Southern Pecan Caramel Cake

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy release.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to a dense cake.
6. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

2. Making the Caramel Frosting:

1. Prepare the Caramel Base: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
3. Finish the Frosting: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
4. Incorporate the Powdered Sugar: Once the caramel has cooled slightly, whisk in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

3. Assembling the Cake:

1. Layer the Cake: Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of caramel frosting on top of the first layer.
2. Add Pecans: Sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans over the frosting, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
3. Repeat with Remaining Layers: Place the second cake layer on top of the first and repeat the frosting and pecan steps. Finish by adding the final cake layer on top.
4. Frost the Entire Cake: Use the remaining caramel frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Be sure to smooth it evenly, and let some of the pecans peek through for a rustic, beautiful finish.
5. Decorate and Serve: Garnish the top with additional chopped pecans if desired. Let the cake sit for a few hours to allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving.

Serving Tips:

Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is perfect when served with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it a wonderful dessert for gatherings or afternoon tea. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. This cake is sure to impress both friends and family alike, and it captures the essence of Southern hospitality in every bite.

Why It’s a Southern Favorite:

The Southern Pecan Caramel Cake brings together some of the region’s finest ingredients: pecans, butter, and buttermilk. Pecans are a staple in the South, known for their rich, earthy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of caramel. This cake is a testament to the tradition of Southern baking, where family recipes are passed down through generations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere wherever it’s served.

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a party, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, this Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is the kind of dessert that will bring smiles and full bellies. Happy baking!