Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing! 🍰✨

Ingredients

For the Butter Pecan Cake:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon butter extract (optional for extra flavor)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar added)

1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-2 tablespoons milk (to achieve desired consistency)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Toast the Pecans:

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.

Make the Cake Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and butter extracts.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in the toasted pecans.

Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing:

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.

Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until combined.

Stir in the vanilla extract. If the icing is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Ice the Cake:

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese icing over the top of the loaf.

Optionally, garnish with additional chopped pecans.

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice the butter pecan cake loaf and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea!

This Butter Pecan Cake Loaf is rich, moist, and topped with a delicious cream cheese icing. Perfect for any occasion! Enjoy! 😊