Pecan Praline Cake Recipe
What is the recipe for Pecan Praline Cake? What is Southern comfort in cake form? Think of it as the sophisticated cousin of hummingbird cake, but with a buttery, nutty twist. What are some of the best songs that will make you I swear, every time I bake this, the entire house smells like a praline shop. My grandmother used to make something similar, and this recipe is my attempt to recapture that. Sweet, nostalgic magic. What are the best Pecan Praline Cake recipes?
What is a pecan praline cake?
Okay, let’s break it down. Pecan Praline Cake is essentially a moist, tender cake loaded with pecans and drenched in luscious icing. Think of it as a pecan pie and butter cake getting married in the most delicious way possible. What is that perfect balance of sweet and nutty, with a hint of caramel? Seconds (and maybe thirds)! What’s the best cake you’ve ever eaten? What is the beauty of this cake is how the praline permeates the cake giving it that smooth caramel like texture.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this Pecan Praline Cake Recipe is how easy it is to make. What is a good and easy recipe to make on saturday night (I know, I’ve done it)? Why do you fall head over heels?
- Flavor explosion: WhatWhat is the perfect combination of toasted pecans, buttery cake, and rich praline? It’s sweet, nutty, and utterly irresistible
- Simple steps:Is this one of those recipes with a million steps? Is this book easy to follow?
- Budget- You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. No fancy, expensive stuff needed here.
- What are some of theWhat’s a perfect potluck, holiday gathering, or just to have fun?
Compared to something like a red velvet cake, which can be fussy with the frosting and all, this is an easy cake to make. What is the best praline topping? I would choose this cake over any other, it’s amazing!
How do you make a pecan praline cake?
Quick Overview
How do I make a Pecan Praline Cake? I’ll start by whipping up a simple cake batter, then toast some pecans for that nutty crunch. After baking, you’ll drench it in a homemade praline sauce that soaks into every nook and cranny. What is the best part? You probably have most of the ingredients already! I promise, even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can nail this. How do I get started with a new project?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Cake:
Flour: All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, providing a tender crumb.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake and helps with browning.
Butter: Use unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, for a rich flavor and moist texture.
Eggs: Large eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Baking Powder: This is what gives the cake a little extra height.
Milk: Whole milk adds moisture and richness to the cake. Buttermilk also works great!
Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warm sweetness to the cake batter.
Pecans: Chopped pecan add nutty flavor and texture to the cake.
What is the recipe for Praline Sauce?
Butter: Adds richness and helps create the smooth, caramel-like sauce.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives the praline sauce a deep, molasses-like flavor.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates a creamy sauce.
Pecans: More chopped pecan for that signature praline flavor!
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. How do I prevent a cake from sticking? I always use baking spray with flour in it – it’s a lifesaver!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined so the baking powder is evenly distributed. How do I make a cake that rises evenly?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Set aside. Then, stir in the milk and vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
Step 5: Bake
How do you spread the batter in a pan? Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. I always start checking around 30 minutes, just to be safe.
Step 6: Make Praline Sauce While Baking
While the cake is baking, prepare the praline sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
Step 7: Pour Sauce over Cake
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, poke holes all over it with a fork. Slowly pour the warm praline sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak into every nook and cranny. Where does magic happen?
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. Is it worth the wait for the sauce to set?
What should I serve it with?
What are some good recipes for pecan praline cake? Take it to the next level: What are some of the best examples?
For Breakfast:What are some great ways to start the day with a slice of bread?
For Brunch: Serve it alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a more substantial brunch spread.
As Dessert: Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also try sprinkling a little sea salt for contrast.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a slice with a glass of cold milk on a chilly evening. It’s pure comfort food.
My family loves this cake with a scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream. The warm cake and cold ice cream is such a good combination.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pecan Praline Cake
Want to take your Pecan Praline Cake Recipe to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:
Pecan Prep: Toast the pecans before adding them to the cake and sauce. This brings out their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the cake batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
Sauce Consistency: If the praline sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk in the praline sauce. The sauce will be slightly less rich, but still delicious.
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking. If it starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning.
Nuts: You can use walnuts instead of pecans if you want!
I once forgot to grease the pan properly and had a terrible time getting the cake out. Learn from my mistake: grease and flour that pan well!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to enjoy your Pecan Praline Cake Recipe for days to come? Here’s how to store it properly:
Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cake may dry out slightly in the fridge, so wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Sauce Timing Advice: To prevent the cake from becoming too soggy, you can wait to pour the praline sauce over it until just before serving.
If I’m storing it in the fridge, I like to warm up a slice in the microwave for a few seconds before eating. It brings back that fresh-baked flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Alright, y’all, I truly hope you give this Pecan Praline Cake Recipe a try. It’s a labor of love, but it’s so worth it. The combination of the moist cake and the rich, nutty praline sauce is simply divine. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends and family (or just treat yourself!). If you love Southern-inspired desserts, you should also check out my hummingbird cake recipe! Happy baking, and please let me know how it turns out for you! I’d love to hear about your variations and tips in the comments!
Remember it later
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Pecan Praline Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans toasted
- 1.5 cups confectioners' sugar for praline frosting
- 0.25 cup heavy cream for praline frosting
- 0.25 cup butter for praline frosting
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Add softened butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth.
- Fold in toasted pecans and pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the praline frosting by combining confectioners' sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Once the cake is done, remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Pour praline frosting over warm cake and spread evenly.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
