Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe

Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe

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A decadent Southern treat, this moist and flavorful cake is layered with a rich caramel filling and topped with crunchy pecans. Perfect for any special occasion!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar  
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans

For the Caramel Filling:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pecan Topping:

  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

Make the Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. 4. Alternate wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.  
  4. Fold in pecans: Gently fold in chopped pecans.
  5. Bake: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Caramel Filling:

  1. Combine sugar and water: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and mixture turns a deep amber color.
  2. Add cream carefully: Carefully whisk in heavy cream. The mixture will bubble vigorously.
  3. Stir in butter and vanilla: Stir in butter and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Cool: Let caramel cool slightly before using.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Level cakes: Once cooled, level the tops of the cakes if necessary.
  2. Spread caramel: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with cooled caramel. Top with the second cake layer.
  3. Make pecan topping: In a small bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Toss to coat.
  4. Top with pecans: Sprinkle pecan topping over the top of the cake.

Serve: Serve immediately or chill before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Southern Pecan Caramel Cake!

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