Praline Cake

4.60 from 5 votes

This Praline Cake is the perfect recipe for adding sweet Southern flair to any occasion! Soft and fluffy vanilla cake gets topped off with a decadent pecan praline icing. An excellent make-ahead dessert for any occasion or holiday!

Prep Time20

Cook Time35

Icing Setting Time30

Total Time1 25

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Praline Cake

Servings:

Calories: 401kcal

Author: Kelly Anthony

Ingredients

FOR THE CAKE:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 ¼ teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup whole milk, room temperature or just warm to the touch
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

FOR THE PRALINE ICING:

⅓ cup unsalted butter
1 ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup heavy whipping cream
1 ⅓ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 /2 teaspoon salt
1 scant cup chopped pecans

Instructions

MAKE THE CAKE:

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9x13" baking pan. If you plan to serve the cake on a platter rather than from the pan, make a parchment paper sling and lay it inside. Next, melt the butter and set it aside to cool.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside.
Add the eggs to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds. If you do not have a stand mixer, use a large bowl and a handheld mixer. With the mixer now on low, add in the sugar while continuing to mix. Increase the speed to medium-high and mix for about 4-5 minutes, until the mixture has thickened.
Add the melted butter, followed by the warm milk and vanilla, and mix on low until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
Add in the flour and mix until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl once more.
Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and bake for 35 minutes. Set aside on a wire rack.

FOR THE PRALINE ICING:

Add the butter, sugar, and cream to a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat and allow to come to a boil, stirring often.
Once the mixture reaches a boil, allow it to boil for 1 minute, stirring the whole time. It's best to set a timer.
Remove from the heat and stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and whisk until smooth.
Add in the chopped pecans and stir until it feels as though it has thickened slightly. Pour the icing over the warm cake and allow it to set completely, about 30 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

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