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A delicious slice of caramel pecan cake, drizzled with extra caramel sauce and topped with whole pecans. Part of 15 Genius Cake Ideas Recipes for Busy Weeknights.

Quick Pecan Caramel Cake

This recipe offers a delightful caramel cake with a pecan topping, perfect for a quick weeknight dessert.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 736

Ingredients
  

For the Caramel Topping
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter divided
  • cooking spray
  • 2 cups pecan halves about 8 ounces, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar packed
  • 1/3 cup dark corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Cake
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Stand mixer
  • Baking pan
  • Saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Soften 1 stick of unsalted butter in a stand mixer bowl. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place a rack in the middle. Coat an 8 or 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
  2. Coarsely chop the pecan halves. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until fragrant, about 6 minutes. Remove and let cool. While the pecans cool, prepare the caramel.
  3. Melt the remaining 1 stick of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the dark brown sugar, dark corn syrup, and heavy cream. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Pour the caramel into the prepared baking pan and sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the caramel.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground nutmeg.
  5. Add the granulated sugar to the softened butter in the mixer bowl. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the flour mixture in three additions, beating just until combined and a thick batter forms, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  6. Dollop the batter into the baking pan over the pecans and spread evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Place the cake on a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes.
  7. Run a thin knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it. Place a large serving platter over the cake and carefully invert the pan and platter together. Remove the pan. Scrape any remaining nuts or syrup from the pan onto the cake.
  8. Let the cake cool for 5 more minutes to allow the topping to set. Cut into squares and serve warm. This cake is best enjoyed the day it is baked.

Nutrition

Calories: 736kcalCarbohydrates: 76.5gProtein: 6.6gFat: 47.5gSaturated Fat: 18.5gSodium: 221.8mgFiber: 3gSugar: 57.2g

Notes

You can use walnuts instead of pecans. Leftover cake can be stored in a covered container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven until warm.

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