The Best Southern Butter Pecan Pound Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a rich, buttery dessert with a delightful crunch of toasted nuts, then I’ve got something special for you. This The Best Southern Butter Pecan Pound Cake Recipe is exactly what your sweet tooth needs—classic southern comfort wrapped up in moist cake with that signature buttery pecan flavor everyone adores. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your family’s favorite, too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in The Best Southern Butter Pecan Pound Cake Recipe plays a starring role, coming together to create a cake that’s buttery, sweet, and nutty without being overwhelming. Keep an eye on quality here, especially for your butter and pecans—they really make the difference!

• Butter: Use real, unsalted butter softened to room temperature for the best texture and flavor control.
• Powdered Sugar: It blends into the batter smoothly, keeping the cake tender and sweet without grittiness.
• Eggs: Adding them one at a time helps the batter emulsify and rise properly.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and classic sweetness to the cake’s flavor.
• Sour Cream: Keeps the pound cake moist and dense—not dry like some pound cakes can be.
• All Purpose Flour: Provides structure, but be careful not to overmix once added.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
• Chopped Pecans: Toast these lightly before mixing for maximum aroma and crunch.
• Optional Icing Ingredients: Powdered sugar, vanilla, melted butter, and your choice of maple syrup, milk or cream—this glaze adds an irresistible finishing touch.

Variations

I love tweaking this cake a little now and then to suit different occasions or cravings. Feel free to customize the nuts, play with spices, or skip the glaze if you want a simpler treat.

• Nut-Free Variation: I once made this for a nut-sensitive friend, swapping pecans with toasted coconut flakes—they loved the unexpected texture!
• Spiced Version: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can sprinkle in some cozy autumn vibes when you’re in the mood for fall baking.
• Gluten-Free Version: Using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend works well—just be sure to adjust baking time slightly.
• Maple Glaze: I sometimes add a tablespoon of bourbon to the glaze for adult gatherings—it’s a game changer.

How to Make The Best Southern Butter Pecan Pound Cake Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) so it’s nice and hot once your batter is ready. Grease and flour a Bundt cake pan thoroughly — I use a non-stick spray with flour because it’s the easiest way to avoid sticking without any weird residue.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Powdered Sugar

In your mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. It sounds basic, but really beating these together well traps air into the batter, which is essential for a tender crumb.

Step 3: One Egg at a Time

Next, add the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This part is key—I learned early on that rushing or adding all eggs at once can make your batter curdle or not bind well.

Step 4: Mix in the Sour Cream and Vanilla

Once your eggs are fully incorporated, add the sour cream and vanilla extract. I always use full-fat sour cream here because it balances the sweetness and adds that velvety texture.

Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients and Add Pecans

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and salt. Then, add this to your wet mixture, stirring gently just until the last streak of flour disappears. Overmixing is such a common mistake with pound cakes—I’ve been there! Finally, fold in the chopped pecans carefully.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan. Bake for about 60 minutes, but start checking around 55 minutes with a cake tester or toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let your cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes, then flip it gently onto a serving plate. Patience here pays off; flipping too early can cause breakage, which we definitely don’t want!

How to Serve The Best Southern Butter Pecan Pound Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love topping this cake with a drizzle of the optional maple glaze—it adds that perfect hint of sweetness and shine. Sometimes a dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra toasted pecans sprinkled on top is all you need to dress it up beautifully.

Side Dishes

For a classic southern afternoon tea or dessert spread, pair this pound cake with fresh berries and whipped cream. If you want something a little heartier, a scoop of vanilla ice cream balances the buttery pecans wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special occasions, I sometimes serve slices with a little caramel sauce and pecan halves arranged artfully on the side. Or try serving it alongside a bourbon-spiked whipped cream to impress your guests with something uniquely southern!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pound cake stays moist when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I usually keep mine out of the fridge to prevent it drying out, but if your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is fine—just let it come to room temp before serving.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! I slice it first, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them into a freezer-safe bag. When you want some, just thaw at room temp or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked softness, I warm slices in a microwave for 10–15 seconds or heat them gently in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil. If you glazed your cake, avoid microwaving too long to keep the icing from melting off.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of sitting around the family table on warm southern afternoons, sharing laughter and stories over a slice of buttery goodness. I absolutely love how it turns out every single time—rich but not overwhelming, nutty without being dry. You’re going to find The Best Southern Butter Pecan Pound Cake Recipe easy to make and even easier to enjoy. So go ahead, bake it, share it, and watch your friends and family fall in love bite by bite!

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