Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 5 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan.

1. Toast the Pecans:

• Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Set aside to cool.

1. Make the Cake Batter:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans.

1. Bake the Cake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Prepare the Glaze (Optional):

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and sprinkle with additional toasted pecans.

1. Serve:

• Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.

This Butter Pecan Pound Cake is moist, buttery, and loaded with toasted pecan flavor. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a sweet indulgence at home. Enjoy!