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Tender Pecan Cake Recipe with Brown Sugar Frosting

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A tender, moist pecan cake with a rich brown sugar frosting that delivers nostalgic comfort and is perfect for cozy occasions and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) pecans, toasted and chopped
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) sour cream, full-fat
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup (55g) packed dark brown sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray and line with parchment paper.
  2. Toast pecans on a baking sheet in the oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and golden. Let cool and chop roughly.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Using a mixer, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract.
  6. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with sour cream in two parts, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
  7. Fold toasted pecans into the batter using a spatula.
  8. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool cake in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then turn out onto the rack to cool completely.
  10. For the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and dark brown sugar, mixing on low then medium speed.
  11. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until spreadable consistency is reached. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  12. Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Optionally, garnish with extra toasted pecans.

Notes

Toast pecans for deeper flavor. Do not overmix batter to keep cake tender. Let cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use coconut yogurt and dairy-free butter alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan cake, brown sugar frosting, tender cake, homemade dessert, easy cake recipe, toasted pecans, comfort food

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/tender-pecan-cake-recipe-with-brown-sugar-frosting-easy-homemade-delight/