Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of the South with this Southern Pecan Caramel Cake. Moist layers of buttermilk cake studded with toasted pecans are sandwiched together with a luscious caramel frosting, creating a dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with buttermilk. Fold in toasted pecans.
- Bake: Divide batter between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool before frosting.
- Make caramel frosting: Melt butter, brown sugar, and milk in a saucepan. Boil, then whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost the cake: Frost one cake layer, stack the second layer, and frost the top and sides. Sprinkle with toasted pecans.
- Set and serve: Let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 5–6 minutes.
- This cake pairs well with coffee or makes a delightful holiday dessert.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
