Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is a rich, moist dessert layered with buttery cake, toasted pecans, and smooth caramel frosting.
This Southern Pecan Caramel Cake tastes incredibly delicious, with a deep nutty flavor and sweet caramel richness in every bite.
I made this Southern Pecan Caramel Cake after seeing it prepared on a Southern cooking show that highlighted traditional family recipes.
The inspiration came from the warm, homemade charm that this Southern Pecan Caramel Cake represents. The main speciality of this Southern Pecan Caramel Cake lies in its caramel topping mixed with pecans, adding texture and bold sweetness. I will now show up and show step by step about this recipe.
Why We Love This Southern Pecan Caramel Cake?
Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is loved for its moist, tender cake layers filled with crunchy pecans that add texture and flavor.
The rich caramel frosting adds a luscious sweetness that perfectly complements the nuttiness of the pecans. Every bite offers a balanced combination of creamy caramel and buttery cake, making it irresistible.
This Southern Pecan Caramel Cake provides a comforting and satisfying dessert experience that stands out for its unique blend of flavours and delightful mouth feel, creating lasting enjoyment for everyone who tries it.
How To Prepare Southern Pecan Caramel Cake?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cooling & Frosting: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern American
Yield: 1 layered cake (serves 12)
Equipment Needed
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Saucepan
- Cooling rack
- Whisk and spatula
- Cake stand or serving platter
Ingredients
For The Cake Layers:
- 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For The Caramel Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup whole milk
For The Caramel Topping:
- 1 cup butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1 cup pecan halves or chopped
- Extra caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup whole milk
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat And Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
Step 4: Add Eggs And Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
Step 6: Bake The Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn onto wire racks to cool completely.
Step 7: Make The Caramel Frosting
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Step 8: Frost The Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer, stack the second layer, and spread frosting over the top and sides.
Step 9: Make The Caramel Topping
In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and milk. Bring to a boil and stir for 2–3 minutes until thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in pecans.
Step 10: Garnish And Serve
Pour the warm caramel pecan topping over the frosted cake. Let it drip slightly down the sides. For extra flair, drizzle with store bought or extra caramel sauce. Slice and serve!
Special Notes
Toast the pecans before mixing they deepen the flavor and bring delightful crunch. If frosting thickens too fast, gently reheat for easier spreading.
You can make layers ahead and frost before serving. That makes prep easier. Want a quicker version? Use store bought caramel sauce and skip homemade frosting. For a twist: swap milk for buttermilk or add a pinch of cinnamon to batter for warm spice notes.
Nutrition Facts Of Southern Pecan Caramel Cake
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 75 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Southern Pecan Caramel Cake
➢ Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for smooth and creamy cake batter.
➢ Toast pecans lightly before adding to the batter to enhance their flavor and crunch.
➢ Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
➢ Use fresh powdered sugar in the frosting for the best consistency and sweetness.
➢ Stir the caramel sauce constantly while heating to avoid burning and achieve a silky texture.
Incredible Essential Health Benefits
➤ Pecans in the cake provide healthy fats that support heart health and improve cholesterol levels.
➤ Caramel made from real butter and brown sugar offers a source of energy through natural sugars.
➤ Eggs contribute high quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth.
➤ The nuts also contain antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress.
➤ Whole milk used in the recipe supplies calcium and vitamin D, important for strong bones and teeth.
Usage Suggestions
1. Enjoy a slice of Southern Pecan Caramel Cake as a delightful finish to a holiday meal.
2. Use leftover cake crumbs to create a crunchy topping for yogurt or ice cream.
3. Cut the cake into small squares to serve as bite-sized treats at parties or gatherings.
4. Warm the cake slightly and drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for added indulgence.
5. Pair the cake with a glass of cold milk to balance the rich flavors.
What Does Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Go Well With?
Southern Pecan Caramel Cake goes well alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or caramel flavored ice cream, enhancing its rich flavors.
A scoop of dulcet ed lech ice cream also complements the Southern Pecan Caramel Cake beautifully. Adding a drizzle of extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of pecans brings additional sweetness and crunch.
For beverages, iced coffee pairs wonderfully, especially when flavoured with caramel butter pecan, as it echoes the Southern Pecan Caramel Cake nutty, caramel notes and balances the sweetness with a refreshing contrast.
How To Store Leftovers
Store leftover Southern Pecan Caramel Cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Keep the Southern Pecan Caramel Cake refrigerated to prevent the caramel frosting from becoming too soft.
Before serving, allow the Southern Pecan Caramel Cake to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
If longer storage is needed, wrap the Southern Pecan Caramel Cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer.
Thaw frozen Southern Pecan Caramel Cake in the refrigerator overnight to enjoy later without losing moisture or taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Salted Butter Instead Of Unsalted Butter?
Yes, using salted butter is fine, but reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe to avoid over salting.
How Can I Prevent The Caramel Frosting From Becoming Too Runny?
Make sure to cook the caramel mixture to the right temperature and allow it to cool slightly before mixing in powdered sugar to thicken it.
Can This Cake Be Made Gluten Free?
Yes, by substituting the all purpose flour with a gluten free flour blend suitable for baking, the cake can be made gluten free.
Is It Possible To Make The Cake Layers Ahead Of Time?
Cake layers can be baked a day in advance, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, and stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
What Type Of Pecans Works Best In This Cake?
Fresh, lightly toasted pecans provide the best flavour and crunch for the cake layers and topping.
Southern Pecan Caramel Cake was an easy and delicious success that I truly enjoyed making. The rich caramel and crunchy pecans created the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
I hope this Southern Pecan Caramel Cake inspires you as much as it did me. It’s simple to follow and absolutely worth the effort.
Now it’s your turn to make it soon and let me know how delicious it turned out for you. I’m sure you’ll enjoy every sweet, buttery bite.
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Southern Pecan Caramel Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn onto wire racks to cool completely.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer, stack the second layer, and spread frosting over the top and sides.
- In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and milk. Bring to a boil and stir for 2–3 minutes until thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in pecans.
- Pour the warm caramel pecan topping over the frosted cake. Let it drip slightly down the sides. For extra flair, drizzle with store bought or extra caramel sauce. Slice and serve!
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550 kcal | Carbohydrates: 75 g | Fat: 25 g | Protein: 6 g“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”