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Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe

Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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