Irresistible Gooey Butter Pecan Cake Recipe for True Lovers

There’s something incredibly heartwarming about the smell of a cake baking in the oven, isn’t there? It invites warmth into your home, like a hug from an old friend. One of my favorite memories is spending lazy summer afternoons at my grandma’s house. She’d whip up her legendary Gooey Butter Pecan Cake, filling the kitchen with its sweet and nutty aroma. The cake was rich and gooey, melting in your mouth with that perfect buttery flavor. Every bite reminded me of love—and boy, did she pour hers into every recipe. And today, I’m excited to share this beautiful cake with you because it’s perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to cheerful potluck parties!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these on hand already!
• Easy to Make: This cake comes together quickly, even on busy weeknights.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of gooey butter and crunchy pecans is simply irresistible.
• Versatile: Enjoy it with coffee in the morning or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this scrumptious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for greasing)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups pecans, chopped
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Note: Using fresh pecans adds a delightful crunch! You can also lightly toast them for an added nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make magic? Let’s dive into the steps!

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with some butter and set it aside.
2. Mix the batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes!
3. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Incorporate dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to your butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine! A dense cake is not what we want!
5. Stir in the pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, using a spatula to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and dust: Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Finally, dust the top with powdered sugar before slicing. You’ll be greeted with a sweet, gooey, dreamy delight!

Pro Tips & Variations

How about adding a little twist to this classic recipe? Here are some fun ideas!

• Spice it up: A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon can add a warm depth to the flavor that complements the pecans beautifully.
• Chocolate lovers: Try mixing in some chocolate chips! They’ll create lovely gooey pockets of chocolate heaven throughout the cake.
• Nut substitutions: If pecans aren’t your favorite, walnuts or almonds work equally well. Just chop them up and toss them in!
• Dairy-free option: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, and use almond milk instead of eggs. The flavor might shift a little, but it’ll still be delicious!

Serving Suggestions

This Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is fantastic served warm—or at room temperature if you can wait! I love to pair it with a cloud of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It elevates the whole experience, balancing the cake’s richness with a cool, creamy contrast. For an extra cozy vibe, serve it alongside a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa, perfect for a chilly evening! You might even want to share it with friends and family; I promise it’s hard to resist!

Storage Tips

Worried about leftovers? Don’t be! This cake keeps beautifully. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Once cooled, cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. They’ll last for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label them!
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. You’ll get that gooey goodness back in a flash!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts or even sliced almonds can be a great substitute if you’re not a fan of pecans. Feel free to experiment!

Why is my cake not gooey enough?

If your cake turned out a bit drier than expected, it may have been overbaked. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking, as every oven can vary. You want it to be set on the outside but still a little soft in the middle!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

You can definitely make it ahead! It keeps well in the fridge for several days. Just be sure to cover it tightly to lock in moisture.

Is there a gluten-free version?

Yes! Substitute the regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go! The cake may have a slightly different texture, but it should still taste amazing.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy whipping up this Gooey Butter Pecan Cake as much as I do! It’s a little slice of nostalgia and happiness that can brighten any day. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so please come back and share your experiences, variations, or any special memories linked to your baking. Let’s make this sweet journey together, one cake at a time!

Irresistible Gooey Butter Pecan Cake Recipe for True Lovers

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in a decadent Gooey Butter Pecan Cake the perfect blend of flavors textures for dessert enthusiasts Try this easy recipe today

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for greasing)

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar

4 large eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups pecans, chopped

1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with some butter and set it aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they're fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to your butter mixture, mixing just until combined.

Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they're evenly distributed.

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then dust the top with powdered sugar before slicing.

Notes

A deliciously gooey cake with rich buttery flavor and crunchy pecans, perfect for any occasion.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12 servings
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 30g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g

Keywords: Gooey Butter Pecan Cake, dessert recipes, cake recipes, family gatherings