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Butter pecan cake loaf topped with rich cream cheese icing, garnished with chopped pecans, served on a rustic wooden board.

Butter Pecan Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing – Easy Dessert Recipe

This butter pecan cake loaf with cream cheese icing is a rich, nutty, and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Moist cake is packed with buttery pecans and topped with creamy frosting, making it a crowd-pleasing treat for holidays, family gatherings, or cozy evenings at home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dessert, Holiday Baking, Tea Time Treat
Cuisine Classic Comfort Baking, Southern / American
Servings 1 loaf (8–10 slices).
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Loaf pan (9x5 inch)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Wire rack
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

For the Loaf:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped

For Cream Cheese Icing:

  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: pinch of cinnamon or maple extract

Instructions
 

  • Prepare pan: Grease loaf pan and line with parchment for easy removal.
  • Toast pecans: Lightly toast pecans in skillet or oven until fragrant. Cool and chop.
  • Mix batter: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Mix flour, baking powder, soda, and salt separately. Alternate adding dry mix and milk into butter mixture. Stir in vanilla and fold in pecans.
  • Bake: Pour batter into loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes, until golden and toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Cool: Let loaf cool completely on wire rack.
  • Make icing: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
  • Finish: Spread icing over cooled loaf. Garnish with extra pecans if desired. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • Pecans: Always toast for maximum flavor.
  • Room temperature ingredients: Ensure even mixing and better texture.
  • Icing tip: Only frost once loaf is fully cooled to avoid melting.
  • Variations: Add caramel drizzle, chocolate chips, or spices for seasonal flair.
  • Storage: Refrigerate iced loaf up to 5 days; freeze un-iced loaf up to 2 months.
Keyword butter pecan loaf, cream cheese icing, Holiday Cake, nutty loaf recipe, Southern dessert