Introduction
Southern Butter Cake is a timeless classic, loved for its rich, buttery flavor and tender, moist crumb. This cake is a celebration of traditional Southern baking, featuring simple yet flavorful ingredients that create a delightful dessert for any occasion. What sets this Southern Butter Cake apart is the decadent brown sugar pecan glaze that seeps into the cake, infusing it with a sweet, nutty flavor. The cake itself is buttery and light, while the glaze adds a caramel-like richness, making each bite an indulgence. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or a special treat with coffee, this cake is a must-try for those who love Southern desserts.
Ingredients
For the Southern Butter Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Brown Sugar Pecan Glaze:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans with butter, and dust lightly with flour. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This step is crucial as it incorporates air, which helps create a light texture in the cake.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract. This will enhance the flavor and contribute to the cake’s richness.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 5: Pour the Batter and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when touched lightly.
Step 6: Prepare the Brown Sugar Pecan Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
Step 7: Add the Glaze
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Pour the warm brown sugar pecan glaze evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Let the cake cool completely in the pan, allowing the glaze to set.
Cooking Notes
- Softening the Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best creaming results. It should be soft but not melted.
- Poking Holes in the Cake: Poking holes helps the glaze penetrate the cake, making it moist and flavorful throughout.
- Using Pecans: For a stronger pecan flavor, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Southern Butter Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Pair it with a cup of strong coffee or sweet tea to complement the rich, buttery flavor.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top before serving.
Tips
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake actually improves in flavor as it sits, allowing the glaze to soak in more deeply.
- Make Ahead: You can make the cake a day ahead and pour the glaze on just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Substitutions: You can replace pecans with walnuts if desired. For a lighter cake, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream in the glaze.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Sugar: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Conclusion
This Southern Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Pecan Glaze is a delightful treat that captures the essence of traditional Southern baking. The buttery cake combined with the nutty, sweet glaze makes it an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends and family or savoring a slice on your own, this cake is sure to bring a touch of Southern comfort to your table.
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Southern Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Pecan Glaze
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
For the Southern Butter Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Brown Sugar Pecan Glaze:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans with butter, and dust lightly with flour. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This step is crucial as it incorporates air, which helps create a light texture in the cake.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract. This will enhance the flavor and contribute to the cake’s richness.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 5: Pour the Batter and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when touched lightly.
Step 6: Prepare the Brown Sugar Pecan Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
Step 7: Add the Glaze
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Pour the warm brown sugar pecan glaze evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Let the cake cool completely in the pan, allowing the glaze to set.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 180mg
- Protein: 5g