southern praline pecan cake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best southern praline pecan cake recipe

I am thrilled to share with you my family’s favorite southern praline pecan cake recipe. This classic dessert is a staple in the southern United States, and for good reason – it’s rich, decadent, and utterly delicious. The combination of crunchy pecans, gooey pralines, and moist cake is a match made in heaven.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. Whether we’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a sweet treat, this cake is always a good idea. I love that it’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, but the end result is truly impressive.

My kids can’t get enough of the pecans, and I appreciate how they add a nice crunch to the otherwise soft cake. The pralines are the perfect addition, providing a sweet and sticky element to the dish. I often make this cake for our family gatherings, and it never fails to impress.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover pecans and pralines. The best part? This cake freezes beautifully, so I can make it ahead of time and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When we’re ready for dessert, I simply thaw it overnight and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s truly a show-stopping dessert that never fails to delight.

Southern Praline Pecan Cake

4.8 from 871 votes

A rich and moist cake layered with a sweet praline pecan topping. This cake is perfect for a Southern-inspired dessert.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 500 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Praline Pecan Topping

1 cup pecan halves
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
3Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Set aside.
4Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
5Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
6Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
7Pour batter into the prepared pan.
8Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9While the cake is baking, prepare the praline pecan topping.
10In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter.
11Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
12Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
13Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and pecans.
14Pour the hot praline mixture over the warm cake.
15Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.

🔧Equipment

9-inch round cake pan
Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Saucepan
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 500 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 15g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 250mg🌾Total Carbs: 60g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 45g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

Tips: Ensure the praline topping is hot when poured over the cake for better absorption. You can also garnish the cake with additional pecans for a crunchier texture.

Watch Video Of How Southern Praline Pecan Cake Works

This southern praline pecan cake recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a Tuesday night dinner with the family.

I love how versatile it is – you can serve it warm or cold, topped with ice cream or whipped cream (or both!)

It’s also incredibly easy to make ahead of time – simply wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate until ready to serve.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Praline Pecan Cake

1. What is the origin of the southern praline pecan cake recipe?

The southern praline pecan cake recipe has its roots in traditional Southern cuisine. Pralines are a classic Southern confection made from sugar, cream, and pecans. They’re often used as a topping for cakes and other desserts. In this recipe, we use them to add a sweet and sticky element to the otherwise moist cake.

2. What is the difference between pralines and pecans?

Pralines are actually a type of candy made from sugar, cream, and nuts (usually pecans). Pecans are simply the nuts themselves – they’re not necessarily used in candy form.

3. How do you make pralines at home?

Making pralines at home is quite easy – all you need is sugar, cream, and pecans! Simply combine equal parts sugar and cream in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.

4. Can you use other types of nuts instead of pecans?

While pecans are traditional in this recipe, you can definitely use other types of nuts as substitutes if you prefer.

5. How do you store leftover cake?

Leftover cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

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