Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe || Easy Caramel Pecan Cake

As a Southern food enthusiast, I love sharing recipes that bring comfort and joy to any occasion. One of my absolute favorites is the Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe.

This cake combines the best of Southern baking with its rich caramel frosting, moist layers, and crunchy toasted pecans.

It’s the perfect dessert to serve at family gatherings, holidays, or whenever you want to impress your guests with something truly special. I’ve been making this cake for years, and it never fails to impress.

Trust me, once you try this Southern Pecan Caramel Cake, it will quickly become a beloved recipe in your collection. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible cake!

Why Make You Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe?

There’s something truly special about the Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe that makes it stand out from other desserts.

First, the rich layers of moist cake paired with creamy caramel frosting and crunchy toasted pecans create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

It’s a crowd-pleaser, ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a decadent treat.

The combination of caramel and pecans gives the cake a comforting, nostalgic vibe, while still being a showstopper that impresses guests.

I’ve always loved how easy it is to make yet how luxurious it feels. An experienced baker or just starting, this cake is a must-try. It’s a timeless Southern classic that never fails to satisfy!

How To Prepare Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Southern

Difficulty: Intermediate

Yield: 10-12 servings

Equipment Needed:

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• 2 (9-inch) round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan (for caramel glaze)
• Wire rack
• Offset spatula (optional but helpful for spreading glaze)

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 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pecans (chopped)

For the Caramel Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramel Topping:

• 1 cup salted or unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup whole milk

How To Make

1. Prepare the Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for 15-20 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the whole milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix the batter.

6. Add Chopped Pecans

Fold in the chopped pecans gently with a rubber spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops of the batter with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 20 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

8. Prepare the Caramel Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, make the caramel frosting. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and whole milk.

Stir constantly for about 10-15 minutes until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. Remove from heat and let it cool for 25-30 minutes. Once cooled, whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

9. Prepare the Caramel Topping

For the topping, melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the brown sugar and whole milk. Stir constantly for 10-14 minutes, until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.

10. Assemble the Cake

Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of caramel frosting on top of the first layer.

Place the second layer on top and spread the remaining caramel frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Drizzle the caramel topping over the frosted cake and sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for a beautiful finish.

Special Notes

Toasting pecans enhances the overall taste. I never skip this step. Use fresh buttermilk for the best tender crumb.

If you don’t have any, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. Work fast with the glaze.

It thickens quickly, so I always pour it while it’s warm. Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe

Calories: 480 kcal

Fat: 25g

Carbohydrates: 65g

Protein: 4g

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 55g

Sodium: 220mg

Amazing Serving Ideas

Looking for amazing serving ideas for your Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe, you have plenty of options to elevate the experience.

Serve a slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast between warm cake and cold, smooth ice cream.

For an extra touch, top the cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add lightness and balance the rich caramel.

You can also drizzle a bit of extra caramel sauce over the cake for an even more indulgent treat. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee or sweet tea for the ultimate Southern experience.

Serving it as the star of a dessert table or as a special treat after dinner, these ideas will make it unforgettable!

Tips And Techniques

Here are 5 helpful tips and techniques to make your Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe even more delicious:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you begin. This helps the ingredients combine more smoothly, ensuring a fluffy cake.

2. Toast the Pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes will bring out their nutty flavor and enhance the cake’s overall taste.

3. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stir gently to keep the texture light and airy.

4. Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent the caramel frosting from melting and sliding off.

5. Make Extra Caramel Sauce: Prepare extra caramel sauce to drizzle over the cake slices before serving—it adds a rich, indulgent finishing touch.

Essential Health Benefits

While the Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe is definitely a treat, it does offer some essential health benefits from its ingredients.

Pecans, the star of this dessert, are packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber, which support heart health and can help lower bad cholesterol levels.

They’re also rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. Whole milk, used in both the cake and frosting, provides calcium for strong bones, along with protein to support muscle health.

While this cake is indulgent, it’s nice to know that it offers some nutritional value, especially when enjoyed in moderation. So go ahead, savor a slice, and feel good about the health benefits those pecans bring to the table!

Is It Safe For Heart Patients?

The Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe may not be the best choice for heart patients due to its high levels of sugar, butter, and caramel.

These ingredients can contribute to higher cholesterol and weight gain, which may negatively affect heart health. However, pecans do offer some heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.

If you’re a heart patient, consider enjoying this cake in moderation or making adjustments by reducing the sugar, using healthier fats like olive oil, or opting for a sugar substitute.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before indulging in rich, calorie-dense desserts to ensure it aligns with your heart health plan.

Is It Safe For Diabetic Patients?

For diabetic patients, the Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe might not be the best choice due to its high sugar content. The cake and caramel frosting can cause spikes in blood sugar levels.

However, you could adapt the recipe by using sugar substitutes and almond flour to lower the carb content. It’s always best to consult with a doctor or nutritionist to make sure it’s safe to enjoy this treat in small portions.

How To Freeze Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe?

To freeze your Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe, first, allow the cake to cool completely. Then, wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container.

For the frosting, store it separately in a sealed container. You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake layers at room temperature and reheat the frosting if necessary. It will still taste just as delicious!

Is Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe Best Comfort Food?

Absolutely! The Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Its rich, buttery layers, decadent caramel frosting, and crunchy pecans create a warm, indulgent experience that feels like a big hug in dessert form.

Re celebrating a special occasion or need a pick-me-up, this cake is perfect for making any moment feel extra special. It’s a dessert that brings joy and satisfaction with every bite—true comfort food at its finest!

Final Though

To wrap things up, the Southern Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe is a perfect treat for any occasion. The combination of soft, moist cake layers, smooth caramel frosting,

and crunchy toasted pecans creates a delightful dessert that’s hard to resist. It’s a true Southern classic that never disappoints. I’ve made this cake countless times, and it’s always a hit with family and friends.

Celebrating a special event or simply craving something sweet, this cake delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this with your loved ones. It’s the kind of dessert that makes every bite feel like a special occasion. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious slice!