Butterscotch Pecan Cake Recipe

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Looking for a cake that’s bound to amaze? Well, the Butterscotch Pecan Cake is the one to try. It features layers of butterscotch-soaked cake, enhanced with a touch of rum, and a brown-butter frosting. To top it all off, chopped pecans add a delightful crunch.

And if that’s not enough to tempt your taste buds, there’s even a version with layers of crisp chewy pecan meringue, chocolate cake, butterscotch buttercream, vanilla whip, and pecans.

Table of Contents

Key Butterscotch Pecan Cake Ingredients & Why

Pecans

Adding nutty crunch to butterscotch pecan cake.

Flour

Use all-purpose or cake flour for a light, soft crumb.

Brown sugar

Creating signature butterscotch flavor in batter and sauce.

Butter

Richness and flavor in batter, frosting, and sauce.

Heavy cream

Creaminess in sauce and frosting.

Eggs

Providing structure and moisture to the batter.

Vanilla extract

Adding flavor to the batter.

Baking powder and baking soda

Elevating cake’s rise and fluffiness.

Salt

Balancing sweetness, enhancing flavors in batter, frosting, and sauce.

Cream cheese

Adding tanginess and creaminess to frosting.

Corn syrup

Sweetness and preventing sugar crystallization in the sauce.

How Do You Make The Best Butterscotch Pecan Cake?

Preheat oven to 350°F and keep 1 cup of cake mix for the Filling.
Mix cake mix, butter, egg, and 1 cup pecans in a large bowl. Press the mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish for baking.
Bake for 10 minutes; meanwhile, prepare the filling.

For Filling:

Blend 1 cup cake mix with eggs, corn syrup, and brown sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer for 3 minutes and add vanilla for extra flavor.
Sprinkle butterscotch chips on the partially baked base, add the filling mixture, and top it with 1 cup of pecans for a delicious treat.
To achieve a perfectly baked cake, place it in the oven for 25-30 minutes until it turns golden and sets. While it may appear slightly soft in the center, let it cool on a wire rack, then cut it into squares for serving. (TIP: Make cutting a breeze by using a greased plastic knife.)

Pro Tips For Making Butterscotch Pecan Cake Recipe

Enhance pecan flavor: Toast them on a baking sheet at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
Ensure even mixing: Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother texture.
Prep butterscotch sauce early: Cool it in the fridge for later use.
Create flat cake layers: Trim tops for even frosting application.
Moisturize with butterscotch sauce: Brush layers after cooling.
Chill before frosting: Refrigerate for 1 hour for easier, even frosting.
Frost with an offset spatula: Start thin, layer up for even coverage.
Beautifully garnish with pecans: Decorate sides and top.

How to Store Butterscotch Pecan Cake

Let the cake cool completely before storing.
To prevent drying out, tightly wrap the cake in plastic or use an airtight container.
For cream cheese frosting, refrigerate the cake. Use an airtight container or plastic wrap for up to 2 days.
Unfrosted cakes can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can You Freeze Butterscotch Pecan Cake?

Freeze butter pecan cake, frosted or not, by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for 2-3 months. When it’s time to thaw, place it in the fridge overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butterscotch Pecan Cake

How long does a butterscotch cake last?

When stored properly, a butterscotch cake remains fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature, or up to 5-6 days in the refrigerator.

What are the key ingredients in a butter pecan cake?

Sugar Spun Run highlights the essential ingredients for a butter pecan cake, which consist of cake flour, brown sugar, buttermilk, and chopped pecans.

What is the frosting on a butter pecan cake?

Sugar Spun Run opts for brown sugar frosting with their butter pecan cake, whereas Divas Can Cook goes for brown sugar cream cheese frosting.