Easy Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake

Easy Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake – a decadent dessert that embodies the rich flavors and warm hospitality of Southern cuisine. Picture a moist and tender cake infused with the sweet aroma of pecans, topped with a luscious praline frosting that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a slice of indulgence, this sheet cake is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So, channel your inner Southern baker and let’s get baking!

Resume of the recipe: Indulge in the flavors of the South with our Easy Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake recipe. This classic dessert combines the buttery richness of pecans with the sweet crunch of praline frosting, resulting in a truly irresistible treat. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a delicious sheet cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, potluck, or holiday feast, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

Exciting Story: In the heart of Dixie, where the air is thick with the scent of pecan trees and the sound of laughter fills the air, there’s a place where Southern hospitality reigns supreme. It’s in this idyllic setting that I first fell in love with the flavors of the South – rich, buttery pecans, and sweet, sticky pralines. Inspired by the warmth and charm of Southern baking, I set out to recreate those beloved flavors in our Easy Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake. With each slice, I’m transported back to those lazy afternoons spent savoring the simple pleasures of Southern cuisine, surrounded by loved ones and laughter.

Why This Recipe Rocks:

• Authentic Southern Flavor: Experience the true taste of the South with a cake that’s bursting with the rich, buttery flavor of pecans and the sweet crunch of pralines.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, this sheet cake is a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, potluck, or holiday feast, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it, earning you rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

What i need to make easy Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake

For the Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Praline Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

How to Make Easy Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Prepare Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Alternate Additions: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Stir in the chopped pecans.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare Praline Frosting: While the cake is baking, prepare the praline frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and milk, and bring the mixture to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
7. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the toasted chopped pecans.
8. Frost Cake: Once the cake is baked and still warm, pour the praline frosting over the top, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips For Easy Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake:

• To toast chopped pecans, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden.
• Make sure the cake is completely cooled before adding the praline frosting to prevent it from melting and becoming too runny.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.

Substitutions and Variations For Easy Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake:

• Substitute chopped walnuts or almonds for the pecans for a different flavor profile.
• For a richer flavor, you can use dark brown sugar in place of light brown sugar in both the cake and frosting.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, spicy flavor.

Make a Healthier Version For Easy Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake:

• Use whole wheat flour or almond flour in place of all-purpose flour for added fiber and nutrients.
• Reduce the amount of sugar in the cake and frosting or use a sugar substitute such as stevia or erythritol for a lower-sugar option.
• Use reduced-fat or light butter and milk for a lighter version of the frosting.

Closing: Experience the sweet taste of Southern hospitality with our Easy Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake – a decadent dessert that’s sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. With its moist, tender crumb and rich praline frosting, this cake is a celebration of all things sweet and indulgent. So, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a slice of Southern comfort, this sheet cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So, grab your apron and get ready to bake up a taste of the South!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Southern Pecan Praline Sheet Cake:

Can I use salted butter in the cake and frosting?

While you can use salted butter, be mindful that it may affect the overall saltiness of the cake and frosting. Adjust the amount of added salt accordingly to avoid oversalting.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Add the praline frosting just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can I freeze leftover cake?

Absolutely! Wrap leftover slices of cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I omit the nuts from the cake and frosting?

Yes, you can omit the nuts if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version. Simply leave them out of the recipe, and adjust the quantities of other ingredients as needed.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

While the praline frosting complements the flavors of the cake beautifully, you can certainly use your favorite frosting recipe or store-bought frosting if desired.

SOUTHERN PECAN PRALINE SHEET CAKE

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup water

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For the Pecan Praline Topping:

• 1 cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Directions

• For the Cake:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 15×10-inch sheet pan.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
• In a saucepan, bring butter, water, and cocoa powder to a boil. Pour over the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
• Add beaten eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the batter, stirring until well combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• While the cake is baking, prepare the pecan praline topping.
• For the Pecan Praline Topping:
• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
• Stir in brown sugar, chopped pecans, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and let it boil for 2-3 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
• Assembly:
• Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm pecan praline topping over the hot cake.
• Use a spatula to spread the topping evenly.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing into squares.