Name: Cranberry Pecan Caramel Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup sour cream; 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries; 1 cup chopped pecans; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; ¼ cup unsalted butter; ¼ cup heavy cream

This Cranberry Pecan Caramel Cake is the perfect sweet finale for your Thanksgiving table. It’s rich, warm, and bursting with flavor—think tart cranberries, buttery pecans, and a sticky caramel glaze all baked into a moist spiced cake. Each slice delivers a satisfying balance of sweetness and crunch, with a nostalgic homemade vibe that feels like a warm holiday hug.

Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or simply want to surprise your guests with something uniquely indulgent, this cake delivers on flavor and presentation. The vibrant cranberries on top provide a pop of color, the pecans add rustic texture, and the caramel drizzle seals the deal. This dessert feels familiar yet new—the kind of treat everyone will ask for seconds of.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Caramel Cake

Perfectly festive: Ideal for Thanksgiving and fall celebrations.
Layered texture: Moist cake base, tart cranberry burst, crunchy pecan topping.
Caramel magic: The glaze soaks in beautifully, making every bite decadently gooey.
Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day, making it great for prepping early.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating this cake doesn’t require fancy equipment, but using the right tools makes a big difference:

9×13 Baking Dish: Essential for an even bake and depth to hold all the sticky toppings.
Mixing Bowls: Separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients help streamline your prep.
Electric Mixer or Whisk: Ensures a fluffy, well-mixed batter with minimal effort.
Spatula: Handy for folding in ingredients without deflating the batter.
Saucepan: Needed to make the luscious caramel glaze from scratch.
Cooling Rack: Allows the cake to set properly and keeps the base from getting soggy.

With these tools ready, your baking experience will be smoother and your results will look (and taste) bakery-level!

Ingredients for the Cranberry Pecan Caramel Cake

All-purpose flour: Forms the structure and base of the cake.
Baking soda: Helps the cake rise to a soft, fluffy texture.
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: Adds that cozy, spiced holiday warmth.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Granulated sugar & brown sugar: A mix that creates depth and sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Provides moisture and buttery flavor.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a classic aromatic touch.
Sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and slightly tangy.
Fresh cranberries: Deliver tart bursts of flavor and beautiful color.
Chopped pecans: Add crunch and a nutty contrast to the cake’s softness.
Heavy cream, brown sugar, butter (for caramel): This trio creates the luscious homemade caramel glaze.

How To Make the Cranberry Pecan Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Mix

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and sour cream.

Step 3: Combine and Fold

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula or mixer on low speed. Fold in half of the cranberries and half of the chopped pecans.

Step 4: Pour and Top

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining cranberries and pecans.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool slightly.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir constantly until it thickens and bubbles (about 5 minutes).

Step 7: Drizzle and Serve

Pour the warm caramel glaze over the slightly cooled cake. Let it soak in, slice, and serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve and Store Cranberry Pecan Caramel Cake

Serve this cake warm for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience—especially if freshly baked. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

To store, cover the cake tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For best texture, bring it to room temperature before serving or warm it briefly in the microwave. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months—just wrap them well and thaw overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this cake ahead of time?

Bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Add the caramel glaze before serving to keep the top glossy and fresh.

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to use them straight from the freezer without thawing to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

What nuts can I use instead of pecans?

Walnuts are a great substitute, offering a similar texture and flavor. For a twist, try slivered almonds or chopped hazelnuts.

Can I skip the caramel glaze?

You can, but the glaze is what elevates this cake into an irresistible dessert. If skipping, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges will also pull slightly away from the pan.

Is this cake overly sweet?

Not at all. The tartness of cranberries balances the sweetness of the caramel and sugars, making each bite rich but not overwhelming.

Want More Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas?

If this Cranberry Pecan Caramel Cake has you swooning, you’ll love these other cozy and festive desserts:

Try the Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread for a rich, nutty alternative with Southern charm.
Check out the Amish Applesauce Cake for a super moist, old-fashioned treat.
Indulge in Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake if you love a fusion of cozy cinnamon and creamy cheesecake.
Don’t miss the Moist and Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake for a zesty twist.
Or bake up a batch of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups if you’re craving classic comfort with a gooey center.

Save This Pin For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra cranberries or drizzle more caramel? Maybe served it with ice cream?

I love seeing your spins on these desserts. And if you’re hungry for more sweet ideas, follow me on Pinterest at Kitchen By Kate where I share my favorite treats daily.