Indulge in the rich and buttery flavors of this Southern Pecan Caramel Cake! Topped with a decadent caramel frosting and loaded with chopped pecans, this cake is the ultimate treat for any special occasion.
Ingredients:
Cake:
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups
- Granulated sugar: 2 cups
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1 cup
- Whole milk: 1 cup
- Large eggs: 4
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Pecans, chopped: 1 cup
Caramel Frosting:
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup
- Brown sugar, packed: 1 cup
- Whole milk: 1/4 cup
- Powdered sugar: 3 cups
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Directions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to prepare them for the batter.
2. Mix Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in the chopped pecans gently.
4. Bake:
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
5. Prepare Frosting:
To make the caramel frosting, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and milk, bringing the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread the caramel frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with additional whole pecans if desired.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Calories: 550 kcal per serving
- Servings: 12 servings
Tips:
- Toast the Pecans: For an extra rich flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before folding them into the batter.
- Cool Completely: Ensure that the cakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.