Southern Pecan Praline Cake Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, we are diving into the delightful world of Southern Pecan Praline Cake Recipe. This cake is a family favorite that brings back sweet memories of my Aunt Betty’s kitchen, where the smell of pecans and caramel filled the air. It is a perfect blend of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love It

  • It combines the rich flavors of pecans and caramel.
  • Perfect for any gathering or special occasion.
  • Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Pure Comfort

This cake is pure comfort food. Each slice is packed with the warmth of Southern hospitality and the sweetness of home. It reminds me of family gatherings where laughter and love are the main ingredients.

What You Need

  • 2 all-purpose flour – cups
  • 1.5 granulated sugar – cups
  • 1 unsalted butter – cup, softened
  • 4 eggs – large
  • 1 buttermilk – cup
  • 1 vanilla extract – tbsp
  • 1 baking powder – tbsp
  • 1 baking soda – tsp
  • 1/2 salt – tsp
  • 1 chopped pecans – cup, toasted
  • 1 brown sugar – cup
  • 1/2 heavy cream – cup

Time to Cook

Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 50 minutes | Difficulty: easy | Make-Ahead: Yes

Steps to Make It

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until combined.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  7. Fold in the toasted pecans.
  8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  11. For the praline topping, combine brown sugar and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat.
  12. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil, then let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  13. Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans.
  14. Once the cakes are cool, drizzle the praline topping over the top of one cake, then place the second cake on top and drizzle more topping over it.

Make It Perfect

  • Make sure to toast your pecans for extra flavor.
  • You can make the cake a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
  • For a fun twist, try adding a layer of cream cheese frosting between the cakes.

Mix It Up

  • Substitute walnuts for pecans for a different nutty flavor.
  • Add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
  • Try making a Southern Pecan Praline Cheesecake by using a cheesecake base instead of cake.

Perfect Partners

  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Pair with a cup of hot coffee or sweet tea.
  • Great alongside fresh whipped cream.

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FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, walnuts or almonds work well too.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Southern Pecan Praline Cake Recipe is sure to become a beloved dessert in your home, just like it is in mine. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat your family, this cake will bring smiles all around. Enjoy every sweet bite!

Close-up of Southern Pecan Praline Cake with caramel drizzle.

Southern Pecan Praline Cake Recipe

This Southern Pecan Praline Cake Recipe is a delightful blend of rich flavors of pecans and caramel, perfect for gatherings or special occasions. It’s easy to make and is sure to please every crowd.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Wire rack

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans toasted
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until combined.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  • Fold in the toasted pecans.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  • For the praline topping, combine brown sugar and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil, then let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans.
  • Once the cakes are cool, drizzle the praline topping over the top of one cake, then place the second cake on top and drizzle more topping over it.
Keyword Cake, Pecan, Praline