Creamy Butter Pecan Loaf

This Buttery Nut Loaf cake combines velvety, luxurious flavors with crunchy toasted pecans, all crowned with a smooth, whipped cream cheese frosting. Coming from traditional Southern cooking, this treat stands out with its tender, damp inside and perfect blend of sweet and nutty elements, making it an ideal partner for your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

INGREDIENTS

• Unsalted butter: 1 cup, room temperature for smoothness
• Granulated sugar: 2 cups, adds sweetness
• Eggs: 4 large, incorporated individually to create structure
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, enhances taste
• Butter extract: 1 tsp (if you want), deepens buttery notes
• All-purpose flour: 2 cups, creates foundation
• Baking powder: 1 tsp, helps rise
• Baking soda: 1/2 tsp, creates lift
• Salt: 1/2 tsp, brightens overall taste
• Buttermilk: 1 cup (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar), adds moisture
• Pecans: 1 cup, toasted and chopped, gives texture and flavor
• Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened, forms frosting base
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, softened, blends into frosting
• Powdered sugar: 4 cups, sweetens frosting
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, flavors frosting
• Milk: 1-2 tbsp, thins frosting as needed

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 7:

After cake fully cools, spread cream cheese frosting across the top. Sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top if you'd like.

Step 6:

For the frosting, whip softened cream cheese with butter until fluffy. Mix in powdered sugar gradually. Add vanilla and enough milk to get the right thickness.

Step 5:

Pour your mixture into the ready loaf pan and level the surface. Bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when poked in the middle. Let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before moving to a cooling rack.

Step 4:

In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add these dry items to your wet mixture bit by bit, taking turns with buttermilk. Mix just enough to blend, then stir in your toasted pecans.

Step 3:

In a big bowl, beat soft butter with sugar until it's light and airy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well each time. Stir in vanilla and butter extracts.

Step 2:

Brown pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, moving them around until they turn golden and smell nice. Put them aside.

Step 1:

Get your oven hot at 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices. Goes great with coffee or tea.

Helpful Notes

• Want an even juicier cake? Let it sit overnight before you eat it.
• The butter extract isn't needed but will boost the cake's buttery taste.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Tip: Make pecans taste stronger by toasting them first.
• Chef Tip: Try adding a bit of cinnamon to your batter for extra flavor.

Southern Tradition Pecan Cake

This treat honors Southern baking heritage with its juicy texture and deep flavors from toasted nuts and creamy topping.

Nailing Your Butter Pecan Loaf

Watch each step carefully to get the right moistness and balanced taste. Make sure everything's room temperature before you start.

FAQs

What if I don't have buttermilk?

You can mix regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar as a substitute.

How can I tell when my cake is finished baking?

Stick a toothpick in the middle - if it comes out clean, your cake is done.

Can I save this cake for later?

You can freeze it without frosting for up to 3 months. Just wrap it well in plastic and foil first.

What's the best way to prepare pecans?

Cook them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring now and then, until they turn golden and smell fragrant.

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Summary

The Butter Pecan Loaf topped with creamy icing is a light yet indulgent dessert packed with toasted pecans. The buttery, moist texture pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the icing for a balanced taste. This treat is simple to bake, with just 20 minutes of prep and about an hour in the oven. A great choice for coffee time, brunch, or just because. With pecans lending a delicate crunch and the cream cheese icing melting into the loaf, every bite feels just right.