Pecan Spice Pound Cake

Pecan Spice Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that blends the rich flavors of pecans with the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This cake is perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home, and its aroma will fill your kitchen with cozy vibes. Whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with icing, this cake is sure to impress!

Why make this recipe?

Making Pecan Spice Pound Cake allows you to enjoy a delicious and moist cake that is both comforting and satisfying. The combination of toasted pecans and spices enhances its flavor, making it a great treat for any occasion, from family get-togethers to holiday celebrations. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, so even beginner bakers can create a masterpiece!

How to prepare Pecan Spice Pound Cake

Ingredients:

• 🧈 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 🍚 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 🥚 4 large eggs
• 🍦 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 🌾 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 🥣 1 tsp baking powder
• 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
• 🍂 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 🍂 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 🌰 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
• 🌰 1 cup (120 g) toasted pecans, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. 🏠
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. 🥄
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. 🍦
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cloves. 🍶
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. 🥣
6. Fold in the chopped toasted pecans gently into the batter. 🌰
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. 🍰
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. ⚡
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. ❄️

How to serve Pecan Spice Pound Cake

Serve your delicious Pecan Spice Pound Cake as-is or with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. You might also enjoy it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. This cake pairs beautifully with coffee or tea too!

How to store Pecan Spice Pound Cake

Store the cooled pound cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. ❄️

Tips for preparing Pecan Spice Pound Cake

• Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
• Toast your pecans for a richer flavor; you can do this by baking them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. 🔥
• Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a denser cake.

Variations

• You can swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
• Add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a fruity twist. 🍇

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   Yes, but you might want to reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly.

2. What if I don’t have ground cloves?
   It’s optional, so you can simply leave it out. The cake will still be delicious without it!

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The flavors often improve after a day, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Enjoy baking this delightful Pecan Spice Pound Cake and share it with your friends and family! 🎂