There’s something timeless and comforting about a cake that’s both rustic and indulgent. The Best Glazed Pecan Cake is exactly that — a buttery, tender cake loaded with crunchy pecans and finished with a rich, sweet glaze that takes it over the top. It’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive on a cake stand, but is incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re serving it for the holidays, at a potluck, or just because you’re craving something sweet and nutty, this cake will become a go-to favorite in your recipe box.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
This cake is a celebration of textures and flavor. The cake itself is moist and rich, thanks to plenty of butter and eggs. Chopped pecans are generously folded into the batter, offering crunch and that warm, toasty flavor that only pecans can provide. But what truly sets this cake apart is the glaze — a sweet, buttery drizzle that seeps into the cake and glistens on top, making every bite even more irresistible.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No stacking layers. No fancy decorating. Just one bundt cake, baked to golden perfection and topped with a dreamy glaze.
Ingredients
For the Pecan Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor, optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Generously grease and flour a bundt or tube pan to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This step adds air to the batter and gives the cake a soft, tender crumb.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Alternate Mixing with Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined — don’t overmix.
6. Fold in Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is different, so start checking around the 60-minute mark.
8. Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Glaze
While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more cream for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker glaze.
10. Glaze and Garnish
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it run down the sides naturally. If desired, sprinkle with extra chopped pecans while the glaze is still wet for a beautiful finish.
Tips & Variations
- Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them brings out their nutty flavor. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5–7 minutes at 350°F.
- Brown Sugar Boost: Swap out ½ cup of the granulated sugar for brown sugar to add a subtle caramel note.
- Flavor Twist: Add a splash of maple syrup or bourbon to the glaze for a seasonal upgrade.
- Make Ahead: This cake keeps beautifully! Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5.
Final Thoughts
The Best Glazed Pecan Cake is the kind of dessert that never goes out of style. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make, yet fancy enough for any gathering. With its crunchy pecans and velvety glaze, it delivers just the right balance of texture and sweetness. Whether you serve it with coffee, as a post-dinner treat, or as a holiday centerpiece, this cake is sure to impress.