Caramel Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe

Heavenly Caramel Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe That Wows Every Time

Sweet aromas of caramel pecan bundt cake waft through kitchens, promising delectable memories.

Nutty pecans and golden caramel create a symphony of flavors dancing across your palate.

Baking becomes an art form with this magnificent dessert that whispers comfort and indulgence.

Soft, moist cake layers meld perfectly with rich caramel drizzles and crunchy pecan pieces.

Each slice tells a story of warmth and traditional baking techniques passed through generations.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible cake that celebrates pure deliciousness.

Caramel Pecan Bundt Cake: Cozy & Nutty

  • Boost Baking Skills: Perfect for novice bakers wanting to level up their cake-making techniques with a straightforward, foolproof recipe that builds confidence in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Delivers a show-stopping treat that works wonderfully for family gatherings, potlucks, or special celebrations with its rich caramel and nutty pecan flavors.
  • Versatile Comfort Treat: Transitions seamlessly from casual afternoon snack to elegant dessert, making it a go-to recipe for multiple occasions without complicated preparation.
  • Simple Impressive Baking: Requires minimal technical skills but produces a gorgeous bundt cake that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, guaranteed to wow guests.

Caramel Bundt Cake Ingredient List

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the bundt cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and contributes to the cake's soft, moist texture.
  • Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a smooth, consistent batter.
Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender cake crumb.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, warm flavor to the cake.
Topping and Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.
  • Caramel Sauce: Creates a sweet, indulgent topping that complements the cake's flavor.

Bake Up a Pecan Bundt Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and generously coat your bundt pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Set this magical powder mixture aside for later magic.

Step 3: Whip Up Butter and Sugar

In a spacious bowl, grab your mixer and transform butter and sugar into a cloud-like, fluffy masterpiece.

Beat until the mixture looks light and airy, almost like a delicious dream.

Step 4: Introduce Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, giving each a thorough beating.

Once they’re fully incorporated, splash in the vanilla extract for that extra flavor punch.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly introduce the dry ingredient mixture to your buttery base.

Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.

Mix until just combined – don’t go overboard!

Step 6: Sprinkle in Nutty Goodness

Gently fold in half of your chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for delightful crunch in every slice.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes.

Then, carefully transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.

Step 9: Drizzle and Garnish

Once cooled, unleash a waterfall of caramel sauce over the top of the cake.

Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans for a stunning, irresistible finish.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Bundt

  • Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their nutty richness and bring out more complex flavors.
  • Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more consistent cake texture.
  • Use the toothpick test near the center of the cake, making sure it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  • Grease the bundt pan meticulously with butter and flour, or use a non-stick baking spray to ensure easy cake release.
  • Keep caramel sauce at room temperature and drizzle just before serving to maintain the cake's optimal texture and prevent sogginess.

Flavorful Bundt Cake Swaps

  • Gluten-Free Caramel Pecan Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and flavor profile.
  • Vegan Pecan Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based egg replacer, and substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a completely plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Caramel Pecan Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and create a sugar-free caramel sauce with alternative sweeteners to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace butter with vegetable shortening, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and ensure all caramel ingredients are dairy-free for those with lactose intolerance.

Serve Bundt Cake Slices

  • Cozy Coffee Companion: Serve this rich bundt cake alongside a steaming mug of freshly brewed coffee or espresso to enhance the caramel and pecan flavors.
  • Dessert Presentation Elegance: Place each slice on a decorative plate, garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar, and add a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a luxurious touch.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Cut into generous slices and include as part of a weekend brunch spread, pairing beautifully with fresh fruit salad and light mimosas for a delightful gathering.
  • After-Dinner Indulgence: Offer small wedges as a sophisticated dessert course, complemented by a small glass of dessert wine or bourbon to highlight the cake's caramel undertones.

Store Bundt Cake for Later

  • Store the cake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain moisture and prevent spoilage.
  • Wrap the whole cake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Keep the cake at room temperature in a covered cake dome or container for 2-3 days if your kitchen is cool and dry.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and bring out the caramel and pecan flavors.

FAQs

  • Why use buttermilk instead of regular milk?

Buttermilk provides extra moisture and helps create a tender, softer crumb in the cake. Its slight acidity also helps activate the baking powder for better rising.

  • How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the bundt pan?

Thoroughly grease the pan with butter or baking spray, making sure to get into all the crevices and corners of the intricate bundt pan design. You can also dust the greased pan with flour for extra insurance.

  • Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day before serving. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap once completely cooled and store at room temperature. Add the caramel and pecans just before serving to maintain the best texture and crunch.

Print
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Caramel Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe

Caramel Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet caramel pecan bundt cake delivers pure southern comfort in every slice. Rich layers of moist cake, drizzled with golden caramel and crunchy pecans, promise a delightful dessert that wraps you in warm culinary embrace.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base Ingredients:

  • 2.5 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups (400 grams) sugar
  • 4 large eggs

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk

Topping and Mix-in Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups (170 grams) chopped pecans
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare a bundt pan by thoroughly greasing its surface and interior, then set the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal baking conditions.
  2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking until ingredients are evenly distributed and set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and transforms into a fluffy consistency.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next, then blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
  5. Gradually introduce dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Blend carefully, beginning and ending with dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to maintain a smooth batter texture.
  6. Gently fold half of the chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  7. Transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it uniformly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.
  8. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  9. After the cake has cooled entirely, drizzle caramel sauce across the top and sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans for a delectable finishing touch.

Notes

  • Toast pecans before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure smoother batter and more even cake texture.
  • Dust bundt pan with flour after greasing to prevent cake from sticking and ensure clean release.
  • Substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a slightly tangier and more tender cake crumb.
  • Replace some all-purpose flour with ground pecans for an intensified nut flavor and more interesting texture.
  • Reduce sugar by 25% if using store-bought caramel sauce, which tends to be quite sweet.
  • Make cake gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and checking baking powder is gluten-free.
  • Check cake doneness early to prevent over-baking, which can lead to dry texture.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 467 kcal
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 185 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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