CARAMEL CREAM CAKE WITH PECAN PIE FILLING

Pecan Pie Cake Filling

INGREDIENTS

PECAN PIE FILLING

• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup dark corn syrup
• 3/4 cup (108g) dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup Challenge unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups (200g) chopped pecans

TO MAKE THE PECAN PIE FILLING:

1. To make the pecan pie filling, combine all ingredients except the pecans in a saucepan. Heat over medium until it begins to boil, stirring constantly.

2. Add the pecans and allow to boil for 30 seconds.

3. Remove mixture from the heat and refrigerate until cool and thickened.

Brown sugar is the shortcut to quick caramel flavor in both the cake layers and the frosting.

Ingredients

• 3 cups shaved coconut 1 cup finely chopped pecans 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup shortening 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 5 large eggs, separated 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup buttermilk 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut Quick Caramel Frosting Cream Cheese Frosting

How to Make It

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°. Place shaved coconut in a single layer in a shallow pan. Place pecans in a second shallow pan. Bake coconut and pecans at the same time 5 to 7 minutes or until coconut is toasted and pecans are lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through.

Step 2

Beat butter and shortening at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy; gradually add granulated and brown sugars, beating well. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Add vanilla, beating until blended.

Step 3

Combine flour and baking soda; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Stir in pecans and 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut.

Step 4

Beat egg whites at high speed until stiff peaks form, and fold into batter. Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 5

Bake at 350° for 23 to 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks, and cool completely (about 1 hour).

Step 6

Prepare Quick Caramel Frosting. Immediately spread frosting between layers and on top of cake. Spread Cream Cheese Frosting over sides of cake; press 3 cups toasted shaved coconut onto sides of cake.