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Georgia Pecan Cake

Category: Let's Bake Something Wonderful

Soft pecan cake with creamy frosting, ready in 55 minutes. A cozy treat for holidays or parties.
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Hannah Author
Updated on Sat, 17 May 2025 19:02:29 GMT
Georgia Pecan Cake Save
Georgia Pecan Cake | recipesbyhannah.com

Every bite of this Georgia Pecan Cake is soft, rich, and full of toasted nutty goodness. The layers are loaded with buttery pecans and a touch of vanilla, all held together with smooth, creamy frosting. If you love classic Southern desserts, you’re gonna want to dig right in and share it with friends—the warmth and comfort are real.

I first learned to make this after a peach-filled summer in Georgia. A local baker showed me why toasting the pecans matters. Toasting really boosts flavor and makes the cake unforgettable. It seems like a small thing but it changes everything.

Irresistible Ingredients Guide

  • Brown Sugar: Choose dark brown for deeper flavor that matches the nuts just right
  • Sour Cream: Go for the true full-fat stuff or you’ll miss out on moisture
  • Pecans: Use fresh, unsalted pecans with no old or bitter taste
  • All-Purpose Flour: Unbleached is best for texture and flavor
  • Unsalted Butter: Let it warm up to room temperature before you start mixing

Making Beautiful Layers

Final Touches:
After frosting, stack your cake with extra toasted pecans between layers, covering everything in a creamy finish that looks super inviting.
Batter Prep:
Beat butter and sugar together until you’ve got a light, fluffy mix. Add eggs and a splash of vanilla one by one, mixing well after each addition so it all comes together smoothly.
Start with Pecans:
Always toast your pecans first—the smell will tell you when they’re done. This is what brings the flavor that makes the cake pop.
Southern Georgia Pecan Cake Save
Southern Georgia Pecan Cake | recipesbyhannah.com

With all my baking experiments, I’ve realized you’ve got to take your time creaming that butter and sugar. My aunt always told me it should look as white and soft as new snow—she was spot-on with that tip.

Serving Ideas

If you want to impress, set this cake out on a cake stand. Serve chilled with sweet tea or a hot cup of coffee like folks do in Georgia. For an extra treat, top with vanilla ice cream or a cloud of whipped cream.

Flavor Twists

Want to mix it up? Try soaking the pecans in bourbon for a grown-up treat, or toss in chocolate chips for a bit of fun. Swap some sugar for maple syrup for a cozy twist, or zest in a little orange if you’re after something fresh and bright.

How to Keep It Fresh

If you’ve got leftovers, slip the whole cake under a dome and it’ll stay good at room temp for three days. Need longer? Wrap up slices and freeze them tight for two months. Always thaw before digging in so all the flavors shine through.

Every time I pull this Southern cake from the oven, it reminds me it’s about more than just dessert. This cake is a little piece of Georgia’s heart. Whether you’re sharing it with family or giving it away, it brings folks together and stirs up stories—one bite at a time.

Close-up Southern Georgia Pecan Cake Save
Close-up Southern Georgia Pecan Cake | recipesbyhannah.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Why should I roast pecans?
Roasting draws out natural oils, boosting flavor and making the cake taste richer.
→ Can I bake this ahead?
Absolutely! Bake the layers up to 2 days in advance and keep them in a sealed container at room temperature.
→ Why use room temp items?
They blend more easily, giving you a smoother batter and better cake texture.
→ Is freezing possible?
Yes, freeze layers without frosting for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly to keep them fresh.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Place frosted cake in a sealed container at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Southern Pecan Cake

Moist cake with toasted pecans and smooth vanilla frosting, ideal for any celebration or special moment.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
35 min
Total Time
55 min

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (One double-layer cake)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cake Base

01 2 cups plain flour
02 1 teaspoon of baking powder
03 Half a teaspoon baking soda
04 A pinch of salt
05 Half a cup of softened unsalted butter
06 1 cup of white sugar
07 3 big eggs
08 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 Half a cup sour cream
10 Half a cup whole milk
11 1 cup toasted and chopped pecans

→ Topping and Frosting

12 1 cup icing sugar
13 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter
14 2 tablespoons of milk
15 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 1/2 cup chopped pecans to garnish

Directions

Step 01

In a skillet over medium heat, toast chopped pecans for a few minutes until golden. Move them to a plate to cool.

Step 02

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prep two 9-inch round pans by greasing and dusting them with flour. Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in one bowl. In another, beat together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one by one, then stir in vanilla. Slowly add in dry mix, sour cream, and milk, mixing as you go. Last, fold in the toasted pecans carefully.

Step 03

Split the batter evenly into both pans and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if it's done—it should come out clean. Once baked, cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes, then place them on a rack to cool completely.

Step 04

Combine powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla. Beat until it’s creamy and smooth with no lumps.

Step 05

Spread frosting on the cooled cake layers. Add chopped pecans on top as decoration for a nutty crunch.

Notes

  1. Use room-temperature butter and eggs for softer results.
  2. Toasting nuts really brings out their yummy flavor, so make sure you do it!
  3. You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Required Equipment

  • Two round pans (9 inches each)
  • Bowls for mixing
  • Hand or electric mixer
  • Rack for cooling cakes
  • Pan or skillet for toasting nuts

Allergen Information

Check all ingredients for potential allergens and consult a medical professional if uncertain.
  • Includes dairy ingredients
  • Eggs are used in this
  • Has wheat/gluten
  • Contains tree nuts like pecans

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Proteins: 4 g