Pear Preserves Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Cream butter in a large mixing bowl; gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
2. 2
   Add egg yolks; beat well. Dissolve soda in buttermilk; stir well.
3. 3
   Combine 2 1/2 cups flour and spices; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
4. 4
   Mix well after each addition.
5. 5
   Dredge pecans in remaining 1/2 cup flour; fold pecans and pear preserves into batter.
6. 6
   Beat egg whites (at room temperature) until stiff peaks form; gently fold into batter.
7. 7
   Pour batter into 3 waxed paper-lined and heavily greased 9-inch round cake pans.
8. 8
   Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
9. 9
   Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove layers from pans and let cake cool completely.
10. 10
    Spread Heritage Caramel Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cooled cake.
11. 11
    Yield:
12. 12
    one 3-layer cake.