The Best Pecan Pound Cake

Introduction

Prepare to fall in love with the best pecan-pound cake you’ll ever taste. If you adore toasted pecans and the rich sweetness of brown sugar, this pound cake is destined to become a favorite. Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore the fascinating history of pecans and their significance, particularly in the state of Florida.

Native Americans’ Pecan Connection

Welcome to the delightful world of pecans! Did you know that pecans are the only major tree nut native to North America? Dating back to the 1500s, these delicious and nutritious nuts have a rich history in America. Indigenous peoples have relied on pecans as a crucial food source for thousands of years.

Native Americans were the first to cultivate and use pecans for food. They also discovered that the bark and leaves could be used as medicine for ringworm, tuberculosis, pain, and fever. The Algonquin tribe named the nut “pacane,” meaning “a nut too hard to crack by hand.” The Algonquin graciously shared this amazing nut tree with America’s new settlers, who learned to cultivate and harvest this nutritious food source. As a result, the United States has become the largest producer of pecans worldwide, providing about 80% of the world’s pecans. Pecan trees are primarily found in the southern United States.

Florida’s Pecan Connection

In sunny Florida, pecan trees have a history as rich as their buttery nuts. Originating in North America, pecan trees made their way to Florida thanks to both nature’s wanderlust and human hands. Early settlers planted pecan trees for their delicious nuts and the shade they provided from the hot sun, turning Florida into a nutty paradise. Pecans have been cultivated in Florida since the 1800s. Northern Florida, in particular, is renowned for its extensive pecan orchards, where the trees flourish in sandy loam soil and warm climates. Florida hosts various pecan festivals, celebrating the nut’s importance to the local economy and culture.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Cooking and Baking with Pecans

Florida’s diverse culinary scene embraces pecans in many delightful ways:

• Pecan-Infused Dishes: From pecan-crusted grouper to salads topped with candied pecans, Florida chefs love incorporating this nut into their creations.

• Local Treats: Pecan pralines, pecan cookies, and even pecan-flavored ice cream can be found in local bakeries and markets throughout the state.

• Farm-to-Table Movement: With the farm-to-table movement gaining momentum, more Florida restaurants are sourcing local pecans to ensure the freshest flavors and support local farms.

Pecans: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Pecans are not only tasty, but they are also packed with nutrients. Rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, pecans can help improve heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels. They are also high in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

The Best Pecan Pound Cake Recipe

This is the third of my family and friends’ favorite pound cake recipes in my pound cake collection. Check out my most recent pound cake recipe post, the Best Banana Walnut Pound Cake.

Enjoy! The Best Pecan Pound Cake You’ll Ever Eat.

Print Recipe

No ratings yet

Pecan Brown Sugar Pound Cake

A rich buttery, brown sugar pecan pound cake, with a mosit cake center and a sugary, toasted pecan crust.

Prep Time40 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Total Time2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 749kcal

Author: Blissful Foods Plus

Equipment

• 1 tube pan 12 cup
• 1 stand mixer or
• 1 Hand Mixer
• 1 mixing bowl set
• 1 whisk
• 1 spatula

Ingredients

• 1 cup softened butter (2 sticks)
• ½ cup shortening
• 2 cups brown sugar light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tsps vanilla
• 3 cups pecans chopped and toasted

Instructions

• Beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer until creamy & fluffy.
• Mix both sugars together and gradually add to the buttery mixture beating until creamy.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well until the yolk disappears.
• Sift together flour, baking powder and salt.
• Mix the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with milk and ending with flour. Beat batter at medium speed until well blended.
• Stir in the vanilla and toasted pecans. Mix well.
• Prepare the 12 cup tube pan by buttering and sugaring the pan.
• Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. This pound cake gets its start in a cold oven. Place the cake into a cold oven and set the oven temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit,
• Bake the cake for 1 hour and 40–50 minutes. Test the cake with a cake tester or a wooden toothpick by inserting into the center of the cake. If the cake tester or toothpick comes out clean, then the cake is done.
• Cool the cake in the cake pan on a cooling rack for 10–15 minutes. Next, invert the cake onto a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Nutrition

Calories: 749kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 45g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 321mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 54g

How to Store Pecans

Keep your pecans fresh and delicious with these storage tips:

1. In-Shell Storage: Store pecans in their shells to prolong freshness. The shells provide a natural barrier against moisture and air. Store in-shell pecans in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cellar. They can last for several months under these conditions.
2. Shelled Pecans: Shelled pecans (nuts removed from their shells) are more susceptible to moisture and should be stored more carefully. Store shelled pecans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for short-term storage, where they will remain fresh for up to nine months. For long-term storage, place shelled pecans in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag and store them in the freezer. Frozen pecans can maintain their quality for up to two years.
3. Avoiding Moisture and Light: Pecans should always be stored away from moisture and light, as this can cause them to become rancid. Airtight containers help protect against humidity and air exposure. Storing pecans in a dark, cool environment further preserves their freshness and nutritional value.
4. Checking for Rancidity: Periodically check stored pecans for signs of spoilage, such as off smells or flavors. Rancid pecans will have a sour or bitter taste and should be discarded.

By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure your pecans remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Conclusion: The Best Pecan Pound Cake

Pecans are more than just a tasty nut; they are a significant part of Florida’s agricultural and culinary landscape. With their rich history, nutritional benefits, and culinary versatility, pecans offer a delightful experience for both the palate and the body. Whether enjoyed straight from the tree or baked into pies and treats, pecans continue to enchant with their buttery treasures. Next time you savor a handful of these buttery nuts or a slice of pecan pie, remember the fascinating journey of pecans from Florida orchards to your table.

Happy Pecan Baking!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.