Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing
If you’re looking for a delightful baked treat, this Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing is an excellent choice. Combining the rich flavors of butter and pecans with a creamy icing, this cake loaf is perfect for any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
This Butter Pecan Cake Loaf is not only delicious but also offers a comforting taste that many people cherish. The nuttiness from the pecans complements the buttery cake beautifully, creating a moist and flavorful loaf that is sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a casual get-together, or simply as a special treat for yourself, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. Additionally, the cream cheese icing adds a luscious finish that makes the cake feel extra special.
How to Make Butter Pecan Cake Loaf
Creating a Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing at home is a rewarding experience. Here’s how to do it step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the cream cheese icing, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy.
- Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Once the cake is cool, drizzle or spread the icing over the top. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success with Butter Pecan Cake Loaf
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature. This helps the mixture blend more easily, making a lighter cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Toast the Pecans: For added flavor, consider toasting the pecans lightly in a skillet before mixing them into the batter. This enhances their nuttiness.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness around the 60-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before icing it. This prevents the icing from melting into the cake and losing its texture.
Flavor Variations for Butter Pecan Cake Loaf
- Maple Flavor: Incorporate maple syrup into the batter for a touch of autumn. You can replace some of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for added depth.
- Add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile. They pair wonderfully with the pecans.
- Spices: Spice things up by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture. Warm spices complement the buttery cake beautifully.
- Fruit: Mix in some dried cranberries or chopped apples for added sweetness and texture.
- Lemon Twist: For a citrusy zing, add the zest of one lemon to the batter and substitute lemon juice for some of the milk in the icing.
Serving Suggestions for Butter Pecan Cake Loaf
- Coffee Companion: This cake loaf pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. Serve slices at breakfast or enjoy as an afternoon snack.
- Dessert Delight: Serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent experience.
- Picnic Treat: Cut into slices and pack them for a picnic. The cake holds up well, making it an easy transportable treat.
- Gift Option: Wrap a loaf in pretty paper and share it with friends and family. Homemade treats are always appreciated!
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Butter Pecan Cake Loaf
- Room Temperature: Store the Butter Pecan Cake Loaf at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can refrigerate it to extend its life by a couple of days. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: The cake loaf freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Icing Storage: If you have leftover cream cheese icing, it can be stored in the fridge for up to one week. Re-whip before using for a fresh spread.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|—————|———-|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 230mg |
FAQ About Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but it’s best to reduce or eliminate any additional salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering the flavor.
How can I make the icing more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor of the cream cheese icing by adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or almond extract. This will give a delicious twist to the overall taste.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! If you have allergies or simply prefer different nuts, walnuts or hazelnuts can be wonderful alternatives. Just make sure to chop them to the same size as the pecans.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Ensure it’s a blend designed for baking to achieve the best texture.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done baking when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If the toothpick is covered in wet batter, it needs more time in the oven.
Final Thoughts
The Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing is a deliciously comforting treat that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own. Its rich flavors and pleasing texture make it a standout recipe that any home baker can master. With a few easy steps, you can bake a loaf that not only looks wonderful but tastes even better. Enjoy creating this loaf and treating your friends and family to a slice of delightful goodness!
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Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful butter pecan cake loaf topped with creamy icing, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the cream cheese icing, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Once the cake is cool, drizzle or spread the icing over the top. Enjoy!
Notes
Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Consider toasting pecans for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
