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Decadent Butter Pecan Layer Cake with Brown Sugar Praline Frosting

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A rich, buttery layer cake studded with toasted pecans and topped with a creamy, caramelized brown sugar praline frosting. Perfect for special occasions or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) toasted pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 ½ cups (330g) packed brown sugar
  • 3–4 tbsp (45–60 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 ½ cups (300g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Chopped toasted pecans for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. Toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract.
  6. Add dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately in three parts, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
  7. Fold in toasted pecans gently with a spatula.
  8. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks to cool completely.
  10. For frosting, beat softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed for 4-5 minutes until fluffy and smooth.
  11. Gradually add heavy cream, then sift in powdered sugar and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract.
  12. Adjust frosting consistency with extra cream or powdered sugar if needed.
  13. Place one cake layer on serving plate, spread frosting generously on top.
  14. Place second cake layer on top and frost top and sides evenly.
  15. Garnish with extra toasted pecans if desired.
  16. Optional: Chill cake for 20 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Toast pecans to enhance flavor. Measure flour correctly by fluffing and spooning into measuring cup. Avoid overmixing batter to prevent toughness. Check cake early to avoid overbaking. Chill frosting if too soft before applying. For flat layers, slice domed tops before frosting. Cake can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter pecan cake, brown sugar praline frosting, layer cake, toasted pecans, easy cake recipe, dessert, nutty cake

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/decadent-butter-pecan-layer-cake-recipe-with-easy-brown-sugar-praline-frosting/