Sticky Pecan Cake
A decadent, moist cake topped with a caramelized, crunchy layer of toasted pecans that tastes like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients
- •1 cup unsalted butter, softened (225g)
- •1 cup light brown sugar, packed (200g)
- •2 large eggs
- •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- •1.5 cups all-purpose flour (190g)
- •1 teaspoon baking powder
- •0.5 teaspoon salt
- •0.5 cup whole milk (120ml)
- •1 cup pecan halves (100g)
- •0.5 cup dark brown sugar (100g)
- •2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (30g)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- 2
In a small bowl, combine the 1 cup of pecan halves, 0.5 cup dark brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter; spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
- 3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- 4
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- 5
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- 6
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- 7
Carefully spoon the batter over the pecan mixture in the pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula.
- 8
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 9
Let the cake cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes, then invert it onto a serving plate so the sticky pecan topping is facing up.
💡 Chef tips
- To ensure the cake releases perfectly, line the bottom of your pan with parchment paper before adding the pecan mixture.
- If you want a deeper flavor, toast the pecans in a dry pan for 3 minutes before adding them to the sugar mixture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or warm individual slices in the microwave for 15 seconds to restore the stickiness.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished cake features a glossy, golden-brown crust of caramelized pecans that sits atop a tender, buttery crumb, filling the kitchen with a rich, toasted nutty aroma.