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Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

A heartwarming dessert that combines gooey richness with nutty pecan flavor, perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened for creaminess
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese bring to room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar to sweeten and thicken
  • 4 large eggs for richness
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for aroma and flavor
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour to bind the cake
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder to ensure it rises nicely
  • 1 cup chopped pecans for crunch and nutty taste
For the Topping
  • 1 cup pecan halves for decoration
  • Whipped cream for serving, optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter and 8 oz of cream cheese. Beat them together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
  3. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Once incorporated, increase the speed to medium until your mixture is light and airy.
  4. Add in 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  5. Gently fold in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cake to be tender and gooey.
  6. Finally, fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans to add that delightful nutty flavor. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are a golden brown and the center is set yet still slightly jiggly.
  2. Allow the cake to cool for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. Top with 1 cup of pecan halves for a beautiful presentation, if desired.

Notes

Quality Counts: Use fresh ingredients like high-quality butter and cream cheese for the best flavor. Pecan Substitutes: If pecans aren’t your favorite, feel free to try walnuts or almonds for a slightly different taste. Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well for baking. Storage: Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.