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Butter: Butter Pecan Cake

Source of Recipe

Virginia G., Sutherlin, Virginia


Recipe Introduction

"Toasting the nuts in butter before adding to this cake adds extra flavor and keeps the nuts in the cake and the frosting crunchy."

List of Ingredients

2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1-1/3 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup milk
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/3 cups chopped pecans, toasted, divided

BUTTER PECAN FROSTING:
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
3 tablespoons milk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract



Recipe

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Stir in vanilla and 1 cup toasted pecans. Pour batter into two greased and floured 8-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely. For frosting, cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Add milk and vanilla; beat until light and fluffy. Add additional milk if needed. Stir in remaining toasted pecans. Spread between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.

YIELD: 12 Servings

TIP:How to toast nuts.
Q: How can you toast nuts quickly and easily?

A: There are three different ways to toast nuts. You can use any of these methods for whole, chopped or even ground nuts. Toasting really brings out the flavor of the nut, and they can be used in so many different ways.

For this first method, simply place the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring or shaking the pan occasionally to prevent burning. Be sure to cool completely before chopping or handling.

Q: Can you toast nuts in the microwave?

A: Absolutely. This is probably the easiest way to toast nuts. Place the nuts, in this case, we have walnuts, in a microwave-safe pie plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring twice. Be sure to watch carefully, as microwave wattage does vary.

Q: Is there another way to toast nuts?

A: The final method uses the oven for toasting. To toast 1-1/3 cups chopped nuts, pour 3 tablespoons melted butter into a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish.

Stir in the nuts. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until toasted, stirring twice. Cool, then use in the recipe.