The Most Heavenly Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Sweet memories of childhood baking come alive with this decadent pecan caramel cake that whispers comfort and indulgence.

Layers of soft, golden crumb promise a delightful afternoon treat.

Nutty pecans add a delicious crunch against smooth, rich caramel notes.

Warm kitchen aromas will draw everyone closer to the table.

Delicate textures and deep flavors merge into a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Each slice tells a story of careful preparation and love.

Step into a world of sweet satisfaction that beckons you to savor every single bite.

Pecan Caramel Cake Ingredient Breakdown

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth cake texture.
• Large Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide moisture.
• Whole Milk: Keeps the cake moist and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Assists in rising and balancing the cake's acidity.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.

• Pecans (Chopped and Whole): Adds nutty crunch and rich, buttery flavor. Choose fresh, crisp pecans without any rancid smell. Whole pecans work great for decorating the cake's exterior.

• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable frosting consistency.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create creamy texture.
• Whole Milk: Helps blend frosting ingredients smoothly.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet undertone to the caramel frosting.

Pecan Caramel Cake Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Grease three 9-inch round cake pans and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract to enhance flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk.

Start and end with flour mixture.

Gently fold in chopped pecans.

Step 4: Bake the Cake Layers

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

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

Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare Caramel Frosting

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add brown sugar and milk.

Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.

Allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Finish Frosting

Gradually beat powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the caramel mixture until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Assemble and Decorate Cake

Once cake layers are completely cool, spread frosting between layers and cover the entire cake.

Optional: Garnish with whole pecans on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Cake Tips for Pecan Caramel Layered Sweetness

• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before chopping to release their rich, nutty oils and deepen their taste profile.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature and avoid overmixing batter to keep the cake's structure light and fluffy.
• Brush cake layers with simple syrup before frosting to maintain maximum moisture and prevent dry edges.
• If frosting becomes too thick, add a tiny splash of milk; if too thin, mix in more powdered sugar to achieve perfect spreading texture.
• Bake cake layers in advance and freeze wrapped tightly, which actually helps keep the cake more moist when thawed and assembled.

Chill Pecan Caramel Cake Properly

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
• Wrap cake layers with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Let cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture and enhance flavor.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power, ensuring the caramel frosting doesn't separate or become too runny.

Pecan Caramel Cake Complements

• Elevate Coffee Match: Rich espresso or dark roast coffee cuts through the cake's sweetness, creating a balanced flavor experience that highlights the nutty pecan notes and caramel undertones.
• Complementary Wine Selection: Choose a dessert wine like tawny port or sweet Madeira, which echo the cake's caramel richness and enhance its warm, nutty characteristics without overwhelming the delicate cake texture.
• Enhance Beverage Contrast: Cold milk or creamy vanilla milkshake provides a smooth, cool counterpoint to the warm caramel and toasted pecan flavors, refreshing the palate between cake bites.
• Nutty Dessert Companion: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream, allowing its cool creaminess to balance the cake's intense sweetness while matching the pecan's rich, buttery profile.

Pecan Caramel Cake in Sweet Decadent Twists

• Gluten-Free Pecan Caramel Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and structure.
• Vegan Caramel Pecan Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and milk with almond milk. Use dairy-free caramel frosting made from coconut cream and maple syrup.
• Nut-Free Caramel Cake: Swap pecans with sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely. Maintain the caramel flavor and cake structure by keeping other ingredients consistent.
• Low-Sugar Pecan Caramel Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar. Replace traditional caramel frosting with a lighter cream cheese-based topping using reduced sugar content.

FAQs

• What makes this cake different from other caramel cakes?

This pecan caramel cake stands out because of its rich, homemade caramel frosting and the nutty crunch of pecans mixed directly into the cake batter, creating a more complex and layered flavor profile.

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Walnuts work perfectly as a substitute if you don’t have pecans. They have a similar texture and nutty flavor that complements the caramel frosting beautifully.

• How do I know if my frosting is the right consistency?

The frosting should be smooth and spreadable but not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a little milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach the right texture for easy spreading.

• Is this cake good for special occasions?

Absolutely! The three-layer design and decadent caramel frosting make this cake impressive enough for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration where you want to serve a show-stopping dessert.

Pecan Caramel Cake That’s Sweet, Gooey, and Golden

• Quick and Easy Technique: This pecan caramel cake requires basic baking skills with straightforward steps anyone can follow, making it perfect for home bakers of all experience levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Rich pecans and decadent caramel frosting transform a classic cake into an irresistible treat that'll have family and friends requesting seconds with pure delight.
• Versatile Celebration Dessert: Perfect for birthdays, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or weekend family dinners, this cake delivers impressive flavor without complicated preparation methods.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Layers can be baked in advance and frosted later, saving time and reducing day-of kitchen stress while ensuring maximum deliciousness.

Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Pecan Caramel Cake promises a symphony of rich, buttery flavors that dance across your palate. Sweet caramel and toasted pecans create a luxurious dessert experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (595 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (100 g) pecans, chopped

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

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

Frosting Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and meticulously coat three 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour.
2. Create a luxurious cake base by whipping butter and sugar until ethereally light and airy. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Infuse with fragrant vanilla extract.
3. Craft the dry foundation by whisking together flour, leavening agents, and salt in a separate mixing vessel. Methodically introduce dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk, ensuring a harmonious blend. Gently fold chopped pecans throughout the batter.
4. Distribute the velvety batter evenly across prepared pans, maintaining consistent volume. Bake for 25–30 minutes until a probing toothpick emerges pristine. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
5. Develop the caramel frosting by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Incorporate brown sugar and milk, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
6. Transform the caramel base into a silky frosting by gradually integrating powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whisking until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency.
7. Once layers have completely cooled, artfully assemble the cake by spreading frosting between layers and enrobing the entire exterior. Optional: Embellish with whole pecans for a sophisticated finishing touch.

Notes

• Toast pecans before adding to batter for a deeper, richer nutty flavor that enhances the cake’s overall taste profile.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and create a more consistent cake texture.
• Replace regular milk with buttermilk for a tender, more moist cake crumb that adds subtle tanginess to the dessert.
• When making caramel frosting, stir constantly to prevent burning and achieve a silky, glossy consistency that spreads easily.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg