Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and smiles to any gathering. This cake holds a special place in many families, often appearing at celebrations and holidays. It reminds us of southern hospitality, where sweet treats are a big part of the culture. With its rich caramel flavor and crunchy pecans, this cake is worth trying. Made from simple ingredients, it has a homemade charm that makes it just perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Why Make This Recipe
This Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is not just any dessert. It has a unique combination of flavors and textures that make it truly special. The buttery cake is soft and fluffy, while the caramel frosting is creamy and sweet, and the chopped pecans add a delightful crunch. It’s a perfect dessert to serve after a savory meal, creating a satisfying end to any dinner.
Making this cake is also easier than you might think. Despite its impressive taste, the recipe doesn’t require any fancy skills. This makes it perfect for newcomers in the kitchen or even busy moms looking for a quick yet delightful treat. Plus, baking this cake fills your home with wonderful smells, making everyone in the family eager to taste it.
Many families pass this recipe down from generation to generation, creating memories that span decades. When you make this cake, you’re not just following a recipe; you’re continuing a tradition that brings joy and connection to your loved ones. Everyone loves a sweet slice of this cake, and sharing it will surely bring happiness to those around you.
How to Make Southern Pecan Caramel Cake
Making Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is a fun and straightforward process. Here’s an overview to help you understand how the cake comes together.
First, you’ll be mixing the dry ingredients and then creaming the butter and sugar together. This step is crucial! When the butter and sugar mix, it creates a light and fluffy base, which is the heart of the cake. Then, you’re adding eggs one by one, which helps bind everything together.
You will alternate adding the dry flour mixture and milk to create a smooth batter, which should smell wonderful as you mix it. Once you transfer the batter to the cake pans, you’ll bake it until it’s lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cakes cool, you can whip up the caramel frosting. Melting butter and brown sugar creates a rich and sweet caramel flavor that makes this cake exceptional. After cooling the cakes, you’ll spread the frosting between layers and on top, then sprinkle with toasted pecans.
The final result is a beautiful, layered cake demanding to be admired before diving in. Slicing into this cake reveals the fluffy layers and creamy frosting, making it impossible to resist a piece (or two!).
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Southern Pecan Caramel Cake:
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2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of the cake, giving it structure and fluffiness. You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist if you prefer.
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2 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise, ensuring it’s light and airy.
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1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness, making every bite more delicious.
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter adds richness and moisture to the cake. Make sure it’s soft for easy mixing. If you need a dairy-free option, you can try coconut oil.
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1 3⁄4 cups granulated sugar: Sugar provides sweetness and helps create a beautiful golden color in the cake.
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4 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture, making the cake tender.
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract: This will give a warm flavor and enhances the sweetness of the cake.
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1 cup whole milk: Milk helps achieve the right consistency and adds creaminess. You can use almond milk or any nut milk as a substitute for a dairy-free version.
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1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting): Just like in the cake, butter in the frosting creates a rich flavor.
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2 cups packed light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a deep caramel flavor to the frosting.
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3⁄4 cup heavy cream: This gives the frosting a creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can consider using coconut cream.
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): It enhances the caramel flavor in the frosting.
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4 cups powdered sugar, sifted: Powedered sugar gives the frosting a smooth and sweet finish.
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1 cup chopped pecans, toasted: Pecans add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor. Toasting them helps bring out their flavor even more.
Directions
Let’s go through the steps to make the Southern Pecan Caramel Cake.
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Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking for your cake.
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Prepare the pans: Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. This helps the cakes come out easily after baking.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this bowl aside for later.
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Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a mixer until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
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Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the tablespoon of vanilla extract and mix until combined.
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Alternate dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add in the flour mixture and milk, starting with the flour and alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry mixture. This will help maintain the fluffy texture of your cake. Mix until just combined, and be careful not to overmix.
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Divide and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cakes. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!
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Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the pans and cool completely on wire racks.
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Make the frosting: For the frosting, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and cook for about 2 minutes until it’s bubbling. Whisk in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, remove it from the heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar until smooth.
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Frost the cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting between each cake layer. Then, spread the remaining frosting on top and around the sides. Sprinkle the toasted pecans on top of the cake for a beautiful finish.
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Let it set: Allow the cake to sit for 30 minutes so the frosting can set. This makes it easier to slice and serve.
Now your Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is ready to enjoy! Serve it at gatherings, or savor it at home with your loved ones.
How to Serve Southern Pecan Caramel Cake
Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is versatile and perfect for various occasions. You can serve it at family gatherings, birthday parties, or holiday celebrations. For a casual dinner, it’s a delightful dessert that will impress your guests.
Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. It also goes well with milk for children and anyone with a sweet tooth. You could even serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delectable dessert that feels extra special.
The cake’s rich flavors make it suitable for any time of day. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast treat or an evening dessert, Southern Pecan Caramel Cake fits perfectly.
How to Store Southern Pecan Caramel Cake
Storing your leftover Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is simple. After it cools completely, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
You can keep the cake at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want it to last longer, consider storing it in the fridge, where it can stay good for about a week.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Slice the cake into individual pieces for easy thawing. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight. You can also hold them at room temperature for a few hours before serving for a softer texture.
Tips to Make Southern Pecan Caramel Cake
To achieve the best results when making this cake, here are some handy tips:
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Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This will help create a light and fluffy batter.
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Don’t overmix the batter: Once you add flour to the mixture, mix it just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
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Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if your cakes are baked through. If it comes out clean, they’re ready.
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Cool completely before frosting: Ensure your cakes are entirely cool before you frost them. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
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Toast pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their nutty flavor, making them even tastier. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.
Variation
Here are a few fun ways to tweak the Southern Pecan Caramel Cake recipe:
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Chocolate twist: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolate pecan caramel cake. Replace 1/2 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a lovely chocolate flavor.
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Spice it up: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice flavor that pairs wonderfully with caramel.
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Gluten-free option: For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
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Nutty alternatives: If you can’t find pecans or have nut allergies, try walnuts or sunflower seeds instead. They provide a crunchy texture without the nuts.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Southern Pecan Caramel Cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! You can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. Store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature or in the fridge until you’re ready to frost and serve.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A: If you have leftover cake, you can enjoy it at room temperature. If you want it warm, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry it out.
Q: Can I use a different flour or sugar?
A: Indeed! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour, based on your dietary needs. You can also use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a healthier option.
Now you have everything you need to create your very own Southern Pecan Caramel Cake. It’s a warm and inviting recipe that everyone in your family will love! Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat!
Print
Southern Pecan Caramel Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert with rich caramel flavor and crunchy pecans, perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and milk, alternating between them, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
- For the frosting, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan, add brown sugar, and cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle boil. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and beat in sifted powdered sugar until smooth.
- Once cakes are cool, spread frosting between each layer and on top and sides of the cake. Top with toasted pecans.
- Allow the cake to sit for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
To achieve the best texture, do not overmix the batter and ensure cakes are completely cool before frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cake, dessert, pecan, caramel, southern