Indulge in the rich, buttery flavors of this Pecan Praline Cake, a dessert inspired by the classic Southern praline treat. This cake is moist, tender, and filled with the caramel-like sweetness of brown sugar and the warm crunch of toasted pecans. Topped with a praline glaze that soaks into every layer, this cake is a show-stopper that’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any special gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Praline Cake
- Rich and Buttery: Filled with the classic flavors of praline and caramelized pecans.
- Moist and Tender: Made with a blend of sour cream and brown sugar for an ultra-moist texture.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: This cake looks beautiful and tastes incredible, making it perfect for celebrations.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it a beginner-friendly recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup sour cream (for moisture)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
For the Praline Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Preparation:
Make the Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch cake pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan(s) and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Praline Glaze
- Melt Butter and Sugar: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar, stirring until dissolved.
- Add Cream and Vanilla: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans.
- Pour Over Cake: While the glaze is still warm, pour it over the cooled cake, allowing it to soak in slightly. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 slices)
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per slice
Tips for Perfect Pecan Praline Cake
- Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor, adding a richer, nuttier taste to the cake and glaze.
- Use Fresh Brown Sugar: Fresh, moist brown sugar gives the best caramel flavor and texture.
- Adjust the Glaze: For a thicker glaze, let it cool slightly before pouring it over the cake. For a thinner glaze, pour while it’s warm.
Variations and Serving Ideas
- Layered Pecan Praline Cake: Bake in two 9-inch round pans and stack the layers with praline glaze in between for an impressive layered cake.
- Chocolate Twist: Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the praline glaze for an extra decadent treat.
- Ice Cream Pairing: Serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic, Southern-inspired dessert.
Description
This Pecan Praline Cake is a rich, buttery dessert featuring the warm, nutty flavor of toasted pecans and a decadent praline glaze. With a tender, moist crumb and caramelized sweetness in every bite, this cake is a must-try for any special occasion. Whether served as a single layer or a layered cake, this Southern-inspired treat is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Enjoy