Carols Butter Pecan Cake Recipes

CAROL'S BUTTER PECAN CAKE

Steps:

• Grease and flour bottoms of three 9 inch layer pans. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Melt 1/4 cup butter in heavy skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and brown 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Sift flour with baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cream remaining butter in large mixing bowl. Gradually add 2 cups sugar; cream at high speed of mixer until light and fluffy. At medium speed blend in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. At low speed add sifted dry ingredients alternately with milk and vanilla extract, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Blend well after each addition. Stir in 1 1/3 cups pecans. Pour batter into pans.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched in center. When cool, blend remaining pecans with Creamy Butter Frosting; spread between layers and on top.
• To Make Creamy Butter Frosting: Cream 1/4 cup butter or margarine in mixing bowl. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, salt, 4 cups confectioners' sugar and 1/3 to 1/2 cup cream. Beat until smooth and of spreading consistency. If necessary, thin with additional cream.

BUTTER PECAN COOKIES

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs, vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
• Add flour, cinnamon powder, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder and mix until just combined.
• Mix in pecans and toffee bits until evenly distributed.
• Chill dough for 30-45 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Scoop out small portions of the dough and roll into balls. The chilled dough will seem a bit crumbly but the warmth of your hands will help bring the dough together into small balls.
• Optional: Roll each cookie dough ball in a bowl of granulated sugar, if you like. I don't usually do it but my Mom does it.
• Place them on a cookie tray, lined with parchment paper.
• Bake at 350 degrees F for about 11-14 minutes or until cookies are golden brown and firm along the edges. They will be "poofy" in the center and deflate as they cool. If they don't deflate fully to your liking, you can press down gently with the back of a spoon. Enjoy!