Are you looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Caramel Pecan Log is the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and creamy – a delightful treat for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and the homemade touch will impress even the most discerning dessert lovers. This easy recipe makes healthy eating delicious. This quick dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- For the Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup pecan halves, toasted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
Making the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. This ensures your cake comes out easily and beautifully.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results – it makes the process quicker and easier.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, whisk the buttermilk to ensure it’s smooth. This prevents lumps in your batter.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Making the Caramel Filling:
- While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Do not stir. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color. This requires patience and careful watching.
- Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble up!), whisking constantly. Be cautious as the mixture will be hot.
- Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Remove from heat. Let cool slightly.
Assembling the Pecan Log:
- Once the cake is completely cool, frost it evenly with the caramel filling.
- Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the caramel. Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and gives them a lovely crunch. For extra sweetness, you can lightly toss the pecans with the ¼ cup of granulated sugar before sprinkling.
- Gently roll the cake into a log shape, starting from the longer side.
- For an extra elegant touch, you can dust the log with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Toasting the pecans: Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Different nuts: Feel free to substitute other nuts like walnuts or almonds for the pecans.
- Chocolate Caramel: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the caramel filling for a rich chocolate caramel flavor.
- Adding spices: Enhance the flavor of the cake batter with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories (This will vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used). For a more detailed nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
This Caramel Pecan Log is a simple yet impressive dessert that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!