If there’s one cake that screams Southern charm, it’s the Southern Pecan Caramel Cake. This decadent dessert has all the hallmarks of Southern baking—bold, sweet, nutty, and indulgently rich. I first tasted this cake at a family reunion in Georgia, and I still remember how everyone went silent after their first bite. That sticky caramel glaze, the buttery pecans, the soft layers—it was unforgettable.
This cake is a celebration of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or a Sunday dinner, it’s the kind of dessert that impresses without being complicated. It’s just as welcome on a summer picnic table as it is next to a winter hearth.
🕒 Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: ~2 hours
- Servings: 8
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Best for: Year-round comfort and celebrations
- Main Keyword: Southern Pecan Caramel Cake
📝 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment.
2. Make the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry mix. Fold in the toasted pecans.
3. Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Caramel Frosting
In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Let cool slightly, then whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
5. Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with a bit of frosting. Top with the second layer and pour caramel frosting over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Garnish with extra toasted pecans if desired.
🌟 Tips for Sweet Success
- Toast the pecans: It deepens their flavor—just 5–7 minutes in a 350°F oven will do.
- Work quickly with the caramel: It thickens fast, so pour and spread immediately.
- Make ahead: The cake layers can be baked a day in advance.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Warm it up: Microwave slices for 10 seconds to melt the caramel slightly.
- Add ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or butter pecan on the side is divine.
- Perfect pairing: Enjoy with sweet tea or strong coffee.
🔁 Flavor Variations
- Maple caramel: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the frosting.
- Coconut twist: Mix in shredded coconut with the pecans for a tropical vibe.
- Mini version: Bake in a muffin tin for individual pecan caramel cakes.
📣 Share Your Southern Slice!
Have you baked this Southern Pecan Caramel Cake? Post your masterpiece, share your twist, or tag us online—because great cake deserves to be seen!