Butter Pecan Pound Cake – Rich, Nutty, Moist & Perfectly Southern
Butter Pecan Pound Cake is the ultimate dessert for those who love deep, toasty flavor wrapped in a rich, buttery crumb. This Southern classic is a decadent, moist pound cake loaded with buttery toasted pecans and finished with a glaze or dusting of powdered sugar. Every bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture, subtle caramel notes, and a warm nutty crunch.
This cake is elegant enough for holidays, yet simple enough to enjoy with coffee or tea. It’s comfort food wrapped in golden, nutty perfection.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the signature dense yet soft texture and bold buttery flavor:
For the Cake:
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Unsalted Butter (1 cup or 2 sticks, room temp) – Adds richness and structure; key for pound cake texture.
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Granulated Sugar (2 cups) – Sweetens and gives a golden crust.
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Light Brown Sugar (½ cup) – Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
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Eggs (5 large, room temp) – Provide structure, moisture, and richness.
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All-Purpose Flour (3 cups) – The foundation for a tender but firm crumb.
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Baking Powder (½ tsp) – Provides a slight lift without compromising the dense pound cake structure.
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Salt (½ tsp) – Balances sweetness and enhances nutty flavor.
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Whole Milk (1 cup, room temp) – Moistens the batter for a soft crumb.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp) – Warm, sweet flavor.
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Butter Extract (1 tsp, optional but recommended) – Enhances that buttery richness.
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Toasted Pecans (1½ cups, chopped) – The star mix-in: add crunch, flavor, and Southern soul.
Optional Glaze:
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Powdered Sugar (1 cup)
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Heavy Cream or Milk (2–3 tbsp)
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Vanilla or Butter Extract (½ tsp)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
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In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast chopped pecans for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
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Remove from heat and let cool. This enhances the pecans’ natural oils and brings out a deep, nutty flavor.
Step 2: Prep the Pan & Oven
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
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Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt or tube pan, or use baking spray with flour.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars
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In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together for 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
🧈 This step creates air pockets that help the cake rise and gives it a tender texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time
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Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Scrape down the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Step 5: Mix Dry & Wet Ingredients
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour (⅓ flour, ½ milk, ⅓ flour, rest of milk, rest of flour).
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Stir in vanilla extract, and butter extract if using.
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Gently fold in toasted pecans.
Step 6: Bake
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Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Glaze (Optional)
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Whisk together powdered sugar, cream, and extract until smooth.
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Drizzle over cooled cake, or dust lightly with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
Why This Pound Cake is Loved
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Dense yet moist texture thanks to butter and balanced wet-to-dry ratio.
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Toasted pecans offer nutty crunch and aroma in every bite.
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Long shelf life – actually gets better the next day!
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Versatile – perfect plain, glazed, or served with whipped cream or fruit.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pound Cake
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All ingredients should be room temperature for a smooth, even batter.
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Do not overmix once you add flour—mix just until combined to avoid toughness.
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Use real butter for authentic flavor—margarine won’t do!
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Store tightly wrapped at room temp for up to 4 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
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Enjoy with hot coffee, sweet tea, or bourbon whipped cream.
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Slice thinly and serve on a dessert platter with fresh berries and candied pecans.
Final Thoughts: A Cake That’s Rich, Rustic, and Refined
This Butter Pecan Pound Cake is everything a homemade cake should be—buttery, dense, moist, and deeply flavorful, with that irresistible crunch from toasted pecans. Whether you’re baking it for Sunday dinner, a holiday table, or a Southern-inspired treat, it’s a recipe that’s as memorable as it is easy.
Timeless. Southern. Satisfying. You’ll make this again and again.