Description
The Praline Butter Pecan Sheet Cake is a Southern-inspired dessert featuring a moist, buttery pecan-infused cake topped with a rich, creamy praline glaze. This irresistible sheet cake combines the nutty flavor of chopped pecans with a luscious caramel-like topping, making it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Praline Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13×9-inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a cooling rack.
- Make the Praline Topping: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to boil. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the topping is smooth and well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the praline topping over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow the topping to set for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This recipe highlights the beauty of simple, quality ingredients but feel free to customize it to your taste.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Drizzle the top with melted chocolate for an extra decadent finish.
- Chopped pecans can be lightly toasted for enhanced nutty flavor before mixing into the batter and topping.