Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of this White Chocolate Pecan Layer Cake, a dessert that promises to be the star of any gathering. The combination of moist, fluffy layers of cake, white chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans offers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Topped with a velvety whipped cream frosting, drizzled with luscious white chocolate ganache, and garnished with more pecans, this cake is a true showstopper. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, holiday gathering, or any special occasion, this cake will undoubtedly leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the cake, you will need two and a half cups of all-purpose flour, two and a half teaspoons of baking powder, and half a teaspoon of salt. These dry ingredients are the foundation of the cake, ensuring it rises beautifully during baking. To achieve the perfect texture, you’ll also need one cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, and one and a half cups of granulated sugar. These ingredients will be creamed together to form the base of the cake batter.
Next, you’ll need four large eggs, which will provide structure and richness. A cup of whole milk helps create a moist and tender crumb, while two teaspoons of vanilla extract add a sweet, aromatic flavor. For the signature white chocolate flavor, stir in one cup of white chocolate chips. Finally, add one cup of chopped pecans for a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the richness of the white chocolate.
For the frosting, you’ll need two cups of heavy cream, half a cup of confectioners’ sugar, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. This whipped cream frosting is light and fluffy, making it the perfect complement to the dense and rich cake. A half cup of white chocolate ganache is used to add a glossy finish and extra indulgence to the cake’s layers and top.
Instructions
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. This ensures the cakes will release easily once baked. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air into the batter, giving the cake its soft texture. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step is essential for ensuring the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter, which results in a smooth, even texture.
Mix in the vanilla extract, adding a touch of sweetness and fragrance to the batter. Next, gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition. This technique helps prevent overmixing, which could lead to a dense cake.
Once the batter is smooth and well combined, fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped pecans. The white chocolate chips will melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of creamy white chocolate throughout the cake, while the pecans add a delicious crunch.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. This will give you a light, fluffy frosting that’s perfect for spreading between layers and over the top of the cake.
Once the cakes have cooled, you’re ready to assemble. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, followed by a drizzle of white chocolate ganache. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the frosting and ganache layers. Finish by adding the final cake layer and covering the top and sides with the remaining frosting. Drizzle more ganache over the top for a glossy finish, and garnish with additional chopped pecans.
Tips
For the best results, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before beginning. This allows them to blend together smoothly, resulting in a lighter cake. If you prefer a stronger white chocolate flavor, you can increase the amount of white chocolate chips to one and a half cups. If you don’t have white chocolate ganache on hand, you can easily make it by melting white chocolate with a small amount of cream.
Serving Suggestions
This White Chocolate Pecan Layer Cake is perfect for any celebration, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or holiday gathering. Serve it as a showstopping dessert at dinner parties or special occasions. For an added touch of elegance, pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. This cake also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to five days. If you need to store it for an extended period, you can freeze the cake layers individually, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and frost as usual.
FAQ
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to three days. Frost the cake just before serving for the best texture and appearance.
Can I substitute the white chocolate chips with something else?
While white chocolate chips give this cake a creamy texture and sweet flavor, you can substitute them with semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a different taste. However, this will alter the overall flavor profile of the cake.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can replace the pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces before adding them to the batter.
Conclusion
This White Chocolate Pecan Layer Cake is the epitome of indulgence. With its moist, tender layers, rich white chocolate and pecan flavor, and creamy frosting, it’s sure to impress anyone who tastes it. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this cake is a delightful choice that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
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White Chocolate Pecan Layer Cake: A Decadent Delight for Every Occasion
Description
A luxurious and moist cake with layers of white chocolate and crunchy pecans, topped with fluffy whipped cream frosting and drizzled with rich white chocolate ganache—a true showstopper for any celebration.
Ingredients
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup white chocolate ganache
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3️⃣ Cream the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4️⃣ Mix in vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in white chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
5️⃣ Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6️⃣ Cool cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
7️⃣ For the frosting, beat heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
8️⃣ To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, drizzle with ganache, and repeat with the remaining layers.
9️⃣ Frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting. Drizzle more ganache over the top and garnish with chopped pecans.
🔟 Let the cake set before slicing and serving.