft—thanks to the butterscotch and butter. With every slice, you get a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have you coming back for more.

Easy to Make:

You don’t need to be a baking pro to pull off this cake. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering dessert ready to enjoy. The ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation is a breeze.

Versatile:

This cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy weekend at home or a holiday feast, Butterscotch Pecan Cake will impress everyone at the table. You can even make it ahead of time—just store it and let the flavors develop overnight!

Nutty Goodness:

Pecans add a delightful crunch to this cake, offering a savory contrast to the sweetness of the butterscotch. They give the cake texture and extra flavor, making it feel like a true indulgence.

Ingredients in Butterscotch Pecan Cake

Now, let’s talk about what makes this cake so irresistible:

All-Purpose Flour:

This is the base of the cake and helps provide structure. It gives the cake its soft, tender crumb.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda:

These leavening agents help the cake rise, giving it that soft and fluffy texture we all love.

Butterscotch Chips:

The star of the show! Butterscotch chips add that rich, caramel-like sweetness that flavors the cake and makes it super indulgent.

Eggs:

Eggs bind everything together and add richness to the cake. They help give the cake structure and texture.

Butter:

Butter brings the richness and moisture that makes this cake so tender and flavorful. It also gives it that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Sugar:

Granulated sugar sweetens the cake to perfection, balancing out the richness of the butter and butterscotch.

Vanilla Extract:

A splash of vanilla brings out the flavors and adds depth to the sweetness of the cake.

Pecans:

These crunchy nuts add texture and a lovely earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the butterscotch perfectly. Toasting the pecans beforehand enhances their flavor even more.

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get started! This cake comes together quickly and easily:

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. Toast the Pecans:

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re golden and fragrant. Let them cool slightly before chopping them roughly.

3. Prepare the Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Add in the vanilla extract.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the butterscotch chips. Be sure to mix gently—overmixing can result in a denser cake.

5. Fold in the Pecans:

Once your batter is smooth, fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the cake is completely cooled, cut it into squares and serve! You can even drizzle it with caramel sauce or top it with whipped cream for extra decadence. Enjoy the sweet, nutty, buttery goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 39g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 26g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 8%
Potassium: 150mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

How to Serve Butterscotch Pecan Cake

This cake is a perfect standalone dessert, but here are a few ways to make it even more irresistible:

With a Scoop of Ice Cream:

Serve warm slices of cake with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The cold creaminess balances out the richness of the cake beautifully.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce:

Top each slice with a generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence. The caramel pairs perfectly with the buttery butterscotch flavor.

With Whipped Cream:

Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream to each slice for a light, airy contrast to the dense cake.

As Part of a Dessert Table:

This cake is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or family get-togethers. It’s great served alongside other classic desserts like pies, cookies, or fruit salad.

Additional Tips

Toasting Pecans:

Toasting the pecans enhances their natural flavor and adds a lovely nutty aroma to the cake. Don’t skip this step—it really takes the flavor to the next level.

Make it Gluten-Free:

You can easily make this cake gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use one that’s a 1:1 substitute for regular flour.

Check for Doneness:

Every oven is different, so check the cake at the 30-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done. If not, continue baking and check every 5 minutes.

Storage:

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
A1: Yes! Walnuts work wonderfully in this recipe. They add a slightly different flavor but still give the cake that nutty crunch.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This cake stores well and actually tastes even better the next day. Just keep it in an airtight container.

Q3: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
A3: Yes, you can! If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to add in a handful of chocolate chips for extra richness.

Q4: Can I make this cake in a different size pan?
A4: Yes! If you want a thicker or thinner cake, you can adjust the pan size. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q5: Can I use a bundt pan instead of a 9×13-inch pan?
A5: Yes! If you’re using a bundt pan, you may need to bake it for a bit longer—around 45-50 minutes—so be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick.

Q6: Can I use salted butter in this recipe?
A6: Yes, you can! Just be mindful of the added salt and adjust the amount of additional salt in the recipe if you’d like.

Q7: Can I make this recipe without the eggs?
A7: You can try substituting with egg replacer or flax eggs for a vegan version. However, this may slightly alter the texture.

Q8: Can I freeze this cake?
A8: Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

Q9: Can I add some spice to this cake, like cinnamon or nutmeg?
A9: Absolutely! A teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg would complement the butterscotch and pecans beautifully.

Q10: How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A10: The cake should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If it comes out with wet batter, give it a few more minutes.

Conclusion

This Butterscotch Pecan Cake is a true crowd-pleaser—a moist, rich cake with buttery butterscotch, toasted pecans, and the perfect balance of sweetness. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a family gathering, or just a special treat, it’s guaranteed to disappear in no time. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and treat yourself to this delightful cake that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

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