Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Hey friends!

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! This Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is one of those treats that makes everything better. With its rich buttery flavor and the delightful crunch of pecans, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite in my home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this cake brings smiles and sweet memories to every occasion.

Let’s bake something wonderful together!

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 appeal: Everyone loves a gooey dessert! It’s guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare it ahead of time for gatherings, leaving you free to enjoy the company.
• Decadent flavor: The combination of butter and pecans creates an irresistible taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome ingredients that create magic when combined. Let’s gather what we need for our Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake.

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 substitute with extra vanilla essence if desired.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, softened (120 ml)
• 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

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add chocolate chips: Stir in some chocolate chips for an extra layer of delight.
• Try different nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to cater to dietary needs.
• Infuse flavors: Experiment with different essences like almond or hazelnut for a unique twist.

How to Make Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pecan Mixture

Start by melting the salted butter in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and fragrant. This step adds depth to your cake. Once browned, add the chopped pecans and sauté them briefly until they’re toasted. Set aside to cool slightly before using.

Step 2: Cream the Cheese and Butter

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Beat them together until smooth and fluffy. This creates a creamy base for your cake that holds all those lovely flavors together.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your icing sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution throughout your cake.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Gradually add your dry mixture into the creamed butter mixture along with one whole egg and one egg yolk. Blend well until everything is incorporated. The batter should be thick but spreadable—this will give you that gooey texture.

Step 5: Pour into Your Baking Pan

Pour your batter into a greased baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top evenly. This ensures even baking so every slice is deliciously gooey!

Step 6: Bake!

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour or until golden brown on top and set in the center. The aroma while it bakes will have everyone eagerly anticipating dessert!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the cake cool for about 15-20 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature; either way, it’s sure to be delightful!

Enjoy making this Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake! It’s perfect for any occasion or just because you deserve something sweet today!

Pro Tips for Making Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Making the perfect Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is all about attention to detail and a few helpful tricks. Here are some pro tips to ensure your cake turns out fabulously every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter and cream cheese mix more smoothly, leading to a lighter batter and a fluffier cake.

• Don’t skip browning the butter: Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of your cake, giving it that delicious depth.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly. This prevents adding too much flour, which can make your cake dense.

• Check for doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked. If it comes out wet, give it a little more time in the oven.

• Allow to cool before serving: Letting your cake cool completely ensures that it sets up nicely, making for easier slicing and serving without losing its gooey texture.

How to Serve Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

This delightful cake deserves a beautiful presentation! Here are some ideas on how you can serve it up to impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans: Sprinkle some chopped pecans on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream complements the rich flavors of the cake beautifully.
• Fresh berries: Adding fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries not only brightens up the plate but also adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm gooeyness of the cake, creating an indulgent dessert experience.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad can balance out the richness of the cake, providing a nice contrast in flavors.

• Coffee or Tea: Serving this cake alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for an inviting afternoon treat perfect for sharing with friends.

• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over each slice adds an extra layer of sweetness that chocolate lovers will adore.

Now you’re all set to create and serve up this scrumptious Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a slice (or two!) whenever the craving hits. It stores beautifully, allowing you to savor its delightful flavors over several days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the cake into individual portions.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use the microwave for 20-30 seconds per slice, adjusting as needed.

FAQs

Have questions about this delicious dessert? Here are some common queries!

How can I make my Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake even richer?

Consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache on top or sprinkling extra pecans before serving. This will enhance both flavor and texture!

Can I use a different type of nut in my Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just remember that it might change the overall flavor profile slightly.

What can I serve with Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. You could also serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness!

Is there a gluten-free option for the Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?

Yes! Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. This way, everyone can enjoy this delectable treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake as much as I do! It’s a special recipe that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or indulging by yourself, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, friends!