Introduction
Indulge in the rich flavors of the South with this Southern Pecan Caramel Cake! This dessert is a perfect balance of buttery cake layers, a gooey caramel drizzle, and crunchy toasted pecans. It’s an ideal choice for family gatherings, holidays, or whenever you crave a little taste of home. Easy to make and impossible to resist, this cake is sure to become a family favorite!
Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups toasted pecans (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with pecans. Repeat with the remaining layers. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and garnish with more pecans.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Slice and enjoy!
This Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is perfect for sharing and will surely impress your guests. Happy baking! 🍰
