Craving a decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of pecans and gooey caramel? I’ve got just the recipe for you: Pecan Caramel Bundt Cake. This indulgent dessert is a perfect blend of nutty crunchiness and sweet, sticky caramel, all wrapped up in a moist and fluffy bundt cake.
Originating in the southern regions of the United States, this dessert has become a beloved classic at gatherings and celebrations. With its irresistible aroma and irresistible taste, this Pecan Caramel Bundt Cake is sure to steal the spotlight at any event.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-follow recipe that I’ll be sharing with you. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Pecan Caramel Bundt Cake will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Bundt Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Equipment Needed
To bring this Pecan Caramel Bundt Cake recipe to life, you will need the following essential equipment:
For the Bundt Cake:
- Bundt Pan: Use a 10-12 cup capacity bundt pan for this recipe. Make sure it’s well-greased to prevent sticking.
- Mixing Bowls: Have medium to large mixing bowls on hand for combining the cake batter ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: An electric mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar much easier and faster.
- Spatula: A spatula is handy for scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in the dry ingredients.
- Cooling Rack: Prepare a cooling rack to cool the cake before adding the caramel sauce.
- Saucepan: You’ll need a medium-sized saucepan for cooking the caramel sauce.
- Whisk: Have a whisk ready for stirring the caramel sauce to a smooth consistency.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Use these for accurate measurements of ingredients like sugar, butter, and cream.
- Small Pan: Prepare a small pan for toasting the pecans and creating the topping.
- Oven: Preheat your oven for toasting the pecans for the final touch on the cake.
Gathering these items before starting the recipe will ensure a smooth baking process and delicious results.
Preparation Steps
Let’s move on to the essential preparation steps that will ensure your Pecan Caramel Bundt Cake turns out perfectly.
Preparing the Bundt Pan
- Grease the Bundt pan generously with butter, ensuring to coat every nook and cranny to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Dust the greased pan with a light layer of flour, shaking and tapping out any excess flour to further aid in easy cake release after baking.
- Preheat your oven to the specified temperature as mentioned in the recipe to ensure it’s ready when you need to bake the cake.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder, ensuring they are evenly distributed by whisking them together.
- Set the bowl aside for later use after mixing the wet ingredients.
Baking the Bundt Cake
Mixing the Batter
I prepare the batter by combining the dry ingredients – all-purpose flour and baking powder in a mixing bowl. In another bowl, I cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, I add the eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream and vanilla extract. Gradually, I incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring a smooth batter without overmixing.
Baking Time and Temperature
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and carefully pour the batter into the greased and floured Bundt pan. I bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Once done, I let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Making the Caramel Sauce
To make the luscious caramel sauce for our Pecan Caramel Bundt Cake, follow these simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- A pinch of salt
- Heat the granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. As the sugar melts, swirl the pan occasionally until it becomes a deep amber color.
- Carefully whisk in the butter until fully melted and combined with the caramelized sugar.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously to create a smooth caramel sauce.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor profile of the caramel sauce, and stir gently to incorporate.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the caramel sauce cool slightly before drizzling it over the cooled Pecan Caramel Bundt Cake.
By following these steps, you’ll create a heavenly caramel sauce that perfectly complements the richness of the pecan-studded Bundt cake, elevating it to a masterpiece of indulgence.
Assembling the Cake
To bring this Pecan Caramel Bundt Cake together, follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping dessert that will impress all your guests.
Adding the Caramel Sauce
Firstly, take your luscious caramel sauce that you have prepared earlier and generously drizzle it over the cooled Bundt cake. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the cake to infuse every bite with the rich and gooey caramel flavor.
Applying the Pecan Topping
Lastly, sprinkle a generous amount of chopped pecans over the top of the caramel-coated cake. The crunchy texture of the pecans will add a delightful contrast to the soft cake and the smooth caramel sauce. This final touch not only enhances the visual appeal of the dessert but also adds an extra layer of flavor complexity.
Serving and Storage
Best Serving Practices
When serving this delightful Pecan Caramel Bundt Cake, I recommend slicing it into generous portions to allow your guests to savor every scrumptious bite. The cake is best enjoyed slightly warm, allowing the caramel to ooze gently over each slice. For an extra indulgent experience, pair each serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage Recommendations
To preserve the freshness of your Pecan Caramel Bundt Cake, store any leftover portions in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. When ready to enjoy again, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their moist, flavorful texture.
Conclusion
I hope this article has inspired you to try making your own Pecan Caramel Bundt Cake. The combination of pecans, caramel, and moist cake is sure to delight your taste buds. Remember to drizzle the caramel generously and sprinkle chopped pecans for that perfect finish. Enjoy each slice warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet indulgence, this decadent dessert is bound to impress your family and friends. Don’t forget to store any leftovers properly to savor the deliciousness for days to come. Happy baking!