There’s something utterly irresistible about the warm, nutty aroma of a perfect Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe baking in the oven. This cake brings together the rich, buttery goodness of tender cake layers and the delightful crunch and sweetness of toasted pecans swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting, southern-inspired dessert, this Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite, delivering generous slices of pure bliss with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and warmth. From the creamy butter to the crunchy toasted pecans, every component complements the other to make this cake shine.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a rich, moist cake with a tender crumb.
- 1½ cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
- 4 large eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and richness.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s aromatic profile with lovely warmth.
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake, contributing to its soft yet sturdy texture.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Balances acidity for optimal rise and tenderness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Amplifies flavor and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and creates a soft cake crumb.
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted: Provides a toasty, crunchy contrast that’s essential for the butter pecan experience.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Infuses the pecan swirl with deep caramel notes.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (for pecan swirl): Melts into the brown sugar to coat the pecans gorgeously.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy depth that complements the pecans beautifully.
How to Make Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your cake doesn’t stick and comes out beautifully intact. This humble step sets the stage for everything that follows.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened butter and the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy – this is where the magic begins! This process traps air that helps your cake become tender and airy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
One at a time, add the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar, beating thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which will elevate the cake’s flavor, creating that signature warmth you love.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these now ensures even distribution, helping your cake rise evenly without any dense spots.
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk—start and end with the dry. This technique keeps your batter smooth and balanced, ensuring the perfect crumb in your Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe.
Step 6: Make the Pecan Swirl Mixture
On the stove, melt ¼ cup butter with the brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring until combined and silky. Then fold in the toasted pecans—this luscious mixture is what sets this cake apart with its gooey, nutty swirls.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake Layers
Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan, then dollop half of the pecan mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining batter and pecan topping. Using a knife, swirl the pecan mixture gently through the batter, creating lovely marbled streaks throughout the cake.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cooling completely is essential—it allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set before you indulge in your Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe.
How to Serve Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream all make stunning garnishes that complement the cake’s buttery pecan notes without overpowering its natural charm.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of strong coffee. If you want to add a little fruit, fresh berries provide a bright contrast to the cake’s rich, nutty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping dessert table, serve slices layered with a thin spread of cream cheese frosting or caramel glaze. You can also cut the cake into small squares for bite-sized treats at parties, making it even easier to share the bliss with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent the pecan swirl from drying out.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm briefly in a low oven wrapped in foil. It’s almost as wonderful as just out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use pecan pieces instead of chopped pecans?
Absolutely! Pecan pieces will work just fine, though you might want to toast them slightly less to maintain their texture without overpowering the cake.
Is it okay to substitute whole milk with a non-dairy alternative?
Yes, you can use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, but make sure it’s unsweetened to avoid altering the cake’s flavor balance too much.
Can I add frosting to this Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe?
Definitely! A cream cheese frosting or a simple caramel glaze works beautifully if you’re looking to add an extra layer of indulgence.
What’s the best way to toast pecans for this recipe?
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re fragrant and slightly golden—this enhances their flavor remarkably.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
While the original recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but the texture might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe is one of those perfect finds that offers a slice of comfort with every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea, it’s bound to become a beloved staple. Give this recipe a try—you’re not just baking a cake, you’re crafting a memorable experience full of buttery, nutty joy.
Print
Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Butter Pecan Bliss Cake is a rich and buttery dessert featuring a moist cake swirled with a cinnamon-spiced pecan mixture. This classic Southern-inspired cake combines the nutty crunch of toasted pecans with a tender, vanilla-infused crumb, making it a perfect treat for fall or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
Pecan Swirl
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cake batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Stir in the tablespoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients to maintain the batter’s texture.
- Make Pecan Swirl: In a small saucepan, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter with brown sugar and cinnamon over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in toasted chopped pecans.
- Assemble Cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the pecan mixture evenly over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and pecan mixture.
- Swirl Mixture: Using a knife, gently swirl the pecan mixture into the batter to create a marbled effect without fully mixing it in.
- Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the dish before slicing and serving to let the flavors set and the texture firm up.
Notes
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, to enhance their flavor before adding to the swirl.
- For extra richness, consider adding a cream cheese frosting or glaze over the cooled cake.
