Description
Caramel Pecan Layer Cake is a decadent Southern-style dessert featuring moist cake layers filled with caramel frosting and topped with toasted pecans and rich caramel sauce. Ideal for special occasions and holidays.
Ingredients
Units
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- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted if desired)
- 1 1/2 cups caramel sauce
- 2 cups cream cheese or buttercream frosting
- Optional: 1/2 cup soft caramel candies, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, layer the cakes with caramel frosting between each layer.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over each frosted layer and top with more chopped pecans and optional caramel candies.
Notes
- Use homemade caramel for the best flavor and texture.
- Let the caramel cool slightly before layering to prevent sliding.
- Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds crunch.
- Frosting options include cream cheese or buttercream—both pair well with caramel.
- Refrigerate the assembled cake and let it come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg