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Pecan Praline Cake: A Sweet Slice of Southern Comfort

The Pecan Praline Cake is a classic Southern dessert that combines the buttery richness of pecans with the deep, caramel-like flavor of pralines, all baked into a moist and tender cake. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or anytime you want to indulge in a decadent treat, this cake is both rustic and elegant. Let’s take a deep dive into how to make it from scratch, with easy-to-follow steps.

What is a Pecan Praline Cake?

The term “praline” refers to a confection made from sugar, butter, and cream, often combined with pecans in Southern cooking. The Pecan Praline Cake layers those flavors into a soft, nutty cake, often topped with a rich praline glaze that soaks into the surface, adding even more flavor and moisture.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box of butter pecan cake mix (or yellow cake mix if unavailable)
1 cup sour cream
¾ cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
½ cup milk (whole milk preferred)
1 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Praline Topping:

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish or two 8-inch round cake pans, depending on your preference. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, sour cream, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).

Once the batter is ready, gently fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans. This gives the cake a nutty texture throughout.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish or pans. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.

Place in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes (for a 9×13 pan) or 30–35 minutes (for 8-inch rounds), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden and firm to the touch.

Step 4: Cool the Cake

Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15–20 minutes. Then, carefully transfer to a wire rack (if using round pans) or keep it in the dish if you’re serving from it.

Step 5: Make the Praline Topping

While the cake cools, prepare the praline topping.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar and cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Let it bubble for about 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Stir in chopped pecans, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Let the sauce cool slightly until it thickens just a bit but is still pourable.

Step 6: Glaze the Cake

While the cake is still slightly warm, pour the praline topping over the top. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly. It will soak slightly into the cake, creating a sticky-sweet, nutty top layer that’s truly irresistible.

Let the glaze set for about 10–15 minutes before slicing.

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