Description
This Best Southern Butter Pecan Pound Cake is a rich and moist classic dessert, bursting with buttery flavor and crunchy pecans. Perfectly baked in a Bundt pan, it’s topped optionally with a smooth vanilla maple glaze that adds an extra touch of sweetness. Ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or any special occasion, this pound cake combines traditional Southern flavors with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups softened butter
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 6 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup chopped pecans
Icing (Optional)
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or milk or heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a Bundt cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring good incorporation of air for a tender crumb.
- Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully blend into the batter without overmixing.
- Combine sour cream and vanilla: Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract to add moisture and flavor, mixing until evenly incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to ensure even distribution of the salt and avoid clumps.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to keep the cake tender and avoid toughness.
- Add pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans gently to disperse them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and unmold: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Then, place a cake plate on top of the Bundt pan and carefully invert it to release the cake.
- Prepare optional icing: If desired, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, and maple syrup (or milk/heavy cream) to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake for added sweetness.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
- Ensure the Bundt pan is well-greased and floured to prevent sticking.
- Cool the cake properly before inverting to keep its shape intact.
- The icing is optional but adds a lovely sweet finish that complements the pecans.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/16 of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 140mg