**Butter Pecan Pound Cake** is a delightful dessert that brings together the rich, buttery flavor of a classic pound cake with the nutty crunch of toasted pecans.
This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, holiday celebration, or a simple afternoon treat.
Below is a detailed guide to help you make this delicious cake, along with tips, variations, and nutritional information.
### **Ingredients:**
– **1 cup** softened unsalted butter
– **1 ½ cups** refined sugar
– **4 large** eggs
– **1 teaspoon** vanilla extract
– **1 teaspoon** butter extract
– **2 cups** all-purpose flour
– **1 teaspoon** baking powder
– **¼ teaspoon** salt
– **½ cup** whole milk
– **1 cup** toasted chopped pecans
**For the Glaze:**
– **1 cup** brown sugar
– **¼ cup** heavy cream
– **1 teaspoon** vanilla extract
### **Directions:**
1. **Toast the Pecans:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool.
2. **Beat Sugar with Butter:**
– In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Combine Eggs and Extracts:**
– Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
– Mix in the vanilla and butter extracts.
4. **Mix Dry Ingredients:**
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. **Alternate Dry Ingredients with Milk:**
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. **Add Pecans:**
– Gently fold the toasted chopped pecans into the batter.
7. **Bake the Cake:**
– Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×5-inch loaf pan.
– Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Make the Pecan Glaze:**
– While the cake is baking, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan.
– Stir constantly over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well blended.
9. **Glaze the Cake:**
– Once the cake has cooled slightly, pour the warm glaze over the top. Let it set before serving.
### **Serving and Storage Tips:**
– **Serving:** Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
– **Storage:** Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze for up to 3 months.
### **Tips for Success:**
– Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy blending.
– Toast the pecans to enhance their flavor.
– Avoid over-mixing the batter to maintain the cake’s tenderness.
– Let the cake cool slightly before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly.
### **Health Benefits:**
While Butter Pecan Pound Cake is an indulgent treat, it contains pecans, which are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Pecans also provide essential nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.
### **Nutritional Information (per slice, 1/12 of the cake):**
– **Calories:** 350
– **Total Fat:** 20g
– **Saturated Fat:** 10g
– **Cholesterol:** 90mg
– **Sodium:** 150mg
– **Total Carbohydrates:** 40g
– **Dietary Fiber:** 1g
– **Sugars:** 25g
– **Protein:** 4g
### **Substitutes and Variations:**
– Use almonds or walnuts instead of pecans for a different flavor.
– Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version.
– For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
– For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with vegan margarine and use almond milk instead of whole milk.
### **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):**
1. **Can I make this cake in advance?**
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
2. **Can I freeze the cake?**
Yes, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. **Can I use salted butter?**
Yes, but reduce the amount of added salt to balance the flavors.
### **Conclusion:**
Butter Pecan Pound Cake is an irresistible dessert that combines the rich flavors of butter and toasted pecans in a soft, moist cake. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, this cake is perfect for beginners and can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for later. It’s an excellent choice for any occasion!