Southern Pecan Caramel Cake 🍰🌰
This Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and rich flavors. With a moist, buttery cake and a decadent caramel frosting, this cake is perfect for special occasions or when you just want a delicious treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
✅ Rich & Decadent – Layers of moist cake with sweet caramel and toasted pecans.
✅ Classic Southern Flavors – A traditional cake that never goes out of style.
✅ Perfect for Celebrations – The perfect showstopper for your next gathering.
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients for an incredible result.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
1 ½ cups chopped pecans (toasted)
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
Preheat & Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Make the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with a little bit of milk (about ½ cup), mixing until just combined.
Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Caramel Frosting
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream to reach your desired consistency.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of caramel frosting over the top, then top with a handful of toasted pecans.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining caramel frosting. Garnish with more toasted pecans on top.
Pro Tips for the Best Cake 🔥
✔ Toast your pecans – Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the cake.
✔ Let the cake cool completely – This will prevent the frosting from melting when you apply it.
✔ Smooth frosting – For a smooth finish, make sure to frost the cake when the caramel is slightly cooled but still spreadable.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
✨ Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy dessert experience.
✨ Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful indulgence.
✨ This cake also makes a perfect gift for birthdays or holidays!
Final Verdict: Heavenly & Irresistible!
This Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is a showstopper with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and indulgent caramel flavor. Every bite is a slice of Southern comfort, perfect for any occasion! 😍