Caramel Pecan Pound Cake

A Family Treasure: Decadent Caramel Pecan Pound Cake

This isn't just a Caramel Pecan Pound Cake; it's a delectable journey down memory lane. Bursting with moist cake, a spiced filling, and a rich caramel glaze, this recipe has been a cherished family tradition for years. Every slice offers an explosion of flavor and texture, leaving everyone who tries it wanting more. It's the perfect dessert to create lasting memories and traditions with loved ones.

Why This Caramel Pecan Pound Cake Deserves a Spot on Your Dessert Table:

• Generations of Love: Passed down through generations, this recipe holds a special place in many families' hearts. Baking and sharing this cake is a wonderful way to connect with loved ones and create new happy memories.
• Moist and Flavorful Paradise: This pound cake is the epitome of moistness, boasting a flavor profile that's nothing short of incredible. The decadent combination of rich caramel, crunchy pecans, and a hint of warm cinnamon creates a truly unforgettable taste sensation.
• A Symphony of Layers: This cake isn't just about the base. It features a delightful spiced filling and a luscious caramel glaze, each adding a unique textural and flavor element to the overall masterpiece.

Ingredients for Your Caramel Pecan Pound Cake Adventure:

• For the Buttery Cake Base:
• 3 sticks (340g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 6 eggs, at room temperature
• 3 cups (300g) cake flour
• 1 cup (250ml) heavy whipping cream
• ½ teaspoon Korintje cinnamon (or regular ground cinnamon)
• 2-inch piece of vanilla bean, seeds scraped
• 1 cup (130g) chopped toasted pecans
• For the Spiced Filling:
• ¼ cup (55g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15g) Korintje cinnamon (or regular ground cinnamon)
• For the Creamy Icing:
• ¾ cup (85g) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon (14g) softened butter
• 1-inch piece of vanilla bean, seeds scraped
• 4 tablespoons (60ml) heavy whipping cream
• For the Luscious Caramel Glaze:
• 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (165g) packed light brown sugar
• ¾ cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2-inch piece of vanilla bean, seeds scraped
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup (130g) chopped toasted pecans

Step-by-Step Guide to Caramel Pecan Pound Cake Bliss:

1. Preheat and Prep: Get your oven ready for baking by preheating it to 325°F (175°C). Generously grease a baking pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
2. Creaming for Perfection: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter and more tender cake.
3. Eggs In!: One at a time, add the room temperature eggs to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated and adds richness to the batter.
4. Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour. Then, alternately add the dry ingredients and the heavy whipping cream to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined after each addition. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
5. Special Touches: Fold in the vanilla bean seeds and cinnamon for a touch of warmth and fragrant vanilla flavor. Finally, gently fold in the chopped toasted pecans, adding a delightful textural contrast.
6. Preparing the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
7. Layering the Flavor: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the filling mixture evenly over the batter. Then, pour the remaining cake batter over the filling, creating a layered effect.
8. Baking to Perfection: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake is done when it's golden brown on top and springs back slightly when touched.
9. Cooling and Resting: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes on a wire rack before inverting it onto a plate to cool completely. This allows the cake to set and prevents it from crumbling.
10. Making the Magic Happen: While the cake cools, prepare the icing and glaze.
• Creamy Icing: In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer on low speed, cream together the powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla bean seeds, and heavy whipping cream until smooth and spreadable. If the icing seems too thick, add a teaspoon of additional heavy whipping cream at a time until desired consistency is reached.
• Luscious Caramel Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the brown sugar, heavy whipping cream, vanilla bean seeds, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to overcook, as the glaze can become too thick and difficult to drizzle. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, but not completely, as you want it to be pourable.
11. The Grand Finale: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the icing evenly over the top. Then drizzle the warm caramel glaze generously over the top of the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Finally, sprinkle the remaining chopped toasted pecans over the top of the glaze for an extra textural and nutty element.

Serving and Enjoyment: Slice and serve this decadent Caramel Pecan Pound Cake at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat or a delightful after-dinner dessert. Watch as this cake becomes a new favorite in your family, creating lasting memories and smiles with every bite!

Tips:

• For a richer caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar in the filling and glaze.
• If you don't have Korintje cinnamon, you can substitute it with regular ground cinnamon.
• Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, watching closely to avoid burning.
• Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

With this delectable recipe, you can create a showstopping Caramel Pecan Pound Cake that will be enjoyed by all. It's a dessert that is not only delicious but also steeped in tradition, making it a perfect way to connect with loved ones and create new memories. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and embark on your very own Caramel Pecan Pound Cake adventure!