Southern Pecan Caramel Cake

Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is a rich, moist cake that’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving something sweet and indulgent. Here’s a recipe for you to try:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Caramel Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter: Add the butter and mix on medium speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the milk and vanilla, mixing until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Fold in Pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans.
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

For the Caramel Frosting:

1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add Brown Sugar and Milk: Add the brown sugar and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue boiling for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Cool Mixture: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 10 minutes.
4. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating on low speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
5. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with a portion of the caramel frosting. Repeat with the second and third layers.
2. Frost the Cake: Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake.
3. Decorate: If desired, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for decoration.

Tips

• Ensure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• For an extra caramel touch, you can drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of the cake before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Southern Pecan Caramel Cake!