Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings smiles and warmth to every gathering, then this Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is just what you need! This cake is a delightful blend of gooey goodness and crunchy pecans, making it a perfect treat for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. Every bite is rich and comforting, reminding us of cozy afternoons spent with loved ones. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your go-to dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this cake in no time.
• Family-friendly favorite: The sweet and nutty flavors are sure to please everyone at the table.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday or just a regular Tuesday, this cake fits right in.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare it in advance and enjoy it later, making your life easier!
• Irresistible flavor: The combination of gooeyness and pecans creates a mouthwatering treat that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create our Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake. These are pantry staples that will come together beautifully!

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)

For the Creamy Layer

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to make it even more exciting:

• Add chocolate chips: Stir in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra sweetness and texture.
• Switch up the nuts: Try using walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different flavor profile.
• Incorporate spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to suit dietary needs.

How to Make Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that the cake bakes evenly, giving you that perfect gooey texture we all love.

Step 2: Prepare the Pecans

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter and add the chopped pecans. Cook until they’re golden brown and fragrant. This step enhances their flavor and adds an irresistible crunch to your cake.

Step 3: Mix Cream Cheese and Butter

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Beat them together until creamy and smooth. This mixture will create that deliciously gooey layer in your cake!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Sugar

Next, mix in one whole egg and one egg yolk along with icing sugar. Blend until well combined. This will give your cake its rich sweetness while keeping it moist.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until everything is nicely blended.

Step 6: Fold in Pecans and Vanilla

Now it’s time to fold in those beautifully toasted pecans along with vanilla essence. This adds depth of flavor and makes every bite delightful.

Step 7: Pour into Pan

Pour your batter into a greased baking pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula. It’s okay if it looks a bit rustic; that’s part of its charm!

Step 8: Bake Away!

Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes or until golden brown on top. The aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow your cake to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature – either way is delicious!

You now have a scrumptious Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake ready to be savored! Enjoy every gooey bite!

Pro Tips for Making Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your cake is gooey and full of flavor!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese allows for better mixing and a smoother batter, which is essential for that perfect gooey texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps maintain the cake’s lightness. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake that lacks that delightful gooeyness we’re aiming for.

• Toast your pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their nutty flavor and adds a lovely crunch to every bite. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

• Check for doneness carefully: Since this cake is meant to be gooey, it might look undercooked in the center. Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.

• Allow cooling time: Letting the cake cool completely in the pan before serving helps it set properly. This way, you’ll have beautifully formed slices without falling apart.

How to Serve Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Serving your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake can elevate the experience even further! Here are some ideas to make it truly special.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich cake.
• Chopped toasted pecans: Sprinkling some extra toasted pecans on top not only enhances texture but also makes for a beautiful presentation.
• Fresh berries: A side of fresh raspberries or strawberries brings a pop of color and a tart note that complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm gooey cake, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Coffee or espresso: Serving your cake alongside a warm cup of coffee or espresso enhances its flavors while providing a cozy touch.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness and balance to each bite of rich cake, making it feel lighter.
• Cinnamon-spiced apples: Warm cinnamon-spiced apples offer warmth and spice that complement the sweetness of the cake wonderfully.

Enjoy baking and serving this scrumptious treat! Your friends and family will surely love every bite of this Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat any day of the week without the fuss of making it from scratch every time!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Slice the cake into individual portions for easier thawing.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove any wrapping and place the slice on a microwave-safe plate.
• Heat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.
• For a crispy texture, reheat slices in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious dessert!

Can I make this Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later enjoyment. Just follow our storage tips above.

What makes this Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake gooey?

The combination of cream cheese, butter, and sugar creates that signature gooey texture. Be sure not to overbake it; when done correctly, it should remain soft and moist!

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes! You can use dairy-free cream cheese and milk alternatives if you prefer a dairy-free version. The cake will still turn out wonderfully!

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

Check for a golden-brown top and a slight jiggle in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake as much as I did! It’s a wonderfully rich dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy every gooey bite, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with me—I can’t wait to see how yours turns out!