caramel pecan cake

Here’s a rich, indulgent recipe for a Caramel Pecan Cake — moist, buttery cake layers with crunchy toasted pecans, and a luscious caramel frosting or glaze that takes it over the top. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any time you’re craving something sweet and Southern-inspired.

🍰 Caramel Pecan Cake

📝 Ingredients:

🧁 For the Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup whole milk

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

🍯 For the Caramel Frosting/Glaze:

• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• ½ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ½ to 2 cups powdered sugar (adjust for thickness)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prep the Oven and Pans:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment).

2. Make the Cake Batter:

1. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in 3 parts, alternating with milk.

5. Stir in vanilla and toasted pecans.

3. Bake the Cakes:

• Divide batter evenly between pans.

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

4. Make the Caramel Frosting:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, cream, and salt.

2. Stir until everything is melted and starts to bubble.

3. Boil gently for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.

4. Stir in vanilla.

5. Let cool slightly, then whisk in powdered sugar a little at a time until smooth and spreadable (or pourable, if using as glaze).

👉 Note: For a thinner, pourable caramel glaze, use less powdered sugar or skip it entirely.

5. Assemble the Cake:

• Place one cake layer on a plate.

• Spread or pour caramel frosting over the top.

• Add second layer, and pour more caramel on top, letting it drip slightly over the sides.

• Sprinkle with extra toasted pecans for garnish.

✅ Optional Additions:

• Add cream cheese to the caramel frosting for a tangy twist.

• Fold chopped caramel candies into the batter.

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Would you like a sheet cake version, mini bundts, or a no-bake caramel pecan dessert alternative?