Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that perfectly balances rich, nutty flavors with creamy frosting and a tender crumb, look no further than the Butter Pecan Bliss Cake. This Southern-inspired classic, layered with toasted pecans and slathered in a dreamy cream cheese frosting, is my not-so-secret weapon for celebrations and cozy gatherings alike. With its irresistible blend of buttery cake, crunchy pecans, and smooth sweetness, the Butter Pecan Bliss Cake is sure to win hearts and spark smiles at any table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Butter Pecan Bliss Cake is simple, but each one plays a magical role in creating the cake’s unforgettable flavor and texture. Pay special attention to the quality of your butter and pecans — these are the backbone of this crowd-pleasing dessert!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Delivers a rich base and essential moisture to the cake layers.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the cake while helping it bake up fluffy and golden.
- Large eggs (4): Bind the batter and add structure, making for a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and depth to both the cake and frosting.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): Provides the backbone for the cake’s soft, tender body.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Ensures every bite rises beautifully.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances out sweetness and enhances flavors throughout.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Adds moisture for a light, supple texture.
- Chopped pecans, toasted (1 cup): The star ingredient, bringing nutty crunch and unbeatable aroma!
- Unsalted butter for frosting (1/2 cup): Along with cream cheese, creates that signature creamy frosting.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): Lends richness and a gentle tang to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sifts in delicate sweetness, ensuring a fluffy, glossy frosting.
- Vanilla extract for frosting (1 teaspoon): Carries the smooth vanilla undertones all the way into the frosting.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Lightens the frosting, making it effortlessly spreadable.
- Extra toasted pecans for garnish: Finish with flair, color, and extra crunch!
How to Make Butter Pecan Bliss Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure your cakes release easily with beautiful, intact edges.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar. This is where the magic begins — beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale, creating the foundation for an airy cake. Don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that signature sweet aroma that makes Butter Pecan Bliss Cake so mouthwatering.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and helps the cake rise uniformly.
Step 5: Combine with Milk and Pecans
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Always begin and end with dry ingredients. Once just combined, gently fold in the toasted pecans for nutty bursts in every bite.
Step 6: Divide and Bake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should be lightly golden and springy.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Patience here will keep your Butter Pecan Bliss Cake layers from melting the frosting!
Step 8: Make the Frosting
Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream, beating until the frosting is light, luscious, and spreadable — just begging to be slathered between cake layers.
Step 9: Assemble and Frost
Arrange your first layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous scoop of frosting atop, then repeat with remaining layers. Smooth frosting over the sides and top, finishing with a flourish of extra toasted pecans for irresistible texture and eye appeal.
How to Serve Butter Pecan Bliss Cake
Garnishes
For the dreamiest finish, crown your Butter Pecan Bliss Cake with a shower of extra toasted pecans. These not only make every slice look bakery-beautiful, but they also echo the cake’s nutty heart. For a special touch, a caramel drizzle over the top catches the light and brings a sumptuous, toffee-like richness to each forkful.
Side Dishes
This cake shines brightest alongside a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream, letting every bite melt together in decadent harmony. For a grown-up flair, try pairing with a dark coffee or even a nip of bourbon-spiked whipped cream. Light, fresh berries also add a welcome burst of tartness.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, transform your Butter Pecan Bliss Cake into petite layer cakes by baking in mini pans and frosting individually. You can also cut into generous cubes for a serve-yourself dessert bar or use mason jars for stylish parfaits layered with frosting and caramel. Let your creativity shine — this cake adapts beautifully to any gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butter Pecan Bliss Cake keeps wonderfully covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, store in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay moist for four to five days. Bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you wish to make your Butter Pecan Bliss Cake in advance, bake the layers and freeze them (wrapped well in plastic and foil) for up to three months. You can also freeze the frosted whole cake, though for best results, freeze before assembling then frost after thawing.
Reheating
To revive slices that have come from the fridge, allow them to come to room temperature on the counter. If you’d like a gently warmed slice (highly recommended with a bit of ice cream), microwave for just 10–15 seconds; watch the frosting so it doesn’t melt too much!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pecans, or should I toast them myself?
While you can use store-bought toasted pecans, taking a few extra minutes to toast fresh pecans in a skillet with butter and a touch of brown sugar transforms the flavor — they become aromatic, crisp, and utterly irresistible in the Butter Pecan Bliss Cake.
What’s the secret to a moist cake layer?
The key is not to overbake and to measure both flour and milk precisely. Creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly and alternating wet and dry ingredients keeps the Batter light and prevents a dense crumb. Trust the toothpick test and cool the layers promptly!
Can I make the Butter Pecan Bliss Cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (one that’s meant for baking). Just double-check for gum or binding agents in your blend, and proceed as directed for a delicious gluten-free treat.
Is there a dairy-free version of the frosting?
Yes! Replace the butter and cream cheese with high-quality vegan alternatives, and use a plant-based cream for thinning. The flavor will be a touch different, but you’ll still enjoy a luscious finish on your Butter Pecan Bliss Cake.
Can I make this as a sheet cake instead of layers?
Of course! Pour the batter into a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish and adjust the baking time — expect about 35–40 minutes. Frost as usual and top with those signature toasted pecans for all the same flavors with half the fuss.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how special this Butter Pecan Bliss Cake really is. Whether you’re celebrating or just craving a little extra comfort, this cake never fails to bring joy, warmth, and plenty of requests for seconds. Gather your ingredients, toast up those pecans, and treat yourself to a slice of bliss — you’re going to love every bite!
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Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Butter Pecan Bliss Cake, a decadent dessert that combines the nutty goodness of pecans with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving a slice of Southern comfort.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Extra toasted pecans for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add alternately with milk to wet mixture.
- Add Pecans: Fold in toasted pecans. Divide batter among pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Make Frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until fluffy.
- Assemble: Frost and stack cake layers, then frost the top and sides. Garnish with pecans.
Notes
- For added depth, toast the pecans in a skillet with butter and brown sugar before adding to the batter.
- This cake pairs beautifully with a drizzle of caramel on top.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
