Southern Pecan Caramel Cake

Here’s a recipe for a delicious Southern Pecan Caramel Cake:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

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

For the Caramel Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Pecan Topping:

• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the toasted pecans.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Caramel Frosting:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of caramel frosting on top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining caramel frosting.
3. Press the toasted pecans onto the sides of the cake.
4. Drizzle the top with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy your rich and decadent Southern Pecan Caramel Cake!