1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3️⃣ In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4️⃣ Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
5️⃣ Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
6️⃣ Fold in toasted pecans.
2. Bake the Cake
7️⃣ Divide batter evenly between the two cake pans.
8️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9️⃣ Let cool for 10 minutes, then transfer cakes to a wire rack.
3. Make the Caramel Pecan Filling
🔟 In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat.
1️⃣1️⃣ Stir in heavy cream and salt, simmering for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
1️⃣2️⃣ Remove from heat and stir in toasted pecans. Let cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Cake
1️⃣3️⃣ Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.
1️⃣4️⃣ Spread a generous layer of caramel pecan filling over the top.
1️⃣5️⃣ Place the second cake layer on top.
5. Add Caramel Drizzle & Pecans
1️⃣6️⃣ Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top of the cake.
1️⃣7️⃣ Sprinkle with chopped pecans for a stunning finish.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
1️⃣8️⃣ Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
1️⃣9️⃣ Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence!
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days.
- Freeze cake layers (before adding caramel) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat caramel sauce slightly before serving for the best flavor.
Variations & Customizations
🔥 Chocolate Caramel Pecan Cake – Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the batter.
🥥 Coconut Pecan Cake – Mix in ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
🍏 Caramel Apple Pecan Cake – Add diced apples for a fall-inspired version.
FAQ
❓ Can I make this cake in advance?
✔ Yes! Bake the cake layers and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days before assembling.
❓ What’s the best caramel to use?
✔ Homemade caramel is best, but you can use a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce.
❓ Can I make this cake gluten-free?
✔ Yes! Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour instead of all-purpose flour.
