Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting, you’ve come to the right place! The Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s rich, sweet, and oh-so-decadent, making it a standout choice for family gatherings, cozy weeknight dinners, or just because you deserve a treat. Trust me; once you serve this cake, it will quickly become a favorite in your household!

This cake is a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. With its gooey center and crunchy pecans, it’s perfect for any occasion—be it a birthday party or a simple Sunday afternoon with friends. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cake comes together quickly with simple steps, making it perfect even on busy days.
• Family Favorite: With its rich taste and delightful texture, everyone in the family will be clamoring for a slice.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this cake in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and browned butter creates an irresistible taste experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making the Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake requires just a handful of wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. These simple components come together beautifully to create a dessert that feels special without being complicated.

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)
• 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

The beauty of this Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients or toppings to make it your own.

• Change the Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra sweet twist, toss in some chocolate chips to the batter.
• Try Different Extracts: Instead of vanilla essence, use almond extract for a unique flavor profile.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a tasty option.

How to Make Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your pan by greasing it lightly.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter until it turns golden brown. This step is crucial because browning the butter enhances its nutty flavor. Once browned, let it cool slightly before using it in your batter.

Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and both granulated sugars until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the base of our gooey filling. It’s important to mix well so there are no lumps—you want that luscious texture!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavors

Next, add in your eggs one at a time along with vanilla essence. Mixing these ingredients well helps incorporate air into the batter—this creates lightness despite its gooey nature.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cake; aim for a nice balance!

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in those chopped pecans into your batter. They add crunch and flavor that perfectly complements the cake’s gooeyness.

Step 7: Bake!

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until golden brown on top and set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing. This patience pays off as cooling allows those delightful gooey layers to develop fully.

Enjoy every slice of this Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake!

Pro Tips for Making Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Creating a delicious and gooey butter pecan cake is all about attention to detail—so here are some pro tips to help you achieve the perfect bake!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your cream cheese, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, leading to a creamier batter and a fluffier texture.

• Toast the Pecans: Toasting your pecans before adding them to the batter enhances their flavor and gives your cake a delightful crunch. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning!

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined will help maintain the cake’s tender structure. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, which we want to avoid for that gooey goodness.

• Check for Doneness Carefully: Since this cake is meant to be gooey, it may look slightly underbaked in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating it’s perfectly done.

• Let It Cool Before Serving: Allowing your cake to cool for at least 30 minutes makes it easier to slice and allows the flavors to set, enhancing the overall taste experience.

How to Serve Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Serving your gooey butter pecan cake can be as fun as making it! Here are some creative ideas that will make your presentation as delightful as the taste.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast, balancing out the richness of the cake.
• Chopped Pecans: Sprinkling extra chopped toasted pecans on top not only adds visual appeal but also enhances that lovely nutty flavor.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice provides an extra layer of sweetness that complements the cake’s gooiness beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can provide a bright contrast and cleanse the palate between bites of rich cake.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of vanilla ice cream with warm cake creates a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to resist.
• Coffee or Tea: Serving a strong cup of coffee or herbal tea alongside brings warmth and balance to your dessert, making it feel like an indulgent treat.
• Yogurt Parfait: A yogurt parfait layered with granola and berries offers a creamy and tangy side that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake.

Enjoy sharing this delicious gooey butter pecan cake with friends and family, or savor every bite yourself!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve its wonderful flavors.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator where it will last for about a week.
• If you notice any condensation inside the container, it’s best to consume it quickly to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• To reheat individual slices, pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• For a whole cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

Can I use a different nut instead of pecans in Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pecans, feel free to substitute them with walnuts or almonds. Just chop them up similarly and follow the recipe as instructed.

How can I make my Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake gluten-free?

You can easily make this cake gluten-free by replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What is the best way to serve Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?

This cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans on top adds a lovely crunch!

Can I reduce the sugar in this Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar by about 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet cake. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture but should still result in a delicious treat.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake as much as I do! It’s one of those recipes that brings comfort and happiness into your home. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it solo, it’s bound to be a hit. Happy baking, and don’t hesitate to try it out—you’ll be glad you did!