Southern Pecan Caramel Cake: A Sweet Southern Tradition
Introduction:
The Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that showcases the best of Southern baking traditions. Combining toasted pecans with a buttery caramel icing, this cake is a delightful treat for any special occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or celebrating a holiday, this cake will undoubtedly be the star of your dessert table. Its soft, fluffy layers and decadent pecan filling are sure to impress even the most discerning sweet tooth.
Ingredients and Preparation:
Preparing this cake involves several steps, but the result is well worth the effort. Below is a detailed breakdown of the ingredients, preparation method, and baking time to ensure you achieve the perfect Southern Pecan Caramel Cake.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup pecans (toasted and chopped)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel Icing:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation Steps:
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Layers
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, until fully incorporated.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
Step 2: Making the Pecan Filling
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and chopped pecans.
- Let the filling cool and thicken before spreading it between the cake layers.
Step 3: Preparing the Caramel Icing
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and milk, and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir constantly and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract.
- Let the icing cool slightly before frosting the cake. If it becomes too thick, add a little milk to adjust the consistency.
Step 4: Assembling the Cake
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread half of the pecan filling on top. Repeat with the second layer.
- Place the third cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the caramel icing, making sure to cover the sides and top evenly. Garnish with extra toasted pecans, if desired.
Conclusion:
The Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is a true celebration of rich flavors and Southern hospitality. The tender cake layers, combined with the crunchy pecan filling and smooth caramel icing, make this dessert a crowd-pleaser. With a preparation time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (including baking and cooling), this cake is ideal for special occasions when you want to impress your guests with something truly memorable. Enjoy this timeless Southern favorite with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect sweet ending to any meal.
Total Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour 15 minutes