Golden Pecan Loaf Cake Recipe

There’s something so comforting about the smell of a loaf cake baking in the oven—the sweet, nutty aroma wrapping around your kitchen like a warm hug. This Golden Pecan Loaf Cake captures that exact feeling. Buttery, tender, and beautifully speckled with toasted pecans, it’s the kind of bake that never goes out of style.

I can’t count how many times this loaf has brightened a quiet afternoon or turned an ordinary coffee break into something special. It’s simple, forgiving, and wonderfully rich—everything a home-baked cake should be.

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Why You’ll Love This Golden Pecan Loaf Cake

This loaf cake isn’t fancy—it’s familiar, nostalgic, and oh-so-satisfying. The flavor is buttery and nutty, the crumb is moist and soft, and the toasted pecans bring just the right amount of crunch.

Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your baking rotation:

✨ Perfect texture: Tender inside, golden outside.
🥮 Easy one-bowl batter: No mixer, no fuss.
🌰 Toasted pecans: Deep nutty flavor that’s pure comfort.
🍁 Versatile base: Add spices, chocolate, or a maple glaze.
☕ Anytime treat: Breakfast, brunch, dessert—or all three!

The result? A loaf that feels homemade in the best possible way—golden, aromatic, and irresistibly sliceable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Loaf

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)
Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg
Optional: 2 tablespoons milk (if batter is too thick)

For the Optional Maple Glaze

½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon milk or cream

Tools You’ll Need

9×5-inch loaf pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk or hand mixer
Spatula
Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Let cool before using—this step brings out their buttery richness.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla and sour cream.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and any spices. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Add the toasted pecans. If the batter feels too thick, add a splash of milk.

Step 3: Bake the Loaf

Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Pour in the batter and smooth the top. Press a few whole pecans into the surface for decoration. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 4: Optional Maple Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf and let set before slicing.

What to Serve With Golden Pecan Loaf Cake

This loaf pairs beautifully with:

Hot coffee or chai
Fresh fruit or a berry compote
A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey
A light dusting of powdered sugar for a cozy finish

Tips for Baking Success

Toast your pecans! It deepens flavor and keeps them crisp.
Use sour cream or yogurt for a rich, moist crumb.
Don’t overmix the batter—it keeps your loaf tender.
Check early: Every oven differs, so start checking for doneness at 45 minutes.
Customize it: Add orange zest, chocolate chips, or a cinnamon swirl for variety.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Keeps for 5 days—warm before serving.
Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat: Toast lightly or warm in the oven for 10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked aroma.

Day-by-Day Enjoyment

Day 1–2: Serve warm with tea or coffee—the crust is crisp, and the interior soft and fragrant.
Day 3–4: The flavors deepen as the pecans infuse the loaf. Serve with whipped cream or fruit compote.
Day 5–6: Toast slices and top with butter or cream cheese. Use leftovers in trifles or bread pudding.
Day 7: Bake again—with a twist! Add cranberries, chocolate chips, or a streusel topping.

Other Recipes Featuring Pecans

🥮 Pecan Coffee Cake – Soft, buttery layers with a sweet pecan streusel.
🧁 Maple Pecan Muffins – Fluffy, maple-sweetened muffins topped with chopped pecans.
🍌 Pecan Banana Bread – A nutty twist on a breakfast classic.
🍪 Pecan Shortbread Bars – Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth squares with caramel pecan topping.
🎂 Pecan Spice Cake – Spiced bundt cake glazed with cream cheese frosting.

Why This Recipe Works

This loaf is all about balance—rich butter, moist sour cream, and toasted pecans create a harmony of flavor and texture. Baking powder and soda ensure the loaf rises beautifully, while the glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness and shine.

Each slice delivers that cozy mix of nutty crunch, tender crumb, and golden edges—pure homemade joy.

Conclusion

The Golden Pecan Loaf Cake is more than just a bake—it’s a moment of comfort, a piece of nostalgia, and a reminder that the simplest recipes often bring the most happiness.

Bake it for brunch, share it at tea, or wrap it as a gift—it never fails to warm hearts and kitchens alike.

If you try it, I’d love to see your version! 🌰
Tag your loaf on Pinterest or leave a comment below—let’s celebrate all things golden, nutty, and delicious together.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Why You’ll Love This Golden Pecan Loaf Cake