Caramel Pecan Cake Recipe

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Caramel Pecan Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
For the Caramel Pecan Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preparation:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat until just combined.
  4. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack.

For the Caramel Pecan Frosting:

  1. Make the Caramel Base: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and cream, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes without stirring.
  2. Cool and Add Powdered Sugar: Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and thick.
  3. Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans and let the frosting cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Assembly:

  1. Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of caramel pecan frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining layers.
  2. Finish with Frosting: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Let the cake sit for 20-30 minutes to set before serving.

Benefits:

Caramel Pecan Cake offers several benefits, making it a delightful treat beyond just its rich flavor:

  1. Indulgence: The combination of caramel and pecans creates a luxurious dessert that satisfies sweet cravings and offers a decadent experience.
  2. Energy Boost: The cake provides a quick source of energy, thanks to the sugars in the caramel and the carbohydrates in the cake itself.
  3. Nutrients from Pecans: Pecans are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients like manganese, copper, and magnesium. They also contain antioxidants that can support overall health.
  4. Versatility: This cake can be adapted to different dietary needs or preferences, such as using gluten-free flour or reducing sugar, making it suitable for various occasions and dietary restrictions.
  5. Enjoyable Experience: Baking and sharing a Caramel Pecan Cake can be a fun activity that brings people together and creates enjoyable memories.

While it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its rich ingredients, the Caramel Pecan Cake provides both culinary pleasure and some nutritional benefits.

  • Rich in Flavors: The cake combines a moist and fluffy vanilla base with a luscious caramel pecan frosting, offering a delightful mix of sweetness and nuttiness.
  • Heart-Healthy Fats: Pecans are rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
  • Source of Energy: The cake is a high-energy dessert, great for special occasions or celebrations.
  • Mood Boost: Sweet treats like caramel and cake can stimulate the release of endorphins, enhancing mood and satisfaction.

Methods:

  • Creaming Method: This involves beating the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air and create a tender, moist cake.
  • Boiling Method for Caramel: Cooking the butter and sugar to a boil allows the sugar to caramelize, developing a deep, rich flavor in the frosting.
  • Layering Technique: Building the cake with even layers and spreading the frosting generously between them adds to the visual appeal and taste.

History:

History of Caramel Pecan Cake

The Caramel Pecan Cake is deeply rooted in the rich culinary traditions of the American South. It draws inspiration from two beloved Southern staples: Caramel Cake and Pecan Pie.

  1. Origins of Caramel Cake:
  • Caramel Cake originated in the Southern United States, where it became a cherished dessert, particularly in states like Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. The cake is known for its moist, fluffy layers and rich caramel frosting, which is made by slowly cooking sugar until it caramelizes, creating a deep, amber-hued sauce. Caramel cakes have been a fixture at Southern gatherings, from church suppers to holiday dinners, since at least the late 19th to early 20th centuries.
  • The technique of caramelizing sugar has roots in European baking traditions, brought over by immigrants and adapted to local ingredients. In the American South, where sugar and butter were abundant, this method was refined into what is now known as the classic caramel cake, a staple of Southern baking.
  1. Influence of Pecans:
  • Pecans are native to North America, specifically to the Mississippi River region. Indigenous peoples like the Algonquin used pecans for centuries before European settlers arrived. By the 18th century, pecans were a significant crop in the Southern United States.
  • The addition of pecans to caramel-based desserts is a natural evolution in Southern cooking, as pecans have been widely used in baking and candy-making. The Pecan Pie, a classic Southern dessert, pairs the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with a caramel-like filling made from sugar, butter, and eggs.
  1. Evolution into Caramel Pecan Cake:
  • The Caramel Pecan Cake combines the best of these two iconic Southern desserts. The cake layers are typically light and buttery, while the frosting is made by cooking butter and brown sugar to create a smooth caramel base, enriched with heavy cream. Chopped pecans are then added to the frosting, bringing a delightful crunch and enhancing the flavor profile with their natural sweetness and nuttiness.
  • Over time, home bakers and pastry chefs began experimenting with variations, incorporating regional twists like using local pecans or substituting different types of caramel, from light to dark. Some versions even add bourbon or whiskey to the frosting for a deeper flavor, a nod to the South’s love for spirits.
  1. Significance in Southern Culture:
  • This cake represents Southern hospitality and the region’s love for comfort food that brings people together. The Caramel Pecan Cake is often served during special occasions, including birthdays, weddings, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
  • The cake’s rich and comforting flavors make it a symbol of warmth and togetherness, embodying the spirit of Southern family gatherings where desserts hold a place of honor on the table.
  1. Modern Popularity:
  • Today, the Caramel Pecan Cake continues to be a beloved dessert, not only in the South but across the United States and beyond. It is celebrated for its combination of classic flavors and textures, with many variations appearing in bakeries and home kitchens alike. The cake remains a testament to the ingenuity of Southern cooks, who have perfected the balance between simplicity and indulgence.

This history highlights how the Caramel Pecan Cake has evolved from its Southern roots to become a widely loved dessert, cherished for its flavor and tradition. Would you like to know more about any specific aspect of this cake’s history

The Caramel Pecan Cake has roots in Southern American cuisine, where pecans are a beloved ingredient. Caramel cakes have been popular for generations, especially in the Southern United States, known for their sweet and indulgent flavors. The addition of pecans, native to North America, complements the caramel with a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, making it a favorite for holidays and family gatherings.

Nutrition (per serving):

Nutritional Information for Caramel Pecan Cake (Per Serving)

This nutritional breakdown is based on a standard slice (1/12th of the entire cake).

  • Calories: Approximately 550 kcal
  • Total Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 55g
  • Protein: 5g

Key Nutrients:

  • Vitamin A: 15% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Calcium: 6% of the DV
  • Iron: 8% of the DV
  • Potassium: 5% of the DV

Nutritional Benefits:

  1. Rich in Healthy Fats: Pecans provide monounsaturated fats, which can help improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
  2. Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates: The cake provides quick energy due to its carbohydrate content, making it suitable for those needing an energy boost.
  3. Source of Essential Minerals: Pecans and the cake’s other ingredients contribute to the intake of important minerals such as iron, which is crucial for oxygen transport, and potassium, which supports healthy blood pressure.

Considerations:

  • The cake is relatively high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation, particularly by those managing their weight, blood sugar, or cholesterol levels.
  • Due to the high sugar content, people with diabetes should consider having smaller portions or pairing it with foods that have a lower glycemic index to balance blood sugar levels.

Conclusion on Nutrition:

While the Caramel Pecan Cake is undoubtedly an indulgent dessert, it also provides a good source of energy and essential nutrients like healthy fats and minerals. Enjoyed occasionally and in moderate portions, it can be a delightful treat that brings joy and a sense of celebration.

Would you like more details about specific nutrients or any dietary modifications for this cake?

  • Calories: Approximately 520
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fiber: 2g

The Caramel Pecan Cake is a delightful dessert that marries the rich flavors of caramel and pecans with a light and fluffy cake. Perfect for celebrations or as a special treat, this cake is sure to impress both in flavor and appearance. It offers a great balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and a hint of vanilla, making it a memorable indulgence.

Lovers of This Cake:

Anyone who enjoys classic Southern desserts, caramel lovers, and fans of pecans will find this cake irresistible. It is especially popular during the fall and winter months, as well as for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family reunions.

Would you like any additional details or variations for this recipe

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