Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake

Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake

Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake is a delightful, decadent dessert that embodies the warmth and charm of Southern baking. Picture a moist, fluffy cake enveloped in a rich, sweet praline glaze studded with crunchy pecans—talk about a slice of heaven! This cake not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fills your home with an irresistible aroma, making it an instant hit at family gatherings and celebrations. Just imagine cutting into this beauty and serving it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Did you know that pralines have their roots in French cuisine, but they found a sweet home in the American South? This cake is a wonderful fusion of those flavors, offering you the best of both worlds—a rich taste and a comforting texture. Unlike some fancier cakes that can be time-consuming and require baking skills, this Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake is surprisingly easy to whip up and is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. If you love the delightful simplicity of a classic pound cake or the gooey indulgence of a chocolate lava cake, then this dessert will quickly become a new favorite. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that promises to sweeten your day!

What is Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake?

Ah, the name "Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake" rolls off the tongue like a sweet serenade! It combines the rich flavors of pecans and caramel with the delightful ease of a sheet cake—what’s not to love? But why all the fuss about pralines? Legend has it that these sugary, nutty bites first made their appearance in New Orleans, where they quickly became a Southern delicacy. Imagine the scene: a bustling bakery window filled with treats, and an eager Southern belle sampling praline after praline. Of course, they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and one bite of this cake will have everyone smitten! So why not join the ranks of proud bakers and whip up this delightful creation in your own kitchen?

Why You’ll Love This Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake

You’re in for a treat with the Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake! First off, the star of the show is its delectable, golden-brown praline topping, made from butter, brown sugar, and pecans that create that perfect sweet, nutty crunch with each bite. Second, making this cake at home is not only budget-friendly, but it’s also a fantastic way to impress your friends and family without breaking the bank. Unlike some dessert recipes that can be a tad pricey, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how economical this one is!

Lastly, the rich, buttery flavor of the cake is enhanced by that sticky, caramel glaze, striking a perfect balance between sweet and nutty. If you’re a fan of our easy-to-make Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake, you’ll surely love the enticing flavors this sheet cake brings too! So why not gather some ingredients and challenge yourself to this exquisite dish?

How to Make Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake

Quick Overview

The Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake is a dream come true for any home baker. With its soft texture and sweet, nutty topping, this cake is sure to please! Plus, it’s relatively simple to make, requiring only about 30 minutes of preparation time and an additional 30 minutes for baking. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these easy-to-follow steps will have you creating a delicious dessert that begs to be shared.

Key Ingredients for Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake

• For the Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

• For the Praline Topping:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Set it aside for now.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs and Buttermilk: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.

5. Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Remember, a few lumps are okay!

6. Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.

7. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Prepare the Praline Topping: While the cake is baking, prepare the topping by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, allowing it to come to a gentle boil for about 2-3 minutes.

9. Add Pecans and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract.

10. Top the Cake: Once the cake is done baking, pour the praline topping over the hot cake, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack before serving.

What to Serve Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake With

This Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake pairs beautifully with simple accompaniments! Consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent, contrast of temperatures, or some freshly whipped cream to amplify its richness. A side of fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, can add a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the sweetness nicely. For a festive touch, why not enjoy it with a warm cup of coffee or a classic Southern sweet tea? Each pairing brings its unique flair to the dessert experience.

Top Tips for Perfecting Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake

1. Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavors, be sure to use fresh, high-quality pecans and butter.

2. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake.

3. Storage Options: If you have any leftovers (though highly unlikely!), store them in the refrigerator for up to five days. The cake can also be frozen for up to three months; just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you find yourself with leftovers, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply let it thaw at room temperature. For a little luxury, consider reheating individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—perfect for enjoying the gooey praline topping all over again!

There you have it! This Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake is sure to impress and delight everyone at your table—simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor! Happy baking!

Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake

A moist and fluffy cake topped with a rich, sweet praline glaze and crunchy pecans, perfect for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cups buttermilk
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Praline Topping

• 0.5 cups unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Set it aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the buttermilk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly.

Baking

1. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Preparing Praline Topping

1. While the cake is baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, allowing it to come to a gentle boil for about 2-3 minutes.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract.

Finishing Touches

1. Once the cake is done baking, pour the praline topping over the hot cake, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some freshly whipped cream for added richness. This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.