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Pecan Praline Cake

If you love rich, nutty flavors, buttery caramel sauce, and moist, tender cake, then Pecan Praline Cake is the ultimate dessert for you! This Southern-inspired cake is loaded with toasted pecans, infused with a buttery vanilla flavor, and topped with a decadent praline glaze that drips beautifully down the sides.

Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or just because you need a sweet treat, this cake is easy to make yet incredibly impressive. Whether you’re a pecan lover or simply enjoy a good buttery, caramel-drizzled cake, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional but adds warmth)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 ½ cups chopped pecans, toasted

For the Praline Glaze:

  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole pecans, for topping

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare the Cake Pan

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan (or a Bundt pan) with parchment paper.

2. Toast the Pecans

  • Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet.
  • Toast at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Let them cool while preparing the batter.

3. Make the Cake Batter

  • In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Mix in vanilla extract.

4. Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  • Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
  • Stir in the toasted chopped pecans.

5. Bake the Cake

  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes (for a round cake) or 50-55 minutes (for a Bundt cake).
  • A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Make the Praline Glaze

  • In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream, whisking continuously.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  • Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and salt.

7. Assemble the Cake

  • Pour the warm praline glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drizzle down the sides.
  • Top with whole pecans for extra crunch.

8. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
  • Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

Tips for the Best Pecan Praline Cake

✅ Use fresh, high-quality pecans – Toasting them enhances their natural nuttiness.
✅ Don’t overmix the batter – This keeps the cake light and fluffy.
✅ Let the praline glaze cool slightly – It will thicken as it sits, making it easier to drizzle.
✅ Add bourbon for extra depth – A tablespoon of bourbon in the praline glaze adds a Southern twist!
✅ Make it ahead of time – This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

  • Author: niold.com