Mini Red Velvet Caramel Pecan Cake Jars

Mini Red Velvet Caramel Pecan Cake Jars are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, combining layers of moist cake, creamy frosting, rich caramel, and toasted pecans in a portable jar. This layered dessert is perfect for parties, gatherings, or even as a thoughtful gift. The combination of textures and flavors makes each bite a sweet and satisfying treat.

INGREDIENTS

• All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups, for the cake base
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness
• Cocoa powder: 1 tbsp, for a hint of chocolate
• Baking soda: 1 tsp, for leavening
• Salt: 1/2 tsp, to balance flavors
• Buttermilk: 1 cup, at room temperature, for moisture
• Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup, for moistness
• Large eggs: 2, for structure
• Red food coloring: 1 tbsp, for the signature red color
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor
• White vinegar: 1 tsp, to activate the baking soda
• Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened, for the frosting
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, softened, for the frosting
• Powdered sugar: 2 cups, for sweetness in the frosting
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor in the frosting
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for the caramel
• Water: 1/4 cup, to start the caramel
• Heavy cream: 1/2 cup, for a rich caramel
• Unsalted butter: 3 tbsp, for smoothness in the caramel
• Salt: 1/4 tsp, to enhance the caramel flavor
• Chopped pecans: 1 cup, for crunch
• Butter: 1 tbsp, to toast the pecans
• Brown sugar: 2 tbsp, to coat the pecans

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another, then combine them. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool and cut into circles.

Step 2:

Beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy and smooth to make the frosting.

Step 3:

For the caramel, heat sugar and water in a saucepan until it reaches an amber color. Add heavy cream, butter, and salt, stirring until smooth.

Step 4:

Melt butter in a skillet, add chopped pecans and brown sugar, and stir until coated and toasted.

Step 5:

Layer red velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, caramel sauce, and toasted pecans in jars. Repeat the layers, finishing with caramel and pecans on top.

Step 6:

Refrigerate the assembled jars for at least 1 hour before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Helpful Notes

• For a richer caramel flavor, let the sugar reach a deep amber color before adding the cream.
• Use jar lids to cut the cake into perfect circles that fit the jars.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Adding a pinch of sea salt to the caramel layer can enhance the sweetness and balance flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

These Mini Red Velvet Caramel Pecan Cake Jars are a perfect blend of moist cake, creamy frosting, rich caramel, and crunchy pecans. They are easy to make, visually appealing, and ideal for individual servings.

How to Make Ahead and Store

The jars can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce can be used to save time.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening?

Ensure that the caramel is added to the jars while still warm.

Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?

Yes, walnuts can be used as an alternative to pecans.

Can I use a different frosting?

Yes, buttercream or whipped cream frosting can be used instead of cream cheese frosting.

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Conclusion

Mini Red Velvet Caramel Pecan Cake Jars offer a creative way to enjoy the classic red velvet flavor in a convenient, portable dessert. The layers consist of moist red velvet cake, rich cream cheese frosting, sweet caramel sauce, and crunchy pecans, all stacked in individual jars. Each component is carefully prepared: the red velvet cake is baked to tender perfection, the frosting is whipped to creamy fluffiness, the caramel is cooked until it reaches a rich, amber hue, and the pecans are toasted with butter and brown sugar for added sweetness. These cake jars are perfect for serving at parties, events, or as a treat to share with family and friends.