Caramel Lover'S Fudge Cake
Indulge in this rich Caramel Lover's Fudge Cake, featuring a moist chocolate base layered with luscious caramel and topped with crunchy pecans. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat, it combines deep cocoa flavors with sweet caramel for a truly irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
- 14 oz. package of Eagle Brand caramels ⓘ
- 14 oz. can of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups Crisco shortening, divided ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or sour milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans ⓘ
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a heavy saucepan, combine caramels, sweetened condensed milk, and 1/2 cup shortening.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until melted and smooth.
- In a medium bowl, mix together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat sugar and remaining 3/4 cup shortening until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- In a small bowl, combine water, buttermilk, and vanilla.
- Add alternately with flour mixture to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition.
- Spread half the batter into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Spoon caramel mixture evenly over the partially baked cake.
- Spread remaining batter evenly over the caramel layer.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Loosen from sides of pan while warm.
- Cool completely before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure the caramel mixture is spooned evenly to prevent uneven cooking. This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this decadent fudge cake with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra treat. It pairs well with a cup of California Coffee for a delightful afternoon indulgence. Consider adding fresh berries on the side for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fudge cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm, or enjoy it chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caramel Lover'S Fudge Cake contains roughly 726 calories, with 17g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 875mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Yes, you can easily substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds, depending on your preference. Each nut will bring a unique flavor to the cake, so feel free to experiment based on what you have available.
What should I do if my caramel layer is too thick?
If your caramel mixture seems too thick, you can stir in a little more sweetened condensed milk or a splash of milk to achieve a smoother consistency. This will help it spread evenly over the cake and create a perfect layer.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This fudge cake can be made a day in advance. Just cool it completely, cover it well, and store it in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the flavors fully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).