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### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Toasting the pecans brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor. This simple step makes a big difference in the final taste of your cake.
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Spread the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet.
– Toast in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, tossing them halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
– Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before adding them to the cake batter.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pan
Prepare your cake pan by greasing it with butter or cooking spray and lightly dusting it with flour. This helps the cake come out easily after baking.
– If you’re making a layered cake, you’ll need two 9-inch round cake pans.
– If you prefer a single-layer cake, you can use a 9×13-inch baking pan.
#### Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the **all-purpose flour**, **baking powder**, and **salt**. Set this mixture aside for later use. It’s important to ensure the dry ingredients are well-combined so the cake rises evenly.
#### Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the **unsalted butter** and **granulated sugar**. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This process incorporates air into the batter and helps the cake rise.
#### Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugar are creamed together, add the **eggs** one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated into the mixture. Next, add the **vanilla extract** and beat for another 30 seconds to combine.
#### Step 6: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Milk
Now, it’s time to alternate between adding the dry ingredients and the **whole milk** to the butter-sugar mixture. Start by adding about one-third of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the milk. Beat on low speed until just combined, and then repeat the process with the remaining ingredients, ending with the dry ingredients.
Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense, so stop as soon as everything is just incorporated.
#### Step 7: Add the Toasted Pecans
Gently fold the cooled, toasted pecans into the cake batter. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without overworking it.
#### Step 8: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans, dividing it evenly between them. Use a spatula to smooth the tops of the batter.
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about **25-30 minutes** (for round pans) or **35-40 minutes** (for a 9×13-inch pan). The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
#### Step 9: Cool the Cake
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Afterward, remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
#### Step 10: Make the Glaze (Optional)
While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the glaze if you’d like to take your butter pecan cake to the next level. To make the glaze, combine the **unsalted butter**, **brown sugar**, **heavy cream**, **vanilla extract**, and a **pinch of salt** in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly until it comes to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Once your glaze is ready, pour it over the cooled cake to create a luscious, sweet topping that enhances the pecan flavor.
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### Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Once your butter pecan cake is fully cooled and glazed (if you opted for the glaze), it’s time to slice and serve! You can enjoy the cake on its own or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an even more indulgent treat.
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## Tips for Making the Perfect Butter Pecan Cake
– **Use Room Temperature Ingredients**: For the best results, ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients combine more easily and ensures a smooth, consistent batter.
– **Don’t Overmix the Batter**: When adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense and tough, so be gentle!
– **Toast the Pecans**: Don’t skip the step of toasting the pecans. This brings out their flavor and adds a wonderful depth to the cake.
– **Try Different Frostings**: While the glaze is delicious, you can also experiment with different frostings, such as cream cheese frosting or buttercream, to suit your personal taste.
– **Make It in Advance**: The cake can be made a day ahead of time, and it often tastes even better after it sits for a bit, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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## Conclusion
Butter pecan cake is a wonderful dessert that combines the rich flavor of butter with the nutty crunch of toasted pecans, creating a moist, decadent treat that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you serve it with a warm glaze, a rich frosting, or just on its own, this cake is sure to please any crowd. Simple to make but full of flavor, it’s a dessert that will stand the test of time and become a family favorite for years to come. Happy baking!
