This Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert—rich, buttery, and irresistibly sweet. With layers of tender vanilla cake swirled with gooey caramel and studded with toasted pecans, each bite offers a perfect balance of soft texture and nutty crunch. A simple yet decadent treat that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a slice of Southern sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Balanced blend of nutty texture and rich caramel flavor
Easy-to-follow steps with simple ingredients
Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or a cozy weekend treat
Moist, buttery cake with a gooey caramel swirl

Ingredients Breakdown:

Base Ingredients

All-purpose flour (3 cups): Provides structure and a tender crumb.
Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Leavens the cake for a light texture.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

Wet Ingredients

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture.
Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and helps with a golden crust.
Eggs (4 large): Bind the ingredients and create structure.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic flavor.
Whole milk (1 cup): Keeps the cake moist and fluffy.

Add-ins and Layers

Chopped pecans (1 cup): Toasted for a deeper, nuttier flavor and added texture.
Caramel sauce (1 cup): Swirled into the batter for a gooey, indulgent finish.

Tips and Tricks:

Use room-temperature butter and eggs for better blending
Don’t overmix the batter to maintain a light, tender texture
Toast pecans for extra depth of flavor
Add a drizzle of warm caramel right before serving for an extra decadent finish

Variations and Customizations:

Salted Caramel Option: Use salted caramel sauce for a sweet-salty balance
Nut-Free Version: Skip the pecans or replace them with crushed toffee or chocolate chips
Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings; reduce baking time to 18–20 minutes
Chocolate Swirl: Mix in chocolate chips or cocoa for a turtle-cake variation

Pairing Suggestions:

Serve this cake with:

Storage Instructions:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Refrigerator: Lasts up to 5 days in a sealed container
Freezer: Wrap slices individually in plastic and foil; freeze for up to 2 months

Southern Pecan Caramel Cake

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Southern Pecan Caramel Cake is rich, buttery, and sweet, with layers of vanilla cake swirled with caramel and toasted pecans. A comforting, nutty treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

Heat chopped pecans in a skillet over medium heat
Stir occasionally until aromatic and golden (about 5 minutes)
Set aside to cool

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each
Stir in vanilla extract

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk
Do not overmix

Step 5: Add Pecans

Fold in the toasted pecans gently

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan
Drizzle half the caramel sauce over the batter
Repeat with the remaining batter and caramel
Swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
Cool completely before slicing and serving

Notes

Make sure ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts
Great for gifting or serving at celebrations

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American