Great Pecan Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, nutty pecan cake with warm cinnamon flavors, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, offering a delightful crunch and rich sweetness.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup shortening (Crisco)
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups pecans

Instructions

  1. Beat eggs; add sugar and shortening.
  2. Add dry ingredients and milk alternately and beat with electric beater.
  3. Add pecans; pour batter into a greased tube pan.
  4. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can substitute half of the shortening with unsalted butter for a more buttery taste. If you don't have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. Make sure to chop the pecans coarsely to ensure even distribution in the batter.

Serving Suggestions

This Great Pecan Cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete dessert experience, serve it alongside a slice of Cherry Cheese Dessert. A cup of coffee or tea complements the cake perfectly, making it a great addition to afternoon gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers 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, slice and warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Great Pecan Cake contains roughly 867 calories, with 7g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

867 kcal 43% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.4g 15% DV
Total Fat 75.6g 97% DV
Carbs 44.5g 16% DV
Fiber 4.8g 17% DV
Sugar 1.8g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 297.3mg 13% DV
Potassium 249.1mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 2.9mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 14.7mg 16% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 138.6mg 11% DV
Iron 2.8mg 16% DV
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 use a different type of nut in this recipe?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. Just ensure to chop them similarly to maintain texture in the cake.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this cake gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.

What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?

If your cake sinks, it could be due to underbaking or too much moisture. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated and avoid opening the oven door frequently while baking. If it happens again, reduce the buttermilk slightly.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →