Heavenly Southern Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

Ingredients:

Cake Layers:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Pecan Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (from above)

Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp heavy cream
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce (from above)

Topping:

• 1 cup whole pecan halves
• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
3. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar and butter over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted. Add the heavy cream and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
5. Prepare Pecan Filling: Toss the chopped pecans with 1/2 cup of the cooled caramel sauce. Set aside.
6. Prepare Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and 1/4 cup caramel sauce, beating until smooth.
7. Assemble the Cake: Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream frosting, then top with a layer of pecan filling. Repeat with the second layer. Place the final layer on top and frost the entire cake with buttercream.
8. Decorate: Arrange pecan halves on top of the cake and drizzle generously with caramel sauce.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 650 kcal | Servings: 12 servings