Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds dance, then you’ve come to the right place! This Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug. It combines buttery richness with the delightful crunch of pecans, creating a treat that’s perfect for any occasion—from busy weeknights to family gatherings and everything in between. Trust me, this cake is sure to become a beloved favorite!

The best part? It’s simple enough for a novice baker while also impressing even the most seasoned chefs. So gather your ingredients and let’s dive into making this mouthwatering cake together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll have this cake in the oven in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents will love the sweet, gooey goodness.
• Flexible Ingredients: You can easily adjust or swap out some components if you’re missing an item.
• Make Ahead: Prepare it in advance, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to wow your guests.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and pecans creates a rich taste that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! These are simple, wholesome items that you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need for the 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
• 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

Variations

What I love about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to make it your own! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Chocolate: Mix in some chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note.
• Nut-Free Option: Swap pecans with sunflower seeds or leave them out entirely for a nut-free dessert.
• Fruit Twist: Add chopped apples or berries for a fruity surprise in every bite.

How to Make Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cake bakes evenly once you pour in the batter.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

In a pan over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans until they’re golden brown. This process enhances their flavor and adds a wonderful crunch to your cake.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and both types of butter until creamy. Then add in your eggs and egg yolks one at a time. This creates a rich base that makes your cake wonderfully gooey.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, icing sugar, and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into your wet ingredients until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want those lovely pockets of gooeyness!

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your greased baking dish and sprinkle toasted pecans on top. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until golden brown on top. The aroma while it’s baking will be absolutely divine!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your cake cool slightly before slicing into it. Serve warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s delicious! Enjoy every gooey bite of this scrumptious creation with family and friends.

Now that you have all these details laid out, I can’t wait for you to try this Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Making a gooey butter pecan cake is a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature allows for better mixing and a smoother batter, which is key to achieving that gooey texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps to keep the cake light and airy. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, which we want to avoid for this deliciously gooey cake.

• Toast your pecans: Toasting enhances the nutty flavor of the pecans and adds a delightful crunch. Just a few minutes in the oven or on the stovetop will do wonders!

• Check for doneness with care: Since this cake is meant to be gooey, use the toothpick test wisely. A few moist crumbs should stick to the toothpick when it’s done—this ensures that it remains delectably gooey!

• Let it cool before serving: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before serving gives it time to set up. This makes it easier to slice and helps maintain that sought-after gooeyness.

How to Serve Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Presentation is everything! Here are some creative ways to serve your delicious gooey butter pecan cake that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on each slice adds a light contrast to the dense cake.
• Chopped toasted pecans: Sprinkling a few extra toasted pecans on top not only enhances flavor but also adds visual appeal with their crunchy texture.
• Drizzle of caramel sauce: A warm drizzle of caramel sauce brings an extra layer of sweetness and richness that complements the nuttiness beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy coldness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey cake, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can lighten up the meal and provide a burst of freshness alongside the rich flavors of the cake.
• Coffee or espresso: A strong cup of coffee or espresso balances out the sweetness of the cake, making it an ideal companion for dessert lovers.
• Creamy coleslaw: If you’re enjoying this as part of a meal, a zesty coleslaw can provide a crunchy contrast that complements the sweet dessert perfectly.

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas, you’re ready to whip up your own Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake! Enjoy every moment—and every bite!

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 for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep your cake fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer to keep it longer, place the container in the refrigerator where it can last up to a week.
• To maintain its gooey texture, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped portions inside a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; remember to label them with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, let the cake thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen.
• Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Alternatively, warm it up in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries that might help.

Can I make Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake without eggs?

Absolutely! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed substitute (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). This will help achieve that delightful texture without using eggs.

How do I achieve a gooey texture in my Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?

The secret lies in using softened cream cheese and ensuring your butter is well blended. Also, don’t skip the buttermilk, as it adds moisture and richness, contributing to that gooey finish we all love!

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, and you’ll have a perfect alternative for your cake!

How long will my Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake stay fresh?

When stored properly, this cake can last at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If frozen, it can maintain its quality for around two months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake as much as I do! It’s truly a treat that brings warmth and delight to any occasion. Don’t hesitate to share your baking experience, and remember—there’s nothing quite like sharing sweet moments with loved ones over this delicious dessert. Happy baking!