Southern Pecan Caramel Cake
If you’re looking for a delicious dessert that perfectly embodies Southern charm, look no further than Southern Pecan Caramel Cake. This delightful cake is rich, buttery, and has a wonderful crunch from toasted pecans. Topped with a luscious caramel drizzle, it’s sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering. 🍰✨
Why make this recipe?
Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is a fantastic choice for several reasons. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it also offers a unique blend of flavors and textures. The nuttiness from the pecans and the sweetness of the caramel come together to create an unforgettable dessert. Plus, baking this cake fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that’s hard to resist! 🥮💖
How to prepare Southern Pecan Caramel Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans 🌰
- 1 teaspoon baking powder 🥄
- 1 cup unsalted butter 🧈
- 2 cups sugar 🍬
- 4 large eggs 🥚
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦
- 1 cup buttermilk 🥛
- Caramel sauce for drizzling 🍯
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. 🏠🔥
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Set aside. 👩🍳
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. 🥄💻
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined. 👩🍳🤗
- Fold in the toasted pecans gently into the batter. 🌰👐
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. ⏲️🍽️
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. ❄️🍰
- Once cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of each cake layer before stacking them together. Enjoy! 🍯🤤
How to serve Southern Pecan Caramel Cake
Serve Southern Pecan Caramel Cake on a beautiful cake stand to show off its delightful layers. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. A cup of coffee or tea complements this dessert perfectly! ☕🍦
How to store Southern Pecan Caramel Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just be sure to let it come back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor! ❄️📦
Tips for preparing Southern Pecan Caramel Cake
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing.
- Toast the pecans lightly in a pan before adding them for enhanced flavor. 🌰🔥
- Don’t overmix the batter; this helps to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Variations
- Add chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist. 🍫
- Substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred. 🌰
- Use different flavors of caramel sauce, like sea salt caramel, for a gourmet touch. 🧂🍯
FAQs
Q: Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
A: Yes, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different flavor! 🌰
Q: Is this cake suitable for freezing?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to three months. 🍰❄️
Q: Can I make this cake without buttermilk?
A: You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using. 🥛🍋
Enjoy baking and savoring your Southern Pecan Caramel Cake! 🍰🥳