Pecan Desserts

Butter-Pecan Cake

Submitted by: Diana Rattray, About.com Guide

50 minutes

This cake gets its great pecan flavor from pecans browned in butter.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups Millican Chopped Pecan Pieces
1 cup butter
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1 Tbs. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
Butter Pecan Frosting:
4 cups confectioners' sugar
reserved browned butter
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
about 1/3 cup milk
remaining Millican Chopped Pecan Pieces

Instructions

In 2-qt saucepan over medium low heat, brown pecans in butter until butter is lightly browned; stir constantly. Drain browned butter into a measuring cup; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, and baking powder, salt, milk, vanilla, eggs, and 1/2 cup of the browned butter. Beat for about 2 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup of the chopped pecans. Pour batter into two greased and floured 8 or 9 inch round layer cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 or 30 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted in center. Cool for 5 minutes; remove from pans and cool thoroughly before frosting.

Frosting: Blend confectioners' sugar with remaining browned butter, salt, vanilla, and milk. Add more milk if necessary, a teaspoon at a time. Stir in remaining chopped pecans. Spread top of one layer with about 1/2 cup frosting; top the second layer. Spread remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.