The Ultimate Southern Georgia Pecan Cake

Southern Georgia Pecan Cake is a true celebration of the South, bringing together rich flavors, a tender crumb, and a delightful crunch in every bite. This cake is everything you could hope for in a dessert: buttery, moist, and packed with the deep, nutty goodness of toasted pecans. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a potluck with friends, or simply a sweet indulgence after dinner. Trust me, once you taste this cake, it’s going to become a staple in your recipe box!

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Loaded with pecans: The nuts provide a satisfying crunch and a warm, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the moist, buttery cake.
• Moist and tender: The cake itself is so soft and rich, thanks to the combination of buttermilk, eggs, and a touch of vanilla.
• Great for make-ahead: This cake actually gets better after a day or two, making it an ideal choice for entertaining or meal prepping.
• Simple ingredients: With pantry staples and no special equipment needed, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for gifting or serving: Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, bringing a dish to a potluck, or looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, this cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped pecans (toasted, if desired)

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 8-inch round cake pans. This will ensure your cake comes out easily after baking!

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this bowl aside. These dry ingredients will give the cake its structure and a comforting, spiced flavor. If you want to add more warmth, feel free to increase the cinnamon or add a dash of allspice.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a light texture in your cake. The butter and sugar should be well-combined and pale in color.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. Vanilla is a key flavor here, adding depth to the cake that complements the pecans perfectly.

5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Now, slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix at this point, as you want the cake to stay light and airy.

6. Fold in Pecans
Next, gently fold in the chopped pecans. The nuts add so much texture and flavor, so be sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you have time, I highly recommend toasting the pecans before adding them. Toasting brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor, giving the cake a deeper, richer taste.

7. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s), smoothing out the top. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The exact time will depend on your oven and the type of pan you use, so be sure to start checking around the 35-minute mark.

8. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps the cake set and makes it easier to slice. Serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a smear of cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.

Tips and Tricks

• Toast the pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter deepens their flavor, giving your cake a richer taste. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, stirring once to prevent burning.
• Use room-temperature ingredients: For the best results, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This ensures they mix together smoothly, resulting in a light, airy cake.
• Make it a bundt cake: Want to take your Southern Georgia Pecan Cake to the next level? Use a Bundt pan instead of a square or round cake pan. Not only does it look gorgeous, but it also gives you a beautiful, golden crust all around.
• Customize the flavor: While the cinnamon and nutmeg are a classic pairing, you can mix things up. Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a holiday twist. Or, if you love a little extra texture, stir in some shredded coconut for a tropical touch.
• Glazed pecan cake: If you want a little extra sweetness, pour a brown sugar glaze over the warm cake after it’s out of the oven. The glaze will soak into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.

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Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This cake stays moist for quite a while, so you don’t have to rush to finish it!
• Refrigerator: If you have leftovers, you can store the cake in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed container.
• Freezer: To store for a longer period, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. You can also microwave slices for 10-15 seconds to bring back some warmth.

Serving Suggestions

This Southern Georgia Pecan Cake is delicious all on its own, but you can dress it up depending on the occasion. For a more decadent dessert, top it with a creamy layer of frosting, whether it’s a tangy cream cheese frosting or a smooth brown butter glaze. For something lighter, dust the cake with powdered sugar right before serving.

Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon snack, or pair it with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. The nutty, warm flavors of the cake also pair wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad, making it perfect for brunch or a family gathering.

Variations

• Glazed Pecan Cake: Pour a warm brown sugar glaze over the cake right after baking for an extra layer of sweetness and moisture.
• Cupcakes: Want to make individual servings? This batter works perfectly for cupcakes! Just reduce the baking time to 18-22 minutes for a batch of soft, pecan-packed cupcakes.
• Spiced-up version: Try adding cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients for a spicier flavor, perfect for the holiday season.
• Chocolate lovers: If you want to take this cake to the next level, fold in some chocolate chips along with the pecans. The richness of the chocolate pairs beautifully with the nutty flavor of the pecans.

FAQs

• Can I use pre-chopped pecans? Yes, but I highly recommend toasting them before adding them to the batter for the best flavor.
• Can I use margarine instead of butter? While butter is the preferred option for flavor, margarine can be used if needed. However, the taste and texture may differ slightly.
• Is this cake good without frosting? Absolutely! This cake is so flavorful and moist that it can be enjoyed without frosting or any toppings.
• Can I substitute sour cream for buttermilk? Yes, you can use an equal amount of sour cream or plain yogurt in place of the buttermilk. The result will still be deliciously moist.
• How long does this cake stay fresh? If stored properly, the cake will stay moist for 3-4 days at room temperature and up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This Southern Georgia Pecan Cake is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, taking it to a potluck, or enjoying it with your morning coffee, this cake is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. With its buttery texture, warm spices, and crunchy pecans, it’s a slice of Southern comfort you won’t soon forget.