Arkansas Pecan Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 85 min Cuisine: American

A moist, buttery cake studded with crunchy pecans, perfect for holidays or coffee breaks, offering a sweet, nutty flavor that pleases both families and dessert lovers alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 egg
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Cream butter, sugar, vanilla, and whole egg until fluffy.
  2. Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together.
  4. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with water, stirring until smooth.
  5. Grease a 10‑inch tube pan and line the bottom with waxed paper.
  6. Pour half the batter into the pan.
  7. Drop pecan mixture by spoonfuls over the batter.
  8. Top with the remaining batter.
  9. Bake at 325°F for 1 hour and 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  10. Cool the cake in the pan on a rack; turn out when cool.
  11. Serve as a delightful dessert or snack.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used as a substitute. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming. If the batter seems too thick, add a bit more water until you reach the desired consistency. Remember to sift the dry ingredients to avoid lumps.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect as a dessert or snack and pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider serving it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For a festive touch, a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can enhance its presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Arkansas Pecan Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it at room temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Arkansas Pecan Cake contains roughly 826 calories, with 20g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (49% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2321mg per serving (101% of the Daily Value).

826 kcal 41% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20.3g 41% DV
Total Fat 7.9g 10% DV
Carbs 169.1g 61% DV
Fiber 9.3g 33% DV
Sugar 0.6g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2321mg 100% DV
Potassium 623.7mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 103.1mg 34% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 21.9mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 43.7mg 49% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 390.9mg 30% DV
Iron 8.8mg 49% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can make Arkansas Pecan Cake a day ahead of time. Once cooled, store it properly to retain moisture. Many people find that the flavors improve after a day, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or special occasions.

Can I freeze the cake?

When ready to enjoy, allow it to come to room temperature for optimal flavor.

What can I serve with Arkansas Pecan Cake?

Arkansas Pecan Cake pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. A side of fresh berries or a scoop of ice cream can elevate the dessert experience. For a more decadent pairing, consider a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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