Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is a delightful dessert that will tempt your taste buds and impress your guests. This cake is rich, sweet, and has a gooey texture that makes it a standout for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family gathering, or simply indulging yourself, this cake brings comfort and joy with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cream cheese, butter, and pecans creates a rich flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any celebration or just an afternoon treat with coffee.
• Gooey Texture: The unique gooeyness sets this cake apart from traditional desserts, making it truly special.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve it warm for a cozy dessert or chilled for a refreshing slice.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gathering the right tools can make your baking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes blending cream cheese and sugar effortless for a smooth batter.
• Baking dish: A 9×13 inch dish is ideal for creating the perfect thickness of the cake.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to separate dry and wet ingredients easily.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base

• 2 tablespoons salted butter (28 g)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 g)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (226 g)
• 1 whole egg, softened
• 1 egg yolk, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla essence

For the Gooey Filling

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (141 g)
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups icing sugar (325 g)
• 5 tablespoons salted butter, softened (70 g)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, softened (120 ml)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

For Topping

• 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans (140 g)

How to Make Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Base

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat together the salted butter and unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Add in the cream cheese and blend until smooth.
3. Incorporate the egg, egg yolk, granulated sugar, and vanilla essence. Mix until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing continuously.

Step 4: Create the Gooey Filling

In yet another bowl:
1. Beat together the icing sugar with softened salted butter until fluffy.
2. Add in buttermilk and vanilla essence; mix until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Layer with pecans evenly over the batter. Pour the gooey filling over this layer gently. Then top with remaining cake batter.

Bake in preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Serving your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake can elevate the experience for you and your guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will complement this sweet treat.

A la Mode

• Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast between the warm cake and cold ice cream.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a generous drizzle of caramel sauce on top to enhance the rich flavors of pecans and butter.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Serve with freshly whipped cream to add a light and airy texture that balances out the gooeyness.

Garnished with Toasted Pecans

• Sprinkle some toasted pecans on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the cake.

Fresh Berries

• Add fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, on the side for a burst of freshness and color that brightens up the plate.

How to Perfect Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

To ensure your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you have the right amounts of flour and sugar for the perfect texture.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light, gooey texture.
• Bake until just set: Check your cake about 5 minutes before the recommended time. It should be slightly jiggly in the center when done.

Best Side Dishes for Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake can enhance its flavors and create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:

1. Creamy Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and tanginess that complements the sweetness of the cake.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a savory contrast that balances out the rich flavors of the cake.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: These soft potatoes offer comfort and richness, making them an excellent side dish alongside dessert.
4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate after enjoying this sweet treat.
5. Spiced Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of spiced sweet potatoes pairs nicely with the pecan flavor in your cake.
6. Green Beans Almondine: The crunch from almonds in this dish adds texture while keeping it light next to the gooey cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake turn out perfectly. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Using cold ingredients – Cold butter or cream cheese can lead to a lumpy batter. Always let your dairy ingredients soften to room temperature for a smoother mix.
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can result in a dense cake. Combine your ingredients just until they are incorporated for a light and fluffy texture.
• Skipping the parchment paper – Not lining your baking dish can cause sticking. Use parchment paper to ensure easy removal and keep your cake intact.
• Ignoring the baking time – Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your cake towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-baking and dryness.
• Not letting it cool – Cutting into a hot cake can ruin its structure. Allow your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake to cool completely before slicing for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 5 days for optimal freshness.
• Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place cake on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm slices for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake gooey?

The cream cheese and butter mixture creates a rich, gooey texture that is characteristic of this delightful dessert.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just chop them similarly to pecans.

How do I know when my Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.

Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips enhances flavor and adds extra gooeyness. Just fold them in gently before baking.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup in recipes.

Final Thoughts

The Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is not only irresistibly sweet but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different nuts or even chocolate chips based on your preference. It’s perfect for gatherings or as an everyday treat. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!