Heavenly Butter Pecan Layer cake is a delightful treat that combines moist layers of rich butter cake with crunchy toasted pecans and a creamy frosting. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings joy to any occasion. The blend of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among dessert lovers. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging in something sweet, this cake will surely satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Heavenly Butter Pecan Layer
This cake is not only delicious but also offers several reasons to love it:
- Moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Rich nutty flavor from toasted pecans.
- Perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings.
- Easy to customize with various frostings.
- Can be made ahead of time for convenience.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for many diets.
With its heavenly taste, this Butter Pecan Dessert will quickly become a go-to recipe for your dessert table. It’s a true Pecan Layer Cake Recipe that everyone will love, making it a must-try!
Ingredients for Heavenly Butter Pecan Layer
Gather these items:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted (for frosting)
How to Make Heavenly Butter Pecan Layer Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in the toasted pecans.
- Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 7: For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy.
- Step 8: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Beat in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy. Fold in the toasted pecans.
- Step 9: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with frosting. Top with the second layer and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with additional pecans if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Heavenly Butter Pecan Layer
Keep these in mind:
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor.
- Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For a Creamy Butter Pecan Treat, consider adding a layer of caramel sauce between the cake layers.
Best Ways to Serve Heavenly Butter Pecan Layer
Here are a few ideas to elevate your serving:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped pecans for added texture.
- Pair with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
How to Store and Reheat Heavenly Butter Pecan Layer
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it, but let it come to room temperature before serving. To reheat, you can microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heavenly Butter Pecan Layer
What’s the secret to perfect Heavenly Butter Pecan Layer?
The secret lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients and ensuring your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. This technique helps achieve a light and fluffy texture, making your Decadent Pecan Layer cake truly heavenly.
Can I make Heavenly Butter Pecan Layer ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Frost just before serving to keep it fresh and delicious.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Heavenly Butter Pecan Layer?
Make sure to measure your flour correctly, as too much flour can lead to a dense cake. Also, don’t overmix your batter after adding the flour, as it can toughen the cake. These tips will help you create a perfect Pecan Layered Dessert.
Variations of Heavenly Butter Pecan Layer You Can Try
For those looking to mix things up, consider these variations:
- Add a layer of chocolate ganache for a rich twist.
- Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor profile.
- Try a Layered Butter Pecan Trifle by layering cake, frosting, and fresh fruit in a glass dish for a beautiful presentation.

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Pecan Pie Dump Cake or Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe. If you’re interested in more baking tips, visit Horchata Tres Leches Cake for a delightful twist on traditional desserts.
Print
Heavenly Butter Pecan Layer Cake: 12 Layers of Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Heavenly Butter Pecan Layer Cake – Moist, Nutty & Decadent
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in the toasted pecans.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Beat in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy. Fold in the toasted pecans.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with frosting. Top with the second layer and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with additional pecans if desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor.
- Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Heavenly Butter Pecan Layer Cake, butter cake, pecan cake, dessert