Le Bernardin-Inspired Salted Caramel Pecan Cake with Caramel Swirl

Instructions

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   1. **Prepare the Pecan Cake:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan (or 9-inch round).

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   2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.

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   3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).

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   4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

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   5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

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   6. Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans.

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   7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

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   8. **Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:** In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir gently to moisten all the sugar.

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   9. Cook over medium-high heat without stirring (swirl the pan gently if needed to ensure even cooking), until the mixture turns a deep amber color, about 8-12 minutes.

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    10. Carefully remove the pan from the heat. Slowly and cautiously pour the warm heavy cream into the caramel (it will bubble up vigorously). Whisk constantly until smooth.

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    11. Add the butter pieces and sea salt, whisking until the butter is fully melted and incorporated. Let the sauce cool slightly before serving. It will thicken as it cools. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (reheat gently before serving).

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    12. **Assemble and Serve:** Once the cake is completely cooled, slice it into individual portions. Serve each slice with a generous scoop of caramel ice cream (or vanilla ice cream with a swirl of your homemade caramel sauce if you prefer a 'caramel swirl' effect). Drizzle generously with the warm salted caramel sauce. Enjoy immediately.