Name: Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups chopped pecans; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup unsalted butter (for glaze); 1 cup powdered sugar

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If ever there was a cake that could turn an ordinary day into a celebration, it’s the Butter Pecan Bliss Cake. Imagine a soft, buttery crumb flecked with toasted pecans, cinnamon-swirled sweetness, and a decadent, warm glaze soaking into every bite. This is the kind of dessert that draws people to the table and insists you savor just one more slice. Whether for a holiday gathering or a Tuesday treat, this cake wraps you up in homey Southern comfort and melts any worries away.

Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of everyday ingredients can create something so memorable. Each element here is essential, coming together to build layers of rich flavor and the irresistible texture that makes Butter Pecan Bliss Cake truly special.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This is the heart of the cake, lending amazing richness and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Provides the perfect sweetness and helps the butter cream to a light, fluffy texture.
Large eggs (4): Give structure, moisture, and a lovely golden color to the cake.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone—keeps everything tender but sturdy enough for slicing.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Guarantees a beautiful, lofty rise for your cake.
Salt (½ teaspoon): A small but crucial pinch that sharpens all the flavors.
Whole milk (1 cup): Adds moistness and brings all the batter’s ingredients together smoothly.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds everything out with warm, sweet undertones.
Chopped pecans (1 ½ cups): Toasted or plain, they add nutty crunch and that signature flavor.
Brown sugar (½ cup): Deepens the sweetness with a bit of caramel-like complexity.
Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Just enough to add a cozy warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Heavy cream (½ cup): Makes the glaze silky, creamy, and totally irresistible.
Unsalted butter for glaze (½ cup): Infuses the entire cake with sumptuous richness right in every glazed bite.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Whisks up smooth for a shiny, sweet glaze that soaks into the cake perfectly.

How to Make Butter Pecan Bliss Cake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish nicely so your Butter Pecan Bliss Cake turns out effortlessly. This step is all about setting yourself up for a smooth baking experience and ensuring nothing sticks to the pan.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until they’re light and fluffy. Don’t rush this part—the air you whip in now gives your cake that soft, tender bite the Butter Pecan Bliss Cake is known for.

Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time

Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures the batter remains smooth and the structure develops perfectly without curdling.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together. This distributes the rising agent and salt evenly, so your cake bakes up beautifully, every single time.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Flour and Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry mix. Gently stir in the vanilla extract. This careful process keeps your batter velvety smooth and lump-free.

Step 6: Fold in the Pecans

Fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans, just until combined. Mixing gently helps maintain the cake’s delicate texture and ensures bits of nutty crunch in every slice.

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Topping

In a small bowl, stir together the remaining ½ cup of pecans with brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this glorious mixture evenly over the batter once it’s poured into your prepared dish. This layer creates a sweet, spiced ribbon right on top.

Step 8: Bake

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. Check with a toothpick—when it comes out clean from the center, your Butter Pecan Bliss Cake is ready for its crowning moment.

Step 9: Make the Buttery Glaze

While the cake bakes, melt the remaining ½ cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and bring it just to a simmer, then remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and glossy.

Step 10: Glaze and Finish

Once your cake is baked, poke holes all over its surface with a skewer. Slowly pour the warm glaze over the cake, letting it seep into every nook and cranny. Allow to cool slightly before diving in—if you can wait!

How to Serve Butter Pecan Bliss Cake

Garnishes

The crowning touch is a scatter of extra toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re feeling extra, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a swirl of fresh whipped cream alongside your Butter Pecan Bliss Cake takes it right over the top.

Side Dishes

This luscious cake pairs beautifully with coffee, a chicory latte, or even a glass of cold milk. For a Southern-style spread, serve it beside fresh berries or a fruit salad to brighten the plate and balance the cake’s rich, buttery sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Butter Pecan Bliss Cake into neat squares and serve on a pretty platter for potlucks, or bake it in a round pan for a classic, layered look. For special occasions, drizzle extra glaze artistically and finish with a confetti of pecans. You can even turn slices into an indulgent trifle with layers of whipped cream and more pecans!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Butter Pecan Bliss Cake tightly covered or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The glaze helps lock in moisture so every slice tastes as fresh as the first day you baked it.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap slices (or the whole cake) tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator when you’re ready for a sweet treat—just as moist and inviting as ever.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices in the microwave for a few seconds, or warm a larger portion in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10–15 minutes. The cake springs back to life, and the glaze melts into every crumb with wonderful, freshly-baked aroma.

FAQs

Can I make Butter Pecan Bliss Cake with a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While pecans deliver that signature buttery crunch, you can substitute walnuts for a slightly earthier flavor or even almonds for a delicate twist. Just chop them coarsely and use in the same amount.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (one with xanthan gum works best). Keep an eye on the bake time, as gluten-free versions may finish a touch earlier.

Can I toast the pecans before adding them?

Definitely! Toasting the pecans heightens their flavor and makes the cake even more aromatic. Bake pecans on a sheet at 350°F for about 7 minutes until fragrant, then cool before mixing into the batter.

What’s the best way to poke holes for the glaze?

A wooden skewer or a fork works perfectly. Make sure to poke deeply and evenly all over the warm cake so the glaze can seep down, giving the Butter Pecan Bliss Cake its signature moisture and flavor.

How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Be generous when greasing your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. For extra insurance, you can also line the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures easy, gorgeous slices every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about pulling a Butter Pecan Bliss Cake from the oven, the scent wrapping your kitchen in warmth and memories. It’s a recipe that always gets smiles and gratitude, and I hope it becomes a beloved favorite in your home too. Give it a try and let the bliss begin!

Butter Pecan Bliss Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of this Butter Pecan Bliss Cake. A moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups chopped pecans

Topping:

½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon

Glaze:

½ cup heavy cream
½ cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
1 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir in vanilla extract.
Add pecans: Fold in 1 cup of the chopped pecans. Pour the batter into the prepared dish.
Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup pecans with brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over the batter.
Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Make glaze: While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by melting ½ cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
Glaze the cake: Once the cake is done, poke holes all over the top with a skewer and slowly pour the warm glaze over it. Let the cake cool slightly before serving.