As I emerged from my bustling kitchen, the warm aroma of toasted pecans filled the air, transporting me to cherished family gatherings. I couldn't wait to share this Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing, a recipe that seamlessly marries delightful nostalgia with effortless indulgence. With its quick prep time and the ability to please any crowd, this cake loaf is my go-to when I want to impress without spending the entire day in the kitchen. The cream cheese icing adds a luscious finish, making each slice a perfect companion for afternoon tea or a cozy dessert after dinner. Ready to tantalize your taste buds and bring a touch of warmth to your home? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Cake Loaf?
Unforgettable Flavors: The delightful blend of buttery richness and toasted pecans provides a taste that's both comforting and sophisticated.
Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this dreamy loaf in no time, perfect for busy days!
Crowd-Pleaser: Slice it up for gatherings or family dinners; everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Creamy Finish: The smooth cream cheese icing elevates each bite, creating a heavenly combination that pairs wonderfully with your afternoon coffee or tea.
Versatile Delight: You can easily make this recipe gluten-free or customize the icing for a dairy-free option to suit your dietary needs!
Butter Pecan Cake Loaf Ingredients
For the Cake
- Unsalted butter – a rich, creamy base that keeps your cake moist and flavorful.
- Sugar – adds sweetness and helps achieve that golden-brown crust.
- Large eggs – they bind the ingredients together and give structure to your loaf.
- All-purpose flour – provides the necessary stability; feel free to substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed.
- Baking powder – ensures your loaf rises beautifully to a delightful height.
- Baking soda – balances acidity and enhances the loaf’s fluffiness.
- Salt – a pinch elevates the overall flavor, making the sweetness pop.
- Vanilla extract – infuses a lovely warmth and depth to your cake.
- Buttermilk – adds moisture and a slight tang that enhances the richness.
- Chopped toasted pecans – delivers a crunchy texture and buttery flavor, making this Butter Pecan Cake Loaf truly special.
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- Cream cheese – offers a velvety texture that’s creamy yet tangy.
- Powdered sugar – sweetens the icing while providing a smooth consistency.
- Milk – adjust as needed to achieve your desired icing thickness for that perfect drizzle!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease a standard loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal later. This step sets the stage for your Butter Pecan Cake Loaf, allowing it to rise perfectly while baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, a beautiful pale yellow in color. This incorporation of air will give your loaf a delightful texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Carefully add 4 large eggs to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, one at a time. Beat each egg in thoroughly before adding the next; this helps the ingredients bind well together. After the last egg, the batter should be smooth and unified, ready for the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents in your Butter Pecan Cake Loaf. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients for a smooth batter.
Step 5: Add Buttermilk and Flavor
Pour in 1 cup of buttermilk and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the combined mixture. Blend everything on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a moist loaf without excess gluten development. The batter should be slightly thick and creamy.
Step 6: Fold in Pecans
Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped toasted pecans using a spatula. This addition not only enhances the flavor with some crunch but also adds a delightful texture. Ensure the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the batter for a scrumptious experience in every slice.
Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 8: Prepare the Icing
While your Butter Pecan Cake Loaf is baking, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 oz of cream cheese and ½ cup of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gradually add ½ cup of milk, mixing until reaching your desired consistency—creamy but pourable.
Step 9: Cool and Ice the Loaf
Once the loaf is baked to golden perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When cool, drizzle the cream cheese icing generously over the top of the loaf for a delightful finishing touch.
Tips for the Best Butter Pecan Cake Loaf
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined, especially after adding the flour mixture. Overmixing can lead to a dense Butter Pecan Cake Loaf rather than a light and fluffy one.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check if the loaf is baked through. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready; avoid baking too long to prevent dryness.
Pecan Toasting Tips: Toasting your pecans enhances their flavor significantly. Just keep an eye on them! They can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quite quickly.
Adjust Icing Consistency: When making the cream cheese icing, add milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thick, it won't drizzle nicely over the loaf.
Butter Pecan Cake Loaf Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists on your Butter Pecan Cake Loaf and make it uniquely yours!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute buttermilk with almond or coconut milk and use vegan cream cheese for the icing.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a safe, scrumptious option.
- Nut-Free: Leave out the pecans entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch without the nuts.
- Flavor Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla for a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with pecans.
- Cinnamon Twist: Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the batter for a warm, spicy kick that enhances the loaf's richness.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Top with melted chocolate instead of cream cheese icing for a luscious, dessert-like indulgence!
- Caramel Touch: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the icing for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Fruit Add-ins: Stir in 1 cup of diced apples or pears for a fruity twist, adding moisture and a touch of freshness to each bite.
These variations allow you to customize the flavor and presentation of your cake loaf. Looking for more delicious ideas? You might enjoy indulging in treats like Chocolate Cream Cheese or crafting a lovely blend like mine with Banana Bread Frosting. Happy baking!
How to Store and Freeze Butter Pecan Cake Loaf
Room Temperature: Store your Butter Pecan Cake Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps it moist and delicious, ready for any craving.
Fridge: If you prefer longer storage, you can keep the loaf in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Ensure it's wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other odors.
Freezer: For ultimate freshness, freeze the loaf for up to 3 months. Slice it first for easy thawing, wrapping each piece in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: Thaw the Butter Pecan Cake Loaf in the fridge overnight. To warm individual slices, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until heated through, bringing back that freshly baked goodness!
Make Ahead Options
These Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly and refrigerate to maintain freshness. For the best results, mix in the pecans just before baking to ensure they retain their crunch. If you prefer, you can bake the loaf a day ahead and let it cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap to keep it moist. When ready to serve, simply drizzle the cream cheese icing on top, and you'll have a delightful dessert that tastes just as delicious as if you made it fresh!
What to Serve with Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing
Indulging in the rich, buttery flavors of this loaf can be even more delightful when paired with the right accompaniments.
- Fresh Brewed Coffee: The warm, robust flavors of your favorite brew perfectly balance the sweetness of the cake, creating a comforting experience.
- Herbal Tea: A fragrant herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, offers a soothing contrast to the rich icing, enhancing relaxation during your afternoon break.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts over warm cake, adding a delightful chill and extra sweetness for a decadent dessert moment.
- Whipped Cream: Fluffy, lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy touch that pairs beautifully with the dense cake, making every bite a luxurious treat.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of fresh berries and citrus complements the nutty flavors while providing a burst of freshness to brighten your plate.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling a warm caramel sauce over each slice invites a sweet, buttery note that enhances the pecan flavor, creating irresistible richness.
- Chocolate Ganache: For those who adore chocolate, a silky ganache adds a lusciously decadent layer of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the cake's nuttiness.
Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe FAQs
What type of pecans should I use for the Butter Pecan Cake Loaf?
I recommend using fresh, raw pecans that you toast yourself! To toast, simply place the chopped pecans on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re fragrant and golden brown. This process enhances their natural flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your loaf.
How should I store the Butter Pecan Cake Loaf after baking?
You can store your Butter Pecan Cake Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for that fresh-baked taste!
Can I freeze the Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing?
Absolutely! For freezing, slice the loaf into individual pieces for easy servings. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy a slice any time you want! It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and gently warm in the microwave for a touch of warmth.
What if my Butter Pecan Cake Loaf doesn’t rise properly?
If your cake doesn’t rise as expected, it could be due to stale ingredients. Always check the expiration dates on your baking powder and baking soda, as they should be fresh to provide the necessary lift. Uniform mixing is also crucial; be careful not to overmix once you add the flour, as this can lead to a dense loaf. If you follow these tips, you should end up with a beautifully risen, fluffy Butter Pecan Cake Loaf.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make a gluten-free version of the Butter Pecan Cake Loaf! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your additional ingredients, like baking powder, are also certified gluten-free. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Delicious Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Electric Mixer
- mixing bowls
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup Sugar
- 4 large Eggs
- 2 cups All-purpose flour or gluten-free blend
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 cup Chopped toasted pecans
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- 8 oz Cream cheese
- 0.5 cup Powdered sugar
- 0.5 cup Milk adjust for desired thickness
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Cream together the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, then combine with the wet mixture.
- Pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract, and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped toasted pecans.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.
- Prepare the cream cheese icing by beating together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk.
- Cool the loaf for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and ice it.
Leave a Reply