Moist Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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What Is Pecan Cake?

Pecan cake is a classic dessert popular in many homes because it:

  • Uses simple pantry ingredients
  • Doesn’t rely on fancy techniques
  • Delivers deep flavor from nuts rather than chocolate

Unlike dry sponge cakes, pecan cake is naturally moist thanks to oil or butter and the texture of chopped nuts. When paired with cream cheese frosting, the result is pure balance — sweet, nutty, creamy, and rich without being heavy.

🛒 Ingredients List (Serves 10–12)

For the Pecan Cake

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk or buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups pecans, chopped

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 250 g cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2½–3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp milk or cream (if needed)

🌰 Choosing and Preparing the Pecans

Pecans are the heart of this cake, so quality matters.

Best Pecans for Baking

  • Raw or lightly toasted
  • Fresh, not bitter
  • Roughly chopped (not powdered)

💡 Tip: Lightly toast the pecans in a dry pan for 3–4 minutes. This enhances their aroma and flavor dramatically.

Let them cool before adding to the batter.

🧁 Cake Texture: What Makes It So Moist?

This cake gets its perfect texture from:

  • Oil instead of only butter
  • Brown sugar for moisture
  • Eggs for structure
  • Milk for softness
  • Pecans that hold moisture inside the crumb

The result is a cake that stays soft even the next day.

🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
  2. Grease and line a round or square cake pan.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  4. In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, brown sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla.
  5. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
  6. Mix just until combined — do not overmix.
  7. Fold in chopped pecans gently.

The batter will be thick but smooth.

🧁 Step 2: Bake the Cake

  1. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  2. Smooth the top.
  3. Bake for 40–50 minutes.
  4. Check with a toothpick — it should come out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.

⚠️ Never frost a warm cake.

🧀 Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add powdered sugar gradually.
  3. Add vanilla extract.
  4. Beat until light and fluffy.
  5. Add milk if needed for spreading consistency.

The frosting should be:

  • Smooth
  • Spreadable
  • Not runny

🍰 Step 4: Frost the Cake

  1. Place cooled cake on a serving plate.
  2. Spread frosting evenly over the top.
  3. Let frosting gently drip down the sides (as in the image).
  4. Press extra chopped pecans on the sides if desired.

Chill for 20–30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.

🍽️ How to Serve Pecan Cake

This cake is delicious on its own, but even better when paired with:

  • Hot coffee or tea
  • A glass of cold milk
  • Light caramel drizzle
  • Extra chopped pecans on top

Serve at room temperature for the best flavor.

🧠 Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overmixing the batter

❌ Using cold cream cheese

❌ Skipping pan lining

❌ Overbaking

❌ Frosting while warm

Patience is key for perfect results.

🔁 Flavor Variations

Want to customize the cake?

Try These Ideas:

  • Add shredded coconut
  • Add orange zest for freshness
  • Replace pecans with walnuts
  • Add a touch of maple syrup
  • Add crushed pineapple (Southern-style)

Each variation keeps the cake moist and flavorful.

❄️ Storage and Shelf Life

Storage

  • Refrigerate covered: up to 5 days
  • Bring to room temperature before serving

Freezing

  • Cake (unfrosted): up to 2 months
  • Wrap tightly in plastic and foil

🥗 Nutritional Notes

This cake is indulgent but nourishing:

  • Healthy fats from pecans
  • Protein from eggs
  • Calcium from dairy

Enjoy in moderation — every slice is worth it.

✨ Final Thoughts

This pecan cake with cream cheese frosting is the kind of dessert that feels like home. Soft, rich, nutty, and perfectly sweet, it’s ideal for celebrations or quiet moments with a cup of coffee.

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