Description
Cranberry Pecan Caramel Cake is the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert, combining tart cranberries, buttery pecans, and rich homemade caramel over a moist, spiced cake. This easy fall dessert is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday tables.
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
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in half of the cranberries and half of the pecans.
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and top with remaining cranberries and pecans.
8. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let cake cool slightly on a wire rack.
10. Meanwhile, make the caramel glaze by heating brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until thick and bubbling (about 5 minutes).
11. Pour warm caramel over the cake and let it soak in before slicing and serving.
Notes
Don’t overmix the batter—stir until just combined to keep the cake soft and tender.
Add the caramel glaze while the cake is warm so it absorbs better.
For an extra festive touch, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the caramel glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg