Southern Pecan Caramel Cake

 Southern Pecan Caramel Cake: A Rich and Irresistible Dessert

If you're looking for a truly indulgent Southern dessert, this Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is exactly what you need. This cake is rich, buttery, and infused with the deep, nutty flavor of pecans, all topped with a luscious homemade caramel frosting that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it's for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake is a guaranteed showstopper.

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Why You’ll Love This Southern Pecan Caramel Cake

✔️ Classic Southern Flavor: The combination of buttery cake, toasted pecans, and caramel frosting creates a nostalgic, comforting taste.

✔️ Moist & Tender: Thanks to real butter and buttermilk, this cake has a soft and rich texture.

✔️ Irresistible Caramel Frosting: A smooth, buttery caramel frosting takes this cake to the next level.

✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion: From holidays to Sunday dinners, this cake is a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients & Their Role in the Recipe

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the cake.

2 cups granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.

1 cup buttermilk – Helps tenderize the cake and adds a slight tangy flavor.

4 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and gives structure.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.

1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.

½ teaspoon baking soda – Reacts with the buttermilk for extra lift.

½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.

1 cup chopped pecans – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor.

For the Caramel Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter – The base of the frosting, making it rich and smooth.

1 cup brown sugar (light or dark) – Provides deep caramel flavor.

½ cup heavy cream – Helps create a creamy texture.

3 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the caramel flavor.

Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.

6. Fold in chopped pecans for that signature crunch.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

3. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Frosting

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream.

2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Remove from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.

4. Gradually beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of caramel frosting over the top.

2. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.

3. Garnish with extra toasted pecans for a beautiful finish.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Southern Pecan Caramel Cake

✔️ Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth and even batter.

✔️ Toast the pecans before adding them to the batter for a deeper, nuttier flavor.

✔️ Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the cake soft and tender.

✔️ Let the caramel frosting cool slightly before spreading to prevent a runny texture.

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Serving Suggestions

This cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature with:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

A drizzle of extra caramel sauce for added richness.

A cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy pairing.

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Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Southern Classic

This Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is a true gem of Southern baking. With its moist, buttery cake layers and decadent caramel frosting, it’s a dessert that never fails to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to 

be a favorite.

Try this recipe today and experience the rich flavors of the South! Let us know how it turns out in the comments below.

Happy Baking!