Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this butter pecan cake loaf with cream cheese icing! It’s like a warm hug on a plate. The rich, buttery flavor combined with the crunchy pecans creates this heavenly texture that’s simply irresistible. I love making this loaf for everything—birthdays, holidays, or just because I need a sweet treat to brighten my day! I remember baking this for my best friend’s baby shower, and the smell wafting through the house had everyone buzzing with excitement. Trust me, when that luscious cream cheese icing drips down the sides, you know you’ve created something special. This cake is not just delicious; it’s a celebration in itself! So, grab your ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 cup pecans, chopped (feel free to toast them for an extra crunch!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pure for the best flavor
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven fired up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a properly heated oven ensures your cake loaf rises beautifully and bakes evenly. While the oven warms, it’s a perfect time to gather your ingredients and get everything ready.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and add your softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this will take about 3-5 minutes. Trust me, this is where the magic starts! The texture should be creamy and pale, and it makes all the difference in how your loaf turns out.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure to spoon and level the flour to get accurate measurements! Give it a whisk to combine everything. This step helps ensure that your leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is key for a lovely rise.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to mix it all together! Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start with a third of the dry ingredients, mix until just combined, then add half the buttermilk, and repeat until everything is blended. This method helps keep the batter smooth and prevents overmixing—nobody wants a tough loaf!
Add Pecans and Vanilla
Once your batter is nice and mixed, gently fold in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract. These little gems add that nutty flavor and crunch that makes this loaf so special. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter so every slice has that delightful pecan goodness!
Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. Now, here’s a little tip—check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready! Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. You don’t want to rush this part because the icing is going to be the cherry on top!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly moist and tender texture that melts in your mouth
- Rich, buttery flavor enhanced by crunchy, toasted pecans
- Simple preparation with easy-to-follow steps—perfect for all skill levels
- Great for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations
- Deliciously decadent cream cheese icing that takes it to the next level
- Perfect for sharing or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee
- Can be made ahead of time and stays fresh for days!
- Versatile enough to customize with spices or additional flavors
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your butter, eggs, and buttermilk to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking!
- Don’t overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and we want it light and fluffy!
- Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary, so it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer. This ensures that your cake loaf bakes at the correct temperature for the perfect rise.
- Cool before icing: Make sure your loaf is completely cool before adding that delicious cream cheese icing. Otherwise, it might melt and slide right off!
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or even a splash of maple syrup to the batter for an extra flavor twist. Get creative!
- Slice with care: Use a serrated knife to cut your loaf for clean, even slices. This way, you’ll show off that gorgeous texture when serving!
Serving Suggestions
Now, let’s talk about how to elevate your butter pecan cake loaf with cream cheese icing experience! This delightful loaf is scrumptious on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides can really enhance the flavors. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:
- Fresh Berries: A side of juicy raspberries or strawberries adds a pop of color and a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake. Plus, they look gorgeous on the plate!
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side or on top of each slice is a heavenly addition. It adds a lightness that complements the dense loaf beautifully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the cake.
- Hot Coffee or Tea: Enjoying a slice with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite tea makes for a cozy afternoon treat. The warmth of the beverage enhances the buttery flavors—trust me!
- Candied Pecans: Sprinkle some candied pecans on top of the cream cheese icing for added crunch and sweetness. It’s like giving your loaf a little extra love!
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions or get creative with your own favorites! Whatever you choose, this butter pecan cake loaf is sure to shine and become the star of your dessert table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve indulged in that delicious butter pecan cake loaf with cream cheese icing, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:
- Storing: Allow the cake to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just be sure to keep it wrapped well!
- Freezing: If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the uniced loaf. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before icing it and digging in.
- Reheating: For a warm, melt-in-your-mouth experience, slice a piece of the loaf and pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too hot! You can also warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will revive that lovely texture and flavor!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last crumb of your butter pecan cake loaf, whether it’s fresh out of the oven or enjoyed as a delightful leftover treat!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in this butter pecan cake loaf with cream cheese icing, it’s always good to be mindful of what you’re enjoying! Here’s a general idea of the nutritional values per slice:
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. It’s always a good idea to check the labels for the most accurate information. Remember, moderation is key, and this delicious loaf is all about enjoying the moment! So go ahead, treat yourself, and savor every bite of this delightful cake!
FAQ Section
How long does it take to bake the butter pecan cake loaf?
The baking time for this loaf is typically between 60-70 minutes. It’s important to check for doneness with a toothpick—once it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, you’re good to go!
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that using salted butter may alter the overall flavor slightly. If you do use salted butter, consider reducing the added salt in the recipe to balance it out.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries! You can make your own by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’ll have a perfect substitute!
Can I add other nuts or mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or even add chocolate chips for a fun twist. Just remember that the baking time might vary slightly if you add a lot of extra ingredients.
How do I store the cake loaf?
Once the loaf is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature for about 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure it’s well wrapped to avoid drying out!
Can I freeze the butter pecan cake loaf?
Yes, indeed! You can freeze the uniced loaf for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before icing and serving.
What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can use an 8-inch round cake pan instead! Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it might be slightly shorter due to the different shape.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This loaf actually gets even better as it sits. You can bake it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to ice it right before serving for the freshest taste!
[tasty-recipe id=”36477″]
