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:
- Prepare the Cake Pans and Oven:
- Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
