Oh my goodness, y’all! Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite desserts: the Southern Pecan Praline Cake! This cake is practically a hug in dessert form, and every bite has me reminiscing about summer picnics and family gatherings filled with laughter, conversation, and mmm-worthy treats.
I first made this cake for a potluck a few years ago, and it was a hit! Everyone was clamoring for the recipe, which made my heart sing. The combination of moist cake topped with a gooey praline glaze is simply irresistible. Plus, those crunchy pecans sprinkled throughout add an incredible texture that elevates this cake to extraordinary levels of yumminess. So, if you’re in the mood for something sweet and oh-so-satisfying, buckle up and let’s get baking!
What’s in Southern Pecan Praline Cake?
– All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of our cake. It gives the cake its lovely structure and tenderness. I usually reach for a brand like King Arthur Flour because I find it consistently delivers great results.
– Granulated Sugar: Sweetness! This sugar helps create that beautiful golden crust while keeping our cake light and fluffy.
– Baking Soda: This is our leavening agent, helping the cake rise beautifully and giving it that perfect texture.
– Salt: A pinch of salt intensifies all the flavors in our cake—trust me on this one!
– Buttermilk: This magical ingredient adds moisture and tanginess to the cake. If you don’t have any, just mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes.
– Vegetable Oil: Using oil instead of butter keeps this cake super moist. It’s one of my little cooking secrets!
– Eggs: They bind our ingredients together and also give our cake richness.
– Vanilla Extract: This adds that comforting aroma and flavor we all love!
– Chopped Pecans: Not just decoration! These babies are a fantastic source of healthy fats and add a delicious nuttiness to our cake.
– Brown Sugar: Used in our praline glaze, it gives a deeper sweetness and that classic caramel flavor.
– Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted to maintain control over the saltiness—especially in desserts!
– Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess to our glaze and makes every mouthful luscious.
– Pinch of Salt: You’d be surprised how a tiny bit can elevate our glaze!
Is Southern Pecan Praline Cake Good for You?
Alright, let’s talk health—because we know this cake is indulgent!
While it’s definitely not a health food, there are a few things to consider.
– Pecans: These little guys pack a nutritious punch. They’re full of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Plus, they have antioxidants that promote heart health! So, there’s a silver lining, right?
– Buttermilk: This delightful dairy product is high in calcium and can aid in digestion.
Of course, moderation is key, and this cake is best enjoyed as an occasional treat. Pair it with some fresh fruit or a cup of herbal tea for a balanced approach!
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 1 tsp baking soda
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– **For the Praline Glaze:**
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– ½ cup unsalted butter
– ½ cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
This recipe serves about 10 to 12 people, depending on how generous you feel with your slicing!
How to Make Southern Pecan Praline Cake?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. Trust me—nobody wants a cake that sticks!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well so everything is evenly distributed.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Gradually add your wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t over-mix—it’s a cake, not a workout!
5. Gently fold in the chopped pecans, because we want to keep them whole for that delightful crunch.
6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake that beauty for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
7. While the cake bakes, let’s whip up the praline glaze! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until it reaches a rolling boil.
8. Boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
9. Once the cake is done and has cooled for about 10 minutes in the pan, drizzle that glorious hot praline glaze over the warm cake. Let it soak in—yes, please!
10. Finally, allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. Patience is a virtue, my friend!
Delicious Serving Suggestions
This cake can be enjoyed in many delightful ways! Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even some stewed fruit for a bit of tartness. You can also garnish it with whole pecans to make it look extra fancy for your guests.
Every time I whip up this Southern Pecan Praline Cake, it reminds me of those warm summer evenings with friends and family gathered around the table. I encourage you to try making this cake at home, and please do share your experiences. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
Happy baking! 🍰
