Irresistible Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe for Sweet Joy

Sweet memories swirl around this delectable southern pecan caramel cake that whispers comfort from my grandmother’s kitchen.

Layers of rich, moist goodness tell stories of lazy Sunday afternoons.

Nutty pecans dance through soft, golden crumb with caramel’s deep amber embrace.

Buttery notes create a symphony of Southern charm and homestyle warmth.

Childhood echoes resonate in every tender slice, inviting you to savor tradition.

Creamy frosting promises pure indulgence that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

This cake isn’t just dessert, it’s a loving connection to cherished culinary heritage that beckons you to bake and celebrate.

FAQs

• Are pecans essential in this cake recipe?

Yes, pecans add a signature Southern crunch and nutty flavor. They’re mixed into the cake batter and can also be used as a garnish.

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

While pecans are traditional, you can substitute walnuts for a similar texture and taste profile. However, it might slightly alter the authentic Southern cake experience.

• What makes the caramel frosting different from regular frosting?

The caramel frosting is made by cooking brown sugar and butter together, creating a rich, deep flavor that’s more complex and intense compared to standard buttercream or vanilla frosting.

• Is this cake considered difficult to make?

While it requires multiple steps, the recipe is intermediate-level. The key is following instructions carefully, especially when making the caramel frosting, and ensuring ingredients are at the right temperature.

Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Highlights

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This Southern Pecan Caramel Cake brings together classic Southern baking traditions with irresistible flavors that will wow family and friends at any gathering.
• Elevate Baking Skills: Perfect for home bakers looking to challenge themselves with a multi-layered cake that looks professionally made but is totally achievable with basic baking techniques.
• Nutty Indulgence: Chopped pecans folded into the batter and whole pecans as garnish add delightful texture and rich, toasty flavor that takes this dessert from good to extraordinary.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows for simple decorative touches like drizzled caramel and whole pecans, making it adaptable for casual family dinners or special celebration cakes.

Ingredients for Southern Pecan Caramel Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth cake batter.

• Pecans: Bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Essential for helping the cake rise and balancing the flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Brown Sugar: Creates the classic caramel flavor and sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides smoothness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth caramel consistency.
• Milk: Helps achieve the right frosting texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the caramel flavor.

Preparation Guide for Pecan Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the creamed mixture, alternating with milk.

Start and end with the flour mixture.

Gently fold in chopped pecans for added texture.

Step 4: Bake Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 5: Craft Caramel Frosting

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.

Add brown sugar and milk, bringing the mixture to a boil.

Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

Gradually beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting reaches a smooth consistency.

Step 6: Assemble Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread caramel frosting between each layer and cover the top and sides of the cake.

For an elegant finish, drizzle additional melted caramel and garnish with whole pecans just before serving.

Pro Tips for Southern Pecan Caramel Cake

• Choose fresh, crisp pecans without any rancid smell to ensure the best flavor and crunch in your cake.
• Avoid overbaking by checking the cake's doneness with a toothpick at 25 minutes, as each oven varies slightly in temperature.
• Let the caramel mixture cool completely before adding powdered sugar to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth frosting texture.
• Lightly toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and release natural oils.
• Stir the caramel mixture constantly while cooking to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden-brown color without scorching.

Variations for Pecan Caramel Cake

• Gluten-Free Pecan Caramel Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities. Ensure all other ingredients remain the same for a similar rich texture.
• Vegan Caramel Pecan Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and milk with almond milk. Use dairy-free caramel frosting made from coconut cream and plant-based sweeteners.
• Nutless Southern Cake: Remove pecans completely and substitute with toasted sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely. Maintain original cake and caramel frosting structure for nut-allergic individuals.

Serving Ideas for Southern Pecan Caramel Cake

• Cozy Family Gathering: Serve this decadent Southern Pecan Caramel Cake during holiday reunions, making it the centerpiece of your dessert table that brings everyone together with its rich, comforting flavors.
• Elegant Afternoon Tea: Slice the cake into delicate wedges and pair with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that feels both luxurious and homey.
• Celebration Dessert Platter: Arrange cake slices alongside fresh berries, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans to elevate the presentation and add complementary textures for special occasions.
• Gourmet Gift Idea: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper with a decorative ribbon, making it a thoughtful homemade gift that showcases your baking skills and southern hospitality.

Storage Tips for Pecan Caramel Cake

• Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between cake layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, let cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore optimal texture and flavor.

Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Southern pecan caramel cake promises sweet southern comfort with rich layers of buttery goodness. Warm notes of caramel and toasted pecans invite you to savor a slice of homemade tradition that speaks directly to the heart.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup salted or unsalted butter
• 1 cup pecans (chopped)

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 cup brown sugar packed

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup whole milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and thoroughly coat three 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Cream butter and sugar until achieving a light, airy texture. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
3. Separately combine dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually integrate the dry mixture into the creamed ingredients, alternating with milk. Gently fold chopped pecans throughout the batter to distribute evenly.
4. Distribute batter equally among prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire cooling racks.
5. Create caramel frosting by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and milk, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
6. Gradually whisk powdered sugar and vanilla into the cooled caramel mixture until achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency.
7. Once cake layers have completely cooled, generously apply caramel frosting between layers and across the entire cake surface. Optional: Embellish with drizzled caramel and whole pecans just before serving for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the cake’s texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother batter and more even cake layers.
• Check cake doneness by gently pressing the center; it should spring back when fully baked.
• Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for sensitive diets.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt to reduce overall fat content.
• Cool caramel frosting completely to prevent runny consistency and ensure proper cake coverage.
• Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum moisture retention.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern United States

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 552 kcal
• Sugar: 49 g
• Sodium: 234 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 87 mg