Ingredients
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup pecans, chopped
– 2 cups caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Additional pecans for topping
Equipment Needed
– Two 9-inch round cake pans
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer (or whisk and lots of elbow grease!)
– Rubber spatula
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Wire rack for cooling
– Saucepan (if making homemade caramel)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get this cake party started! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the two cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 5 minutes with my electric mixer. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Next, mix in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—until just combined. Finally, gently fold in the chopped pecans. (See the next page below to continue steps…)