Old School Butter Pecan Pound Cake with step-by-step instructions:
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon butter extract (optional, enhances buttery flavor)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
For the Butter Pecan Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Work
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Generously grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan (or spray with a nonstick baking spray that includes flour). Set aside.
- Toast the pecans by spreading them on a baking sheet and baking for 5-7 minutes at 325°F, stirring once midway, until fragrant. Let them cool.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- Cream the Butter, Oil, and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the Eggs:
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients (add in thirds).
- Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing.
- Add Flavor Extracts and Pecans:
- Stir in the vanilla extract, butter extract (if using), and toasted pecans by hand using a spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Butter Pecan Glaze
- Melt Butter:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Let it cook until it turns a light golden brown (about 2-3 minutes). This step adds a nutty, rich flavor to the glaze.
- Whisk in Remaining Ingredients:
- Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Assemble
- Glaze the Cake:
- Place the cooled cake on a serving platter. Pour the warm glaze evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle the toasted pecans on top of the glaze for a decorative and crunchy finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Slice and serve as-is, or pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or as a nostalgic dessert for family gatherings.
Enjoy this decadent, buttery, and nutty pound cake that’s bound to bring back memories of classic Southern desserts! 🍰