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Southern Caramel Sheet Cake with Pecan Frosting topped with creamy caramel

Southern Caramel Sheet Cake with Pecan Frosting

A one-pan Southern Caramel Sheet Cake topped with warm pecan frosting, perfect for gatherings and comforting cravings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups All purpose flour
  • 2 cups Granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Butter, melted
  • 4 large Eggs
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar) For a quick substitute, use milk with vinegar.
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla
  • 1 cup Brown sugar For that caramel flavor.
For the Frosting
  • 1 cup Butter
  • 1 cup Brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Milk
  • 4 cups Powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla
  • 1 cup Pecans, chopped

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a rimmed jelly roll pan.
  2. In a bowl, mix all the dry ingredients including flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a saucepan, melt the butter and mix in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy.
  4. Pour the melted butter and sugar mixture into the dry ingredients, stir until combined.
  5. Add eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla; stir until no streaks remain, but don't overmix.
  6. Pour this batter into the greased pan, spreading it evenly.
Baking
  1. Bake the cake for about 30 minutes or until the center springs back when tapped.
Frosting
  1. While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting by melting the butter in a saucepan.
  2. Stir in brown sugar and milk, letting it heat until smooth.
  3. Whisk in powdered sugar until you achieve a thick caramel glaze.
  4. Add vanilla and chopped pecans to the frosting.
  5. Spread the warm frosting over the cake while it is still warm.

Notes

For a lighter dessert, you can try using slightly less sugar and incorporating more chopped pecans in the frosting. This cake keeps well at room temperature and can be refrigerated or even frozen.