Rich, Buttery, Moist Bundt Cake Loaded with Toasted Pecans and Sweet Praline Crunch
If you love classic homemade cakes that taste like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen, this butter pecan pound cake is going to steal your heart.
This cake is soft, dense, buttery, and incredibly moist inside, with toasted pecans baked into every bite. On top, a crunchy caramelized pecan praline layer adds sweetness, texture, and that irresistible Southern flavor.
It’s the perfect dessert for holidays, family dinners, celebrations, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
Butter pecan desserts have a special charm. The flavor is warm, nutty, slightly caramel-like, and deeply comforting. When paired with a traditional pound cake texture, it becomes rich without being heavy and sweet without being overwhelming.
Every slice feels luxurious and homemade at the same time.
And honestly… it smells unbelievable while baking.
🕒 Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Bake time: 55–65 minutes
- Cooling time: 20 minutes
- Total time: about 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 10–12 slices
🧄 Ingredients
For the cake batter
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon butter extract (optional but amazing flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups toasted pecans, chopped
For the pecan praline topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Optional glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Toast the pecans
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
Spread pecans on a baking tray.
Toast for 5–7 minutes until fragrant.
This step is VERY important.
Toasting brings out deeper, richer nutty flavor.
Let cool.
Step 2 – Prepare the pan
Grease a bundt pan generously with butter.
Dust lightly with flour.
This prevents sticking and helps cake release perfectly.
Step 3 – Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk:
- flour
- baking powder
- salt
Set aside.
Step 4 – Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
This step creates air → soft cake texture.
Do not rush.
Step 5 – Add eggs
Add eggs one at a time.
Mix well after each addition.
This helps create a smooth batter.
Step 6 – Add wet ingredients
Mix in:
- sour cream
- milk
- vanilla
- butter extract
The sour cream makes the cake extra moist and rich.
Step 7 – Combine dry ingredients
Gradually add flour mixture.
Mix gently just until combined.
Do NOT overmix or cake becomes dense.
Step 8 – Fold in pecans
Gently fold toasted pecans into batter.
Distribute evenly.
Now your cake will have pecans in every bite.
🍯 Make the praline topping
Step 9 – Mix topping
In a small bowl combine:
- pecans
- brown sugar
- melted butter
- cream
- pinch salt
Stir until sticky and caramel-like.
Step 10 – Layer in pan
Pour half the cake batter into bundt pan.
Add half praline mixture.
Add remaining batter.
Top with rest of praline mixture.
This creates a sweet crunchy crown.
🔥 Bake
Step 11 – Bake cake
Bake for 55–65 minutes until:
✔ golden brown
✔ toothpick comes out clean
✔ top slightly crisp
If browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.
Step 12 – Cool and remove
Let cake cool 15–20 minutes.
Carefully invert onto serving plate.
The pecan topping will be beautifully caramelized.
🍰 Optional glaze
Mix powdered sugar + milk + vanilla.
Drizzle over cooled cake.
Adds extra sweetness and bakery look.
🧀 Texture Guide
Perfect cake should be:
Outside → golden crust
Inside → soft, moist, buttery
Top → crunchy pecan praline
Flavor → rich, nutty, caramel-like
Each bite melts in your mouth.
🔥 Pro Tips
Room temp ingredients
Mix better
Don’t overmix flour
Keeps cake tender
Toast pecans first
Much better flavor
Grease pan well
Bundt cakes stick easily
Let cool before slicing
Prevents crumbling
🥜 Flavor Variations
Chocolate pecan
Add chocolate chips
Maple pecan
Add maple syrup glaze
Cinnamon swirl
Add brown sugar cinnamon layer
Bourbon pecan
Add splash of bourbon
Cream cheese glaze
Swap simple glaze
🍽 Serving Ideas
Serve with:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Caramel drizzle
Perfect for brunch or dessert.
🥶 Storage Tips
Room temperature
3 days covered
Fridge
Up to 5 days
Freezer
Up to 3 months
❤️ Why Everyone Loves Butter Pecan Cake
This cake is:
Buttery
Moist
Nutty
Sweet
Rich
Comforting
It feels homemade and nostalgic.
Fancy enough for guests but easy enough for everyday baking.