Pecan Caramel Cake

 🍰🥜 Pecan Caramel Cake 🍯✨

A stunning Southern-style layer cake with rich caramel, toasted pecans, and irresistible buttery flavor! 🤎🔥

Ingredients:

For the cake:

* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

* 1 tbsp baking powder

* ½ tsp baking soda

* ½ tsp salt

* 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

* 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

* 4 large eggs

* 1 tsp vanilla extract

* 1 cup buttermilk

For the caramel frosting:

* 1 cup brown sugar

* ½ cup unsalted butter

* ⅓ cup heavy cream

* 1 tsp vanilla extract

* 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)

For assembly:

* 1 ½ cups chopped pecans (toasted)

* Whole pecans for decoration

* Extra caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions:

1. **Make the cake:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Divide batter into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.

2. **Make the caramel frosting:** In a saucepan, melt brown sugar and butter over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla. Let cool slightly, then beat in powdered sugar until thick and spreadable.

3. **Assemble the cake:** Spread caramel frosting between each cake layer. Frost the outside of the cake, then press chopped pecans around the sides.

4. **Decorate:** Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and top with whole pecans arranged in a circular pattern.

Pro Tip:

Lightly toast your pecans for 5–7 minutes at 350°F to bring out their deep, nutty flavor! It makes a *huge* difference. 🌰🔥