Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday dessert: Christmas Gooey Butter Pecan Cake! Every year, this delightful cake makes an appearance at our festive gatherings, and it never fails to steal the show. I remember the first time I made it; the smell wafted through the house, and before I knew it, my family was gathered in the kitchen, eagerly waiting for a taste. It’s rich, sweet, and oh-so gooey, with that perfect crunch from the pecans. Trust me, once you try a slice, you’ll be hooked!
This cake is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a wonderful way to bring everyone together during the holiday season. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a big holiday party, this Christmas Gooey Butter Pecan Cake adds a touch of sweetness to every occasion. So, let’s dive in and make some holiday magic!
Why You’ll Love Christmas Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
Oh wow, where do I even begin? First off, this cake is the epitome of holiday indulgence! It’s rich and gooey, like a warm hug on a chilly winter day. The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s just irresistible. Plus, those crunchy pecans sprinkled throughout add the perfect contrast, making each bite a delightful experience.
Not to mention, it’s super easy to whip up! You don’t need to be a baking pro to impress your friends and family with this beauty. It’s a crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings, bringing everyone together around the dessert table. And trust me, the warm aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes? Pure magic. You’re going to love how this cake brings joy and sweetness to your festive celebrations!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients for this fabulous Christmas Gooey Butter Pecan Cake! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tbsp salted butter: This will be used to grease your baking dish and add a lovely buttery flavor.
- 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans: Make sure to chop them roughly for that perfect nutty crunch throughout the cake.
- 8 oz cream cheese: Bring this to room temperature for easy mixing. It’s the secret to that creamy, gooey goodness!
- 1 whole egg: A large egg works best here, helping bind everything together beautifully.
- 2 1/2 cups icing sugar: This adds sweetness and that delightful gooey texture we all love.
- 1 cup plus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: This helps give the cake structure while keeping it moist.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance with the icing sugar.
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla essence: A must for enhancing all those rich flavors. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: This keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
- 5 tbsp salted butter: This will be mixed in with the cream cheese for that luscious texture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: To drizzle over the top once it’s baked – oh my, it takes it to another level!
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
With these ingredients on hand, you’ll be well on your way to creating a holiday masterpiece. Make sure to measure everything out before you start mixing; it really makes the process smoother and more enjoyable!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because it ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly gooey. While that’s warming up, grab your baking dish and grease it up with the 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Make sure to coat the bottom and sides well so our cake slides out easily later. Trust me, you don’t want to risk it sticking!
Mixing the Batter
Now, let’s get mixing! In a large mixing bowl, take your 8 oz of cream cheese and the 5 tablespoons of softened salted butter. Using an electric mixer (or a good old-fashioned whisk if you’re feeling adventurous), beat these together until smooth and creamy. This step is key for achieving that dreamy texture. Once it’s nice and fluffy, add in the whole egg, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla essence. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and looks deliciously creamy. Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together your 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 cups of icing sugar, and that pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your cream cheese mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Finally, stir in the 1/2 cup of buttermilk until everything is smooth and luscious. Oh, I can just smell the goodness already!
Adding Dry Ingredients and Pecans
Next up, it’s time to fold in those chopped pecans! Gently add them to the batter and use a spatula to carefully mix them in. This ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout the cake, giving you that delightful crunch with every bite. Don’t overmix; just fold until you see the pecans are well-coated in that beautiful batter.
Baking the Cake
Pour that glorious batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, it’s time for baking magic! Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter!). Let it cool in the pan for a bit before serving. Oh boy, the anticipation will be worth it!
Variations
Now, let’s get creative with our Christmas Gooey Butter Pecan Cake! One fun twist is to swap out the pecans for walnuts or even hazelnuts if you’re feeling adventurous! They’ll give the cake a different flavor profile while still adding that crunchy texture we love. You could also add a splash of bourbon or maple syrup to the batter for a festive kick that’ll make your guests go, “Wow!”
If you’re looking to lighten it up a bit, try using low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat butter. It won’t lose that gooey goodness, I promise! And for a fun holiday twist, toss in some chopped dried cranberries or festive sprinkles on top before baking. These variations can make your cake unique and perfect for any holiday gathering, so don’t be shy about experimenting!
Serving and Storage Tips
When it comes to serving your Christmas Gooey Butter Pecan Cake, there are a few delightful ways to do it! I love serving it warm, with a generous drizzle of heavy cream on top — it takes the cake to a whole new level of decadence! You can also sprinkle some extra chopped pecans on top for a beautiful presentation.
If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge where it’ll keep fresh for about a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving again. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the oven for that just-baked taste!
Helpful Notes
Here are a few extra tips to elevate your baking experience with the Christmas Gooey Butter Pecan Cake! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries! You can easily make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes. It’ll work perfectly in this recipe!
If you’re aiming for a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and even swapping half of the butter for unsweetened applesauce. It’ll still be deliciously gooey without all the guilt!
For those with dietary restrictions, feel free to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Just make sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum. Enjoy this festive treat without the worry, and remember, baking is all about having fun and making it your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! This Christmas Gooey Butter Pecan Cake freezes beautifully. Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. It’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up a bit in the oven to bring back that gooey goodness.
2. What if I don’t have pecans?
No problem at all! You can substitute pecans with walnuts or even almonds for a different crunch. If you want to skip the nuts altogether, just leave them out for a nut-free version. It’ll still be delicious!
3. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter), it’s ready! The top should also be a lovely golden brown.
4. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Sure thing! While the icing sugar gives it that gooey texture, you can use powdered coconut sugar or even a sugar substitute if you prefer a lower-sugar option. Just keep in mind that flavors might vary slightly!
5. Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This cake is vegetarian-friendly as it doesn’t contain any meat or fish products. Just be sure to check your cream cheese and butter for any animal-derived ingredients if you have strict dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my dear friends — the glorious Christmas Gooey Butter Pecan Cake! This dessert is not just a cake; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that brings warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings. Its rich, gooey center and crunchy pecans make it an irresistible treat that everyone will rave about. I can’t tell you how many happy faces I’ve seen as this cake makes its way around the table! I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try. Whether you’re sharing it with family or friends, the smiles and compliments will be worth every minute spent in the kitchen. And hey, don’t forget to share your experiences and tips — I’d love to hear how your version turns out! Happy baking and merry feasting!
Print
Christmas Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and sweet Christmas Gooey Butter Pecan Cake perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 whole egg
- 2 1/2 cups icing sugar
- 1 cup plus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 5 tbsp salted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish with 2 tbsp of salted butter.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and 5 tbsp of salted butter until smooth.
- Add the egg, granulated sugar, and vanilla essence to the mixture, and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, icing sugar, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture.
- Stir in buttermilk and mix until combined.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool, then serve with heavy cream drizzled on top.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Best served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Christmas Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
