Description
Indulge in this decadent Pecan Caramel Layer Cake, featuring layers of moist, buttery cake studded with pecans and topped with a rich caramel frosting. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat for any day!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel Topping:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup whole pecans (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- Divide batter evenly among the three cake pans. 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.
- Make the Frosting:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and cream. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Spread frosting between each cake layer, then frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cake.
- Decorate with whole pecans on top.
Notes
- Ensure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- For a richer flavor, consider using homemade caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg