Praline Cake Recipe – Tasty & Easy!
Praline Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the buttery richness of praline with a moist and tender cake.
In this recipe, you’ll cream butter and sugar, fold in pecans, and top the cake with a rich praline glaze. Let’s dive in!
How to Make Praline Cake
To create a luscious Praline Cake, we’ll prepare a moist cake base and a rich praline topping. The process involves simple steps, and you’ll have this cake ready in no time!
Ingredients
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients, including alternatives and amounts for serving 4, 6, or 8 people:
| Ingredient | 4 Servings | 6 Servings | 8 Servings | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | 1 1/2 cups | 2 cups | Cake flour |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | 1 1/2 tsp | 2 tsp | Self-rising flour (omit baking powder) |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup | 1 cup | 1 1/4 cups | Brown sugar |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/2 cup | 3/4 cup | 1 cup | Margarine or coconut oil |
| Eggs | 2 large | 3 large | 4 large | Flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) |
| Whole milk | 1/2 cup | 3/4 cup | 1 cup | Almond milk, oat milk |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 1 1/2 tsp | 2 tsp | Almond extract |
| Chopped pecans | 1/2 cup | 3/4 cup | 1 cup | Walnuts or hazelnuts |
Praline Topping
| Ingredient | 4 Servings | 6 Servings | 8 Servings | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup | 3/4 cup | 1 cup | Coconut sugar |
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup | 1/3 cup | 1/2 cup | Margarine |
| Heavy cream | 1/4 cup | 1/3 cup | 1/2 cup | Half-and-half or coconut cream |
| Chopped pecans | 1/3 cup | 1/2 cup | 2/3 cup | Walnuts or almonds |
Cooking Instruments Needed
- Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
Alternatives: Any large bowl. Helps keep ingredients organized and ensures even mixing. - Electric Mixer: For creaming butter and sugar.
Alternatives: A whisk or manual mixer. Ensures a light and fluffy batter. - 9-inch Cake Pan: Ideal for baking.
Alternatives: Use an 8-inch pan but adjust baking time slightly. Provides the correct size and even cooking. - Saucepan: To prepare the praline topping.
Alternatives: A non-stick skillet. Prevents the topping from sticking or burning. - Offset Spatula: For spreading the topping.
Alternatives: A butter knife or silicone spatula. Ensures even application of the praline glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
lets go for the main part.
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, alternating with milk, until the batter is smooth. Fold in chopped pecans.
2. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9-inch cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Praline Topping
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans.
4. Assemble the Cake
Spread the praline topping evenly over the cooled cake using an offset spatula. Let the topping set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair slices of Praline Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Serve with freshly brewed coffee or a light dessert wine to complement the nutty flavors.
Extra Tips
- Toasting Nuts: Lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the batter or topping for enhanced flavor.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until combined.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the praline topping a day in advance and reheat it gently before spreading over the cake.
Nutritional Benefits
- Pecans: Rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc.
- Milk: Provides calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
- Eggs: A great source of protein and essential amino acids.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a natural molasses flavor and contains small traces of minerals like calcium and potassium.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Ensure the nuts are chopped and toasted for better flavor.
2. How do I store Praline Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and prepare the praline topping just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Now enjoy your homemade Praline Cake and savor its rich, nutty flavors!
