Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is an irresistible treat that brings together rich flavors and a delightful texture. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this cake features a gooey, creamy center surrounded by a buttery crust. The combination of pecans adds a crunchy element, making it suitable for any occasion. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare this delicious dessert that impresses with every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe doesn’t require advanced baking skills; even beginners can master it.
• Decadent Flavor: The blend of cream cheese and chopped pecans delivers an indulgent taste that will have everyone coming back for more.
• Versatile Dessert: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a casual get-together, this cake fits right in.
• Rich Texture: The gooey center contrasts beautifully with the buttery crust, offering a delightful mouthfeel.
• Perfectly Sweet: Balanced sweetness from icing sugar and granulated sugar ensures that it’s not overly sweet.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing batter for a smooth consistency.
• Baking pan: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked cakes.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base

• 2 tablespoons salted butter (28 g)
• 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans (140 g)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 g)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (226 g)
• 1 whole egg, softened
• 1 egg yolk, softened
• 2 1/2 cups icing sugar (325 g)
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (141 g)
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Gooey Filling

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g)
• Browned butter from earlier step
• 1 whole egg, softened
• 1 egg yolk, softened
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla essence
• (Optional) 1 tablespoon fruit juice or vinegar instead of bourbon

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup buttermilk, softened (120 ml)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
• 5 tablespoons salted butter, softened (70 g)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, softened (120 ml)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes

How to Make Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden brown color.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease your baking pan with some salted butter. This helps in easy removal of the cake after baking.

Step 3: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add in the whole egg and egg yolk; mix well.
3. Gradually add icing sugar while mixing until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in the chopped pecans into your batter. This will give your cake its signature nutty flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow it to cool before slicing. Enjoy your delicious gooey butter pecan cake warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

This Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a delightful centerpiece for any gathering. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a creamy texture that balances the gooeyness of the cake.

Add Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries provide a tart contrast that complements the rich flavors.

Serve Warm with Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream served warm on a slice of cake creates a heavenly dessert experience.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A sweet caramel drizzle enhances the pecan flavor and adds an extra touch of indulgence.

Accompany with Coffee or Tea

• Pairing your cake with a cup of coffee or tea can elevate the dessert experience, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings.

How to Perfect Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

To ensure your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softening butter, eggs, and cream cheese helps create a smoother batter for optimal texture.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Using precise measurements ensures consistent results. Consider using kitchen scales for best accuracy.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to tough textures.

• Check Doneness Carefully: Use a toothpick to test if the cake is done; it should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs attached.

• Let it Cool before Serving: Allowing your cake to cool slightly makes slicing easier and improves flavor as it sets.

Best Side Dishes for Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Enhance your dessert table by serving your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake alongside these delightful side dishes.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and classic, it pairs perfectly with the richness of the cake.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.

3. Chocolate Mousse: The richness of chocolate mousse contrasts beautifully with the nutty flavors of pecans.

4. Pecan Pie Bites: Miniature versions of pecan pie offer an additional layer of nutty goodness alongside the cake.

5. Cheesecake Bites: These creamy bites complement the cake’s texture and provide variety in flavor.

6. Caramelized Apples: Sweetened apples bring warmth and spice that harmonize well with the gooiness of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Using cold ingredients: Ensure all dairy products like butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
• Ignoring the baking time: Keep an eye on the clock! Overbaking can lead to a dry cake, while underbaking might leave it too gooey.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring tools to ensure the right amounts of flour and sugar for perfect results.
• Skimping on the pecans: Pecans add flavor and texture. Don’t be shy! Use enough pecans to enhance your cake’s deliciousness.
• Mixing too much: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined for that perfect gooey texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 30 seconds or until warmed as desired.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake.

Can I substitute other nuts in the Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?

Yes, you can use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. Just ensure they are chopped well.

How do I achieve the best consistency in my Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened properly before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter.

Can I make Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day earlier and store it in the refrigerator until serving.

What can I serve with my Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?

This cake pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness.

Final Thoughts

Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is both delightful and versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding chocolate chips or using different nuts. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!