Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing!

Why You’ll Love Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

This Butter Pecan Cake Loaf is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight. The toasted pecans provide a nice crunch and earthy flavor, complementing the buttery cake. Paired with the tangy-sweet cream cheese icing, it’s a dessert that checks all the boxes: moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweetness. The loaf shape makes it easy to slice and serve, perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or a simple dessert after dinner. Plus, the combination of butter and pecans gives it a luxurious richness you’ll love.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for desired consistency)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans out on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Set them aside to cool.

2. Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

4. Add the pecans: Gently fold in the toasted pecans, being careful not to overmix.

5. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×5-inch loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Prepare the icing: While the cake cools, make the cream cheese icing. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the icing is too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

7. Frost the cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese icing generously over the top. Sprinkle with additional toasted pecans for decoration, if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 10-12 slices

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 60-70 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling time)

Variations

• Spiced version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients to give the cake a warm, spiced flavor.

• Pecan substitution: If you prefer, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or even macadamia nuts for a different twist.

• Coconut addition: Add shredded coconut to the batter for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store the Butter Pecan Cake Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

• Reheating: If you prefer your cake slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk. For a similar tang, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I make this cake without the cream cheese icing?

Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter cake, you can skip the icing and dust the top with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream.

How do I toast the pecans?

Simply place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake them at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re golden and fragrant.

Can I add other nuts to the cake?

Certainly! You can mix in walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! This cake actually gets better with time, as the flavors have a chance to meld. You can bake it a day ahead and store it in an airtight container.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake the batter in two loaf pans or a larger pan (like a 9×13-inch baking dish), adjusting the baking time accordingly.

Can I use store-bought icing?

If you’re short on time, store-bought cream cheese frosting can be used as a substitute, though homemade is always tastier.

Can I freeze the cream cheese icing?

Yes, you can freeze the cream cheese icing. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

How do I make the cake extra moist?

Ensure that you don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. The buttermilk helps keep the cake moist, so don’t skip it!

What should I serve this cake with?

This cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.

Conclusion

This Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing is a comforting and indulgent dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of moist, buttery cake, crunchy toasted pecans, and tangy cream cheese icing is truly a match made in heaven. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and nutty, with a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or as a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress and delight anyone who takes a bite!