Irresistible Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet memories swirl around this southern pecan caramel cake that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Southern kitchens buzz with generations of baking wisdom passed down through delicate recipes.

Pecans crackle with rich, buttery warmth when toasted and folded into tender batter.

Caramel cascades like liquid gold, creating a luxurious glaze that catches light and imagination.

Soft crumbs melt on your tongue, carrying hints of vanilla and brown sugar.

Grandmothers’ secret techniques dance through each carefully measured ingredient.

Baking this cake connects you to a legacy of Southern hospitality and love.

One slice promises pure, indulgent bliss that calls you to the kitchen.

Why Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Is So Good

• Bake with Ease: This Southern Pecan Caramel Cake requires simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Rich caramel frosting and crunchy pecans create a delectable combination that will impress family and friends at gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations.
• Customize Your Treat: Adjust the pecan quantity or garnish with whole pecans for personal flair, making this recipe adaptable to individual taste preferences.
• Comforting Southern Charm: Experience a classic Southern dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia with its traditional flavors and homemade feel.

Ingredients for Southern Pecan Caramel Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic baking ingredient that provides the cake's essential structure and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb in the cake.
• Butter: Contributes rich flavor and helps create a moist, soft cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, tender cake batter.
• Pecans: Provide a delightful nutty crunch and Southern-style flavor to the cake.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Work together to help the cake rise and enhance its overall flavor profile.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the pecans and caramel.

• Brown Sugar: Creates the signature caramel flavor and rich sweetness of the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides structure and smooth consistency to the frosting.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a creamy frosting texture.
• Milk: Helps blend the frosting ingredients and achieve the right consistency.

How to Bake Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 350F (175C). Coat three 9-inch round cake pans with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cake Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar until they transform into a light, airy mixture. Gently incorporate eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully blended.

Splash in vanilla extract for extra flavor depth.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the creamy butter mixture, alternating with milk.

Start and finish with flour mixture. Sprinkle in chopped pecans, distributing evenly.

Step 4: Bake Cake Layers

Pour batter equally into prepared pans. Slide into preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean. Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks.

Step 5: Craft Caramel Frosting

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and milk.

Allow mixture to bubble and boil, then remove from heat. Wait 10 minutes for slight cooling.

Gradually whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until frosting reaches silky smooth consistency.

Step 6: Assemble and Decorate

Once cakes have completely cooled, generously spread caramel frosting between layers and across entire cake surface.

Optional: Embellish with whole pecans for stunning presentation.

Helpful Tips for Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Success

• Choose fresh, high-quality pecans without any rancid smell to ensure the best flavor and texture in your cake.
• Toss chopped pecans in a bit of flour before adding to the batter to help them distribute evenly and prevent them from settling at the bottom.
• Watch the caramel mixture closely while boiling to avoid burning and create a smooth, silky frosting that spreads easily.
• Let cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent the caramel from becoming runny and maintain the cake's structural integrity.
• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add a subtle roasted note to the cake.

Variations for Southern Pecan Caramel Cake

• Nutty Chocolate Indulgence: Replace some flour with cocoa powder and add chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, chocolatey version of the cake.
• Spiced Autumn Charm: Mix in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to create a warm, seasonal flavor profile that complements the pecans.
• Maple Pecan Paradise: Swap out some sugar with maple syrup and add maple extract to the frosting for a deeply nostalgic Southern-inspired treat.
• Coconut Caramel Dream: Incorporate shredded coconut into the batter and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes between layers for a tropical touch.

What to Serve With Southern Pecan Caramel Cake

• Pair with Rich Coffee: Brew a dark roast or espresso to complement the cake's sweet caramel and nutty pecan flavors. The robust coffee cuts through the richness, creating a balanced taste sensation.
• Match with Sweet Dessert Wine: Select a caramel-friendly port or muscatel wine that enhances the cake's caramel undertones. The wine's sweetness harmonizes perfectly with the cake's decadent profile.
• Create a Creamy Contrast: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or bourbon-infused whipped cream. The cool, creamy texture provides a delightful counterpoint to the warm cake's dense texture.
• Sprinkle Nutty Garnish: Top with additional toasted pecans or candied pecan pieces to amplify the cake's natural nuttiness and add delightful crunch.

How to Store Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Safely

Store leftover cake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 4-5 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Wrap completely cooled cake in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.

Wrap each cake slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Store frozen slices for 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.

Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best texture, let cake sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften frosting and restore moisture.

FAQs

• What makes pecans special in this cake?

Pecans add a rich, buttery crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweet caramel frosting, providing texture and depth to the Southern-style dessert.

• Can I use a different type of nut?

While pecans are traditional, you can substitute walnuts for a similar flavor profile, though the classic Southern taste will be slightly altered.

• Is this cake challenging to make for beginners?

The recipe is moderately easy, requiring basic baking skills like creaming butter and sugar, alternating wet and dry ingredients, and making a simple caramel frosting.

• How do I ensure my cake layers are even?

Use a kitchen scale to divide the batter equally between pans, or measure the batter by cups to create uniform cake layers that stack perfectly.

Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern charm meets pure indulgence in this luscious Pecan Caramel Cake, where layers of rich, buttery cake mingle with deep caramel notes and crunchy pecans. Warm hospitality and culinary tradition come together, inviting you to savor a slice of pure Southern comfort.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 cup (100 grams) pecans, chopped

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Caramel Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) whole milk
• 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350F (175C). Prepare three 9-inch round cake pans by thoroughly greasing and dusting with flour.
2. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until airy and pale. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Alternately blend dry ingredients with milk into the butter mixture, starting and concluding with flour mixture. Gently fold chopped pecans into the batter.
4. Evenly distribute cake batter across prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into cake center – it should emerge clean. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling racks.
5. Create caramel frosting by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Incorporate brown sugar and milk, bringing mixture to a boil. Remove from heat, letting it cool for 10 minutes. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency.
6. After cakes have completely cooled, layer and frost cake with caramel icing, covering top and sides. Optional: Decorate with whole pecans for elegant presentation.

Notes

• Check pecan freshness by cracking and smelling them before adding to the cake batter for the best flavor profile.
• Soften butter and eggs to room temperature to ensure smoother cake batter and more even mixing.
• Toast pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add a deeper, richer taste to the cake.
• For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make the cake accessible to more people.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 467 kcal
• Sugar: 46 g
• Sodium: 152 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 71 mg