Butter Pecan Bliss Cake

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If you love the warm, nutty flavor of butter pecan, you’re going to fall hard for this Butter Pecan Bliss Cake. This Southern-inspired dessert features three moist layers of golden cake packed with toasted pecans and topped with a decadent cream cheese buttercream frosting. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a bakery-style dessert at home, this cake delivers in both flavor and presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

•  Ultra-moist and buttery layers with rich pecan flavor

•  Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions

•  Crowd-pleasing and visually stunning

Ingredients Breakdown

Cake Layers:

• Butter (1 cup, softened): Adds rich flavor and a tender crumb.

• Sugar (2 cups): Provides sweetness and helps achieve a light, fluffy texture.

• Eggs (4): Give structure and moisture to the cake.

• Flour (3 cups): Forms the base and gives the cake its body.

• Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds tanginess and enhances moisture.

• Vanilla (1 tsp): Infuses warm, aromatic depth.

• Baking Powder (1 tsp): Helps the cake rise evenly.

• Pecans (1 cup, chopped): Lend a nutty crunch and signature butter pecan flavor.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates a rich, tangy base for the frosting.

• Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds smoothness and buttery flavor.

• Powdered Sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting.

• Vanilla (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor of the icing.

Tips and Tricks:

• Toast the pecans before adding for enhanced flavor.

• Don’t overmix the batter—just mix until ingredients are combined.

• Chill the layers slightly before frosting for easier handling.

Variations and Customizations:

• Maple Pecan Version: Add a touch of maple extract to the cake or frosting.

• Brown Butter Upgrade: Swap regular butter for brown butter to deepen the flavor.

• Cupcakes: This recipe also works beautifully as cupcakes—just reduce baking time to 18–20 minutes.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Serve with hot coffee, spiced chai tea, or a glass of bourbon for a grown-up twist.

• Perfect ending to a Southern-style dinner like fried chicken or roast pork.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerate: Store cake in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freeze: Wrap unfrosted layers tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.

• Room Temp: Can sit out for up to 4 hours before needing refrigeration.

Popular Questions:

Can I use a 9×13-inch pan instead of 3 layers?

Yes, you can bake this cake in a single 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time to 35–40 minutes.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cake layers can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored tightly wrapped until ready to frost.

Butter Pecan Bliss Cake

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 1 hour (includes cooling)
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Southern-inspired layers of brown butter cake, toasted pecans, and silky cream cheese frosting—pure nutty, buttery decadence. Perfect for celebrations or when you need a hug in dessert form.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Pans:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cake Batter:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.

• Add flour mixture to the creamed butter in alternating batches with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour.

• Stir in the vanilla extract and fold in the chopped pecans.

3. Bake:

• Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

• Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until fluffy.

• Mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Assemble and Frost:

• Once cakes are completely cooled, spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides.

• Optional: Garnish with toasted pecans or a light caramel drizzle.

Notes

• For a nut-free version, simply omit pecans—still delicious!

• For added elegance, decorate with whole pecans around the top edge.

• Want extra frosting? Double the icing recipe for a thicker, bakery-style finish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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