Pecan Praline Cake – A Southern Classic!

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This moist, buttery cake is loaded with toasted pecans and topped with a rich praline glaze—pure Southern indulgence in every bite! Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Toasty, nutty flavor – Packed with pecans in every layer
✅ Irresistible praline glaze – Sweet, caramel-like perfection
✅ Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better the next day
✅ Crowd-pleasing – A guaranteed showstopper

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Cake

  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whole milk

For the Praline Glaze

  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (½ stick) butter
  • 3 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup pecan halves (for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
  4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined.
  5. Fold in toasted pecans. Pour batter into pan and bake 30-35 mins until golden.

2. Prepare the Praline Glaze

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, and cream over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then simmer 1 minute.
  2. Remove from heat, whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Stir in pecan halves.

3. Glaze & Serve

  1. Let cake cool 10 minutes, then pour warm glaze over the top.
  2. Let set 15 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips

🔥 Extra toasty flavor: Toast pecans at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 mins before using.
🍯 Glaze consistency: Thin with 1 tsp milk if too thick.
⏳ Make ahead: Bake cake a day early, glaze before serving.

Variations

☕ Bourbon Praline: Add 1 tbsp bourbon to the glaze.
🍫 Chocolate Swirl: Mix 2 tbsp cocoa powder into half the batter.
🍌 Banana Praline: Add 1 mashed banana to the cake batter.

FAQs

Can I use a bundt pan?

Yes! Bake 40-45 mins and double the glaze.

How to store leftovers?

Cover at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days.

Can I freeze it?

Freeze un-glazed for up to 3 months—thaw and glaze before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Pecan Praline Cake is Southern comfort at its finest—rich, nutty, and dripping with caramel-like sweetness. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any day that calls for something special!

Tip: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for pure bliss! 🍮🌰

(Tag your creations #PecanPralineCake!)

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