Description
A decadent Southern-inspired cake that combines the rich, nutty flavors of classic pecan pie with soft, buttery cake layers and a luscious caramel-cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holidays and special gatherings.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar (for filling)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs (for filling)
1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter until combined.
6. Fold in toasted pecans and divide batter between pans.
7. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
8. For pecan filling, whisk corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in pecans and cook over medium heat until thickened; cool.
9. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy. Stir in caramel sauce.
10. Layer cake with pecan filling between layers, frost the outside, and drizzle with extra caramel. Garnish with whole pecans if desired.
Notes
Toast pecans beforehand for deeper flavor.
Allow pecan filling to cool completely before assembling to prevent melting the frosting.
Store refrigerated due to cream cheese frosting; bring to room temperature before serving.
This cake tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: Pecan Pie Cake, southern cake, pecan dessert, caramel cream cheese frosting, holiday cake