If you’re a fan of rich, buttery desserts with a delightful crunch and a luscious swirl of caramel, then you are absolutely going to adore this Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe. This cake effortlessly combines moist, tender layers with the deep, nutty flavors of toasted pecans and the decadent sweetness of homemade caramel frosting. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes that brings southern charm straight to your table, making it perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself and loved ones to a truly unforgettable dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a crucial first step to making this dreamy Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe. The beauty lies in how these simple, everyday ingredients work together to create a cake that’s fluffy, richly flavored, and perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s structure and tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with its golden color.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents for a light, airy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to make the cake tender.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Creates richness and helps with the cake’s tender texture.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture for a perfect rise.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with a warm, fragrant flavor.
- Brown sugar: Used in the caramel frosting for deep, molasses-like sweetness.
- Heavy cream: Brings creaminess and body to the caramel frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the right consistency.
- Chopped toasted pecans: Add delightful crunch and authentic southern flair.
- Additional toasted pecans: For garnishing, making the cake visually stunning and extra nutty.
How to Make Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly. This ensures your cake layers will bake evenly and come out effortlessly when it’s time to decorate.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining the dry ingredients well at this stage helps distribute the leavening evenly, giving you that perfect rise in your Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe.
Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the softened butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture provides moisture and richness, which balances perfectly with the dry ingredients to produce a tender crumb.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined and smooth. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, so aim for that perfect, silky batter consistency.
Step 5: Bake Your Cake Layers
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and place them in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen at this point will have you eagerly anticipating the next steps!
Step 6: Cool the Cakes
Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling is critical because it prepares the cake for frosting, ensuring the caramel topping won’t melt or slide off.
Step 7: Make the Caramel Frosting
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes while stirring constantly, until it thickens and turns glossy. Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract. Next, gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth, thick, and ready to spread.
Step 8: Assemble and Frost the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the caramel frosting over it, then sprinkle with toasted pecans. Top with the second cake layer and repeat the frosting and pecan topping. Finally, garnish with additional toasted pecans to create that inviting Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe look and flavor that everyone will adore.
How to Serve Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Additional toasted pecans on top add a festive touch and extra crunch, while a light dusting of powdered sugar can brighten the presentation. For an indulgent twist, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over each slice will elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance its richness. A cup of strong black coffee or a glass of cold milk also complements the cake beautifully, perfect for sharing delightful moments.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the cake in individual clear glasses for a stunning parfait-style dessert. You can also serve mini versions as petite bites at parties, or arrange slices on a rustic wooden board surrounded by clusters of pecans and caramel drizzles for a show-stopping dessert table centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store leftover pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, refrigeration will keep the cake fresh for up to 4 days but let it come to room temperature before serving to bring back its moist texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe by wrapping cooled, unfrosted layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost just before serving for best results.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cake warm, gently reheat single slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This softens the caramel frosting and makes the cake even more irresistible, though it’s just as divine enjoyed cold.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this recipe?
While you can use regular milk, buttermilk brings a subtle tang and tenderizes the cake, making it moist and flavorful. To mimic buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How do I toast pecans properly?
To toast pecans, spread them evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep a close eye to prevent burning; toasted pecans add that toasty aroma and crunch essential to this cake.
Can I make the caramel frosting ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the frosting a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Warm it slightly and whisk before spreading on your cake for that perfect smooth consistency every time.
Is this Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! This cake’s elegant layers, rich flavors, and beautiful presentation make it an excellent choice for birthdays, holidays, or simply when you want to impress with a southern-inspired treat.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer or electric hand mixer?
You can definitely mix this cake by hand using a sturdy whisk and a bit of elbow grease. Just take your time to cream the butter and blend the ingredients thoroughly for a tender crumb and smooth batter.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe that captures the heart of southern hospitality in every luscious slice. The tender cake layers paired with the rich caramel frosting and toasted pecans make it a crowd-pleaser that invites smiles and second helpings. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon—you’ll find it becomes a beloved staple in your dessert rotation, bringing warmth and joy to your table time and time again.
Print
Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is a decadent layered cake featuring moist buttermilk cake layers topped with a rich homemade caramel frosting and toasted pecans. This classic Southern dessert combines the warm flavors of caramel and pecans, making it perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon 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
- Additional toasted pecans for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk, softened unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform.
- Make the batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Divide batter and bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Cool cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes to set, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make caramel frosting base: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, cooking for 3-4 minutes while stirring constantly for a smooth, caramelized base.
- Flavor the caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enrich the caramel flavor.
- Thicken frosting: Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth, thick, and spreadable. Allow it to cool slightly before use to avoid melting the cake layers.
- Assemble cake – first layer: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of caramel frosting evenly over the top.
- Add pecans: Sprinkle the chopped toasted pecans over the caramel frosting to add crunch and flavor.
- Add second layer and repeat: Top with the second cake layer, then repeat the spreading of caramel frosting and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
- Garnish and serve: Finish by garnishing the top of the cake with additional toasted pecans for extra texture and visual appeal. Serve and enjoy your Southern Pecan Caramel Cake!
Notes
- Make sure cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the caramel from melting.
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until fragrant and lightly browned.
- For an extra smooth caramel frosting, strain the mixture before adding powdered sugar if any lumps form.
- This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing results and cake texture.
