Southern Praline Cake

Southern Praline Cake: A Decadent Delight with Rich Flavors

This Southern Praline Cake is the epitome of Southern hospitality and decadence, combining moist, buttery cake layers with a rich, nutty praline icing. Each bite of this cake is a blend of sweet and comforting flavors, making it a perfect choice for special occasions, family gatherings, or just a weekend treat.

Luxurious and Luscious

The process of making this cake is a true labor of love, infused with traditional Southern baking techniques and ingredients. The praline icing, with its creamy texture and pecan-filled goodness, sets this cake apart as a show-stopping dessert.

  • Preparation time: 45 minutes
  • Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
  • Serving size: Serves 12-15
  • Equipment: Three 9-inch round cake pans

Southern Praline Cake

It’s a perfect ending to any meal, especially during the holiday season or any festive occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors and sweet satisfaction of each slice!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Praline Icing:
  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 large can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups chopped pecans

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Cake Pans and Oven:
    • Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Make the Cake Batter:
    • In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
    • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
    • Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    • Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
    • Stir in the vanilla extract.
    • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
  3. Bake and Cool the Cake:
    • Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    • Allow the cakes to cool in their pans on a rack for 10 minutes, then turn out onto the racks to cool completely.
  4. Prepare the Praline Icing:
    • Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
    • Remove from heat and stir in both sugars (the mixture will be grainy).
    • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the evaporated milk until smooth.
    • Gradually whisk this mixture into the saucepan with the butter and sugars.
    • Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes caramel-like, about 15 to 20 minutes.
    • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
    • Let the icing cool to a spreadable consistency, about 30 minutes.
  5. Assemble the Cake:
    • Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
    • Spread a portion of the praline icing on top.
    • Add the next layer and repeat, finishing with the icing on the top and sides of the cake.

Serve and Enjoy

This Southern Praline Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture. The cake is best served at room temperature or slightly warmed, making the praline icing slightly gooey and even more delicious.

Southern Praline Cake

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