Southern Pecan Caramel Cake

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Sure! Here’s a big, rich, and flavorful version of your Southern Pecan Caramel Cake recipe, complete with an engaging introduction, detailed ingredients and methods, history, nutritional benefits, and more. Get ready for a treat — and yes… YUMMY!

Southern Pecan Caramel Cake: A Soulful Southern Delight

Introduction

The Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is a timeless treasure straight from Southern kitchens, where hospitality, tradition, and indulgent flavors reign supreme. This decadent cake brings together the nutty richness of toasted pecans and the buttery sweetness of caramel in a soft, moist crumb. Served at church picnics, holiday tables, or family reunions, this cake isn’t just a dessert — it’s a memory on a plate.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

For the Caramel Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups packed light brown sugar
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Garnish:

  • ½ cup pecan halves, toasted
  • Optional: sea salt flakes for sprinkling

Method & Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or two 9-inch pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
  4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
  5. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
  6. Fold in the toasted chopped pecans.
  7. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Frosting

  1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir constantly for 3–4 minutes until bubbly.
  2. Slowly add the cream, stir well, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.
  3. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla.
  4. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream; if too runny, add more powdered sugar.
  5. Frost the completely cooled cakes, stacking layers and spreading frosting between each layer and over the top and sides.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

Top with pecan halves and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for that sweet-salty balance.

History of the Southern Pecan Caramel Cake

Rooted in Southern U.S. culinary heritage, this cake evolved from classic butter cakes and caramel pie fillings. Pecans — native to the South — became a staple in Southern desserts. Over generations, the cake gained fame for being rich, festive, and a crowd favorite at special occasions.

Benefits

  • Pecans are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.
  • Butter and eggs provide essential fats and protein.
  • Homemade caramel avoids artificial preservatives found in store-bought frostings.
  • Emotional nourishment: This cake is love in edible form, meant for sharing and celebration.

Cake Formation

This cake is typically built in 2–3 layers, filled and coated with warm, pourable caramel frosting that sets beautifully as it cools. The pecans offer a delightful crunch that contrasts the tender cake.

Nutrition (Approximate per slice, based on 12 servings)

  • Calories: 620
  • Fat: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 80g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Sugars: 60g
  • Fiber: 2g

Note: This is a dessert, meant to be enjoyed occasionally and joyfully!

Conclusion

The Southern Pecan Caramel Cake isn’t just a dessert — it’s an experience. With its velvety cake layers, rich caramel frosting, and toasted pecan crunch, it celebrates comfort, warmth, and tradition in every bite. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself baking it for every holiday and potluck to come.

Lovers of This Cake Include:

  • Southern grandmothers who perfected it over generations
  • Holiday party hosts looking to impress
  • Pecan and caramel lovers craving something cozy and rich
  • You — because you found this gem!

Let me know if you’d like a printable version, a single-layer shortcut, or a cupcake adaptation!

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