This Southern Georgia Pecan Cake is pure comfort in every bite. Rich, buttery, and packed with the nutty crunch of Georgia-grown pecans, it’s the kind of cake that makes any gathering feel like a special occasion—even if it’s just dessert after a Tuesday night dinner. With a tender crumb and sweet, golden crust, this cake delivers old-fashioned flavor with surprisingly little effort. It’s a classic Southern treat that’s as perfect for holidays and potlucks as it is for a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Flavorful: The toasted pecans bring a deep, nutty flavor that shines through every bite of this buttery cake.
Quick to Prep: The batter comes together in one bowl with minimal fuss—perfect when you’re short on time.
A Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is rich but not overly sweet, making it the kind of dessert that keeps people coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Southern Tradition in Every Bite: Made with staple ingredients from Southern kitchens, it’s a timeless dessert with roots worth savoring.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this deliciously easy pecan cake, along with why each one matters:

Butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture. Use real, unsalted butter for best results.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a hint of caramel that plays beautifully with the pecans.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and gives the cake a light, tender texture.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and contribute to that lovely, fluffy crumb.
All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that supports the cake’s texture and structure.
Baking Powder: Gives the cake its lift and keeps it from being too dense.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
Milk or Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang (especially if using buttermilk) that offsets the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: A must-have for warmth and depth.
Chopped Georgia Pecans: The star of the show—sweet, buttery, and crunchy. Lightly toast them for even more flavor.

Variations

Looking to switch it up a little? Here are a few ideas to keep things interesting:

Add a Glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze with a touch of maple syrup or bourbon is divine.
Mix in Dried Fruit: Chopped dates or raisins add a chewy texture and natural sweetness.
Spiced Version: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives the cake a warm, holiday feel.
Mini Cakes or Muffins: Bake in a muffin tin for personal-sized pecan cakes—great for gifting or serving at brunch.

How to Make Southern Georgia Pecan Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lightly toast your pecans in a dry skillet until fragrant—this step makes a big difference in flavor!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This gives the cake its airy texture, so don’t rush this part.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is well mixed.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk or buttermilk. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it.

Step 5: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in the chopped, toasted pecans. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every slice has a bit of that nutty crunch.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm, room temperature, or even chilled—this cake is delightful any way you slice it.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps everything blend more evenly and gives the cake a smoother texture.
Toast the Pecans: It intensifies their natural flavor and gives a more robust taste to the cake.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until everything is combined to keep the cake light and tender.
Check for Doneness: Oven times vary, so start checking around the 40-minute mark. A toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

How to Serve

This cake is pretty versatile when it comes to serving options:

Simple and Classic

Serve a slice with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. It’s rich enough to stand on its own.

Dress It Up

Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Add a Sauce

A drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a bourbon glaze takes this dessert to a whole new level.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this cake! Wrap it well in plastic and then foil. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer it warm, just microwave individual slices for about 10–15 seconds. Perfect with ice cream or a drizzle of cream.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought chopped pecans?
Yes, but try to get fresh, high-quality ones. Pecans can go stale quickly, and fresh nuts make all the difference in flavor.

What’s the best pan to use for this cake?
A bundt pan gives it a beautiful presentation, but a 9×13-inch pan works just as well. Just keep an eye on the baking time!

Can I use white sugar only?
Technically yes, but you’ll miss out on the depth and richness that brown sugar brings. A mix of both really makes the flavor pop.

How do I keep the cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease and flour the pan well, especially if using a bundt pan with lots of curves. You can also use baking spray with flour.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Georgia Pecan Cake is a true gem of Southern baking—rich, nutty, and beautifully simple. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday table or just craving something sweet on a weekday, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s so beloved.

Southern Georgia Pecan Cake Recipe