Total Cooking Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
If you love rich, buttery cakes that practically melt in your mouth, this Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the classic comfort of a Kentucky butter cake, but elevated with toasted pecans, a deeper caramel-like flavor, and an ultra-moist crumb soaked in warm butter glaze. The result is a cake that’s tender, gooey in the center, crisp at the edges, and dripping with buttery sweetness in every bite. The aroma alone—vanilla, brown sugar, toasted nuts, and butter—will make your kitchen feel like a bakery.
This cake is special because it doesn’t rely on frosting to impress. Instead, it’s all about texture and flavor: a dense yet soft cake infused with butter, finished with a glaze that seeps into every crack and crevice. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, church suppers, or any gathering where you want a dessert that feels nostalgic but undeniably indulgent. Serve it warm or at room temperature, with coffee or tea, and watch it disappear. A generous slice comes in around 400–450 calories, but it tastes like something far more extravagant.
Key Ingredients
Each ingredient in this cake is chosen to maximize richness, moisture, and that signature gooey texture.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure while still allowing the cake to stay dense and tender.
Unsalted Butter – The star of the recipe, delivering rich flavor in both the cake and the glaze.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps create a moist crumb.
Brown Sugar – Adds deep caramel notes and enhances the gooey texture.
Eggs – Give the cake structure, richness, and a smooth, velvety interior.
Buttermilk – Adds tang and keeps the cake soft and moist.
Vanilla Extract – Brings warmth and depth that complements the butter and sugar.
Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise just enough without becoming fluffy.
Salt – Balances sweetness and intensifies the buttery flavor.
Pecans – Toasted for extra crunch and nutty richness throughout the cake.
Heavy Cream – Used in the glaze to create a silky, indulgent finish.
Powdered Sugar – Helps thicken the glaze while keeping it smooth and glossy.
Cornstarch – A small amount helps reinforce the gooey texture without heaviness.
Milk – Loosens the batter slightly for an even bake.
Vegetable Oil – Adds extra moisture and keeps the cake tender for days.
Nutmeg – A subtle hint that enhances the warm, buttery flavor profile.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a Bundt pan or deep cake pan generously with butter, making sure to coat every crevice. Lightly flour the pan or use a baking spray with flour to ensure easy release. Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast them for 6–8 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air and creating a smooth base. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk and milk. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense rather than gooey. Fold in the toasted pecans gently.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The center should be soft but not raw.
While the cake bakes, prepare the butter glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with brown sugar, heavy cream, and powdered sugar, stirring until smooth and glossy. Do not boil; the glaze should be warm and pourable.
Once the cake comes out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then poke holes all over with a skewer or thin knife. Slowly pour the warm glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
Serving Suggestions
This Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a classic approach, slice it thick and serve it slightly warm, letting the buttery glaze glisten and pool on the plate. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a simple, elegant touch that highlights the cake’s golden color. Served this way, it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for brunch, afternoon gatherings, or cozy evenings at home.
For a more indulgent presentation, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream alongside each slice. The contrast between the warm, gooey cake and the cold, creamy topping is irresistible. You can also drizzle extra glaze or caramel sauce over the top for a dessert-worthy finish. For holidays or special occasions, garnish with whole pecans or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness and elevate the flavor.
Storage + Meal Prep
This cake stores exceptionally well, which is part of what makes it such a crowd-pleaser. Once completely cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The cake actually becomes more moist as it sits, thanks to the butter glaze continuing to soak into the crumb.
For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to five days. Bring slices to room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving to restore that gooey texture. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slightly before serving. If freezing, consider adding a fresh drizzle of glaze after reheating to refresh the flavor and moisture.
Conclusion
This Gooey Butter Pecan Cake takes everything you love about Kentucky butter cake and turns it up a notch. It’s richer, more indulgent, and packed with nutty flavor and buttery goodness in every bite. The combination of tender crumb, toasted pecans, and warm butter glaze makes it the kind of dessert people remember—and request again and again.
Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply treating yourself, this cake delivers comfort, nostalgia, and pure indulgence. Don’t be afraid to make it your own with extra pecans or a hint of spice. Once you try it, this just might become your new go-to butter cake favorite.
