Dreamy Praline Delight Cake Recipe: Sweet Southern Charm

Chocolate lovers rejoice when they encounter this praline delight cake recipe that promises pure indulgence with every slice.

Rich layers of decadent goodness await your taste buds.

The smooth caramel undertones blend perfectly with nutty pecans, creating a symphony of flavor.

Each bite tells a story of southern comfort and culinary craftsmanship.

Delicate and moist, this cake brings warmth to any gathering.

Unexpected notes of caramelized sugar dance across your palate, making this dessert an unforgettable experience.

Get ready to savor a slice of pure bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 345 kcal

Servings: 13

Start With These for Praline Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for the cake's foundation.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft, moist texture.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises evenly and maintains a light consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Instant Coffee: Adds depth and richness to the cake's flavor profile.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, creamy texture and adds luxurious flavor.
• Molasses: Brings deep, complex sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Elevates and rounds out the cake's flavor notes.

• Flour: Helps thicken the filling and create a smooth consistency.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness to the creamy layer.
• Cornstarch: Ensures the filling sets properly and has a silky texture.
• Milk: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the filling.
• Egg Yolks: Add richness and help thicken the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the filling's flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds smoothness and a luxurious mouthfeel.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a crisp, crumbly texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the topping and adds rich flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness.

Prep Tool Needed for Praline Cake

• Mixing Bowls: Large and medium sizes for cake batter and crumb mixture preparation.
• Electric Mixer: Essential for blending cake ingredients and creating smooth frosting.
• Saucepan: Medium-sized for preparing custard filling and tempering egg yolks.
• 13x9x2 Inch Baking Pan: Greased and floured for cake base.
• Small Baking Dish: For toasting pecan crumb topping.
• Sifter: To evenly combine dry cake ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for all ingredients.
• Whisk: For stirring custard and ensuring smooth consistency.
• Spatula: Helps scrape batter and spread mixtures evenly.

How You’ll Cook Praline Cake

• Cake Base Preparation

Get your kitchen cozy and ready for a delightful baking adventure. Warm up the oven to create the perfect baking environment.

• Batter Magic

Blend all dry ingredients smoothly, then introduce wet components gradually. Stir with love until everything comes together in a silky, dreamy mixture.

• Baking Transformation

Pour the luscious batter into a waiting pan, letting it spread evenly. Slide into the warm oven and let the magic happen, watching it transform into a golden treasure.

• Creamy Filling Creation

Craft a velvety filling by gently cooking milk and sugar, creating a luxurious base. Carefully introduce egg yolks, stirring with patience until the mixture reaches a beautiful, thick consistency.

• Pecan Crunch Topping

Combine butter, flour, and brown sugar to create a crunchy, irresistible sprinkle. Bake until the mixture turns into golden, crispy nuggets of pure delight.

• Cake Assembly

Once everything has cooled, bring all components together. Layer the creamy filling between cake layers and crown with the crunchy pecan topping.

Make It Better: Praline Cake Tweaks & Ideas

• Swap instant coffee with fresh espresso or dark roast coffee grounds for a deeper, richer coffee essence that intensifies the cake's complexity.
• Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts to create unique flavor profiles that match your personal taste preferences and regional ingredients.
• Prepare cake layers and praline crumble up to 2 days in advance, storing separately in airtight containers to streamline your baking process and reduce day-of stress.
• Fold toasted coconut flakes into the praline crumble for an extra crunchy layer that adds unexpected tropical dimensions to the traditional recipe.

Best Ways to Plate Praline Cake

• Decorate with Praline Crumble: Sprinkle the crunchy pecan crumb mixture generously over the frosted cake, creating a delightful textural contrast that adds crunch and nutty flavor.
• Serve with Caramel Drizzle: Warm some caramel sauce and carefully pour it over each slice, enhancing the cake's rich molasses and coffee undertones with a glossy, sweet finish.
• Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream: Place a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside each cake slice, letting the cold, smooth dessert complement the warm, spiced cake flavors.
• Garnish with Pecan Halves: Arrange whole toasted pecan halves around the cake's edges or on top for an elegant presentation that highlights the cake's nutty profile.

Keep It Fresh: Praline Cake Storage Tips

• Maximize Freshness: Store the Praline Delight Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Refrigerate with Care: When storing in the refrigerator, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delicate texture for 5-7 days.
• Freeze for Later: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake stays delicious for up to 2 months, perfect for future sweet cravings.
• Revive and Enjoy: Thaw frozen cake slices at room temperature for about 30 minutes or gently warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore its soft, moist consistency before serving.

Luscious Praline Delight Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Praline delight cake offers a rich symphony of Southern comfort and French pastry techniques. Silky caramel layers and toasted pecans create an indulgent dessert you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1 ¼ cups (250 grams) sugar
• 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp instant coffee
• 2 tbsps molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 3 egg yolks
• 2 ¼ cups (540 ml) milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup (130 grams) sugar
• ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter (well creamed)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup (40 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• ¼ cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and meticulously prepare a 13x9x2 inch baking pan by greasing and dusting with flour.
2. Batter Creation: Combine dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, then integrate milk, softened butter, molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Initial Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring even distribution, and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted emerges clean.
4. Filling Development: In a medium saucepan, blend flour, sugar, and cornstarch, gradually incorporating milk and cooking over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
5. Egg Yolk Integration: Carefully temper egg yolks by gradually introducing hot mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling, then return to the saucepan and cook on low heat for 2 minutes.
6. Filling Completion: Remove from heat, fold in vanilla extract, cool to lukewarm, then blend with creamed butter until smooth.
7. Praline Topping Preparation: Combine butter and flour in a small bowl, creating a crumbly texture, then fold in brown sugar and chopped pecans.
8. Topping Baking: Spread the crumb mixture in a small baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
9. Final Assembly: Gently break the praline topping into small, crunchy fragments and use to garnish the cake.

Notes

• Precise Pan Preparation: Greasing and flouring the pan prevents cake sticking and ensures easy removal.
• Mixing Methodology: Beat ingredients at specified speeds and durations to achieve optimal batter texture and prevent overmixing.
• Tempering Technique: Slowly incorporate hot liquid into egg yolks to prevent curdling and maintain smooth filling consistency.
• Topping Texture: Cool praline crumble completely before breaking into fragments to create crisp, crunchy garnish elements.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 345
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg