Gooey Butter Cake Pecan

This gooey butter cake is a dream for anyone who loves a rich, buttery dessert with a melt-in-your-mouth center. It’s a fantastic option when you want something comforting and homemade without a complicated process. Perfect for weekend baking or special occasions when you want to impress with a cake that’s both simple and indulgent.

I made this after craving something sweet and rich and found it quickly became a favorite for sharing with friends on cozy afternoons.

Ingredients

• Salted butter: brings richness and ensures the topping and crust have a nice salty balance. Choose high quality for the best flavor.
• Chopped pecans: add texture and a toasty note so pick fresh nuts to avoid bitterness.
• Cream cheese: creates the cake’s iconic gooey center so soften it fully to avoid lumps.
• Egg and egg yolk: contribute to the cake's creaminess and structure.
• Icing sugar: sweetens smoothly and creates a delicate crumb; remember to sift for the best mix.
• All-purpose flour: forms the cake base; use a fresh bag for fluffiness.
• Granulated sugar: helps add sweetness and moisture in the crust.
• Vanilla essence: rounds out flavor; choose pure vanilla extract for best results.
• Buttermilk: adds tang and tenderness, helping the cake remain moist.
• Heavy cream: in the topping gives extra richness balancing the pecans and butter.
• Salt: enhances flavor; balance it carefully for the perfect savory touch.

Instructions

Build The Base:

Preheat the oven to 350°F 175°C and generously grease your baking pan with salted butter. This prevents sticking and adds flavor to the crust.

Cream The Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whip the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until completely smooth. Add the whole egg and the egg yolk, beating well to incorporate. Slowly add the icing sugar while mixing to create a fluffy and creamy batter.

Mix The Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly. Gradually add the dry mix into the wet ingredients, folding gently to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.

Add The Pecans:

Fold in the chopped pecans carefully, distributing them evenly through the batter. This step ensures each slice will have tasty bits of pecan without breaking the delicate batter.

Bake The Cake:

Pour the batter smoothly into the prepared pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center which should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Cool Before Serving:

Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Cooling helps the gooey center set properly so the slices hold together beautifully.

My favorite bit is the contrast between the crunchy pecans and the soft gooey middle. Each time this cake appears at family gatherings it sparks memories of laughter and stories swapping over coffee.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep that gooey texture. Refrigerate if you want it to last longer but bring it back to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Ingredient Swaps

If you don't have pecans use walnuts or almonds for a different but still delicious crunch. You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed. Use unsalted butter and add a pinch of extra salt to control seasoning precisely.

Serving Ideas

Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with hot coffee or tea to balance the richness. You can drizzle warm caramel sauce on top to impress guests on special occasions.

This cake is perfect for those who want an indulgent treat without fuss. Let it cool fully to enjoy the signature gooey texture and rich flavor.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What gives the cake its gooey center?

The combination of cream cheese, butter, and sugars creates a moist, dense center that stays soft and melting after baking.

→ Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used as alternatives to pecans to add a different nutty crunch.

→ How can I ensure the cake doesn't overbake?

Monitor baking time closely and use a toothpick test; remove when it comes out with a few moist crumbs attached for optimum texture.

→ Why is it important to soften cream cheese and butter?

Softened ingredients blend more smoothly, resulting in a better batter consistency and a tender final texture.

→ What is the purpose of folding pecans gently into the batter?

Folding preserves the nut pieces’ texture and ensures even distribution without deflating the batter’s lightness.