A sweet treat is always a good idea and this praline cake is just perfect for all your dessert cravings. This recipe combines the simplicity of a yellow cake mix with the complex flavors of a praline topping, featuring gooey caramelized brown sugar, toasted pecans, and a hint of vanilla. It's a delightful dessert that's sure to impress your family and friends.
Photos of Praline Cake Recipe
The ingredients for this recipe are fairly common, but you might need to pick up a box of yellow cake mix and some pecans if you don't have them on hand. The yellow cake mix provides a quick and easy base for our praline cake, while the pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the praline topping. Remember to pick up light brown sugar too, as it lends a rich, molasses-like sweetness to the praline mixture.
Ingredients for the Praline Cake
Yellow cake mix: This is the base of our praline cake. It's a convenient ingredient that saves us a lot of time and effort while still providing a delicious, moist cake layer.
Light brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to our praline topping. It's less refined than white sugar, and contains a bit of molasses, which gives it its characteristic flavor and color.
All purpose flour: It acts as a thickening agent for the praline topping.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the praline topping. It also helps in caramelizing the sugar.
Egg: Helps to bind the praline topping ingredients together. It also provides structure and stability.
Pecans: These add a delightful crunch and a unique, nutty flavor to the praline topping. They're also the key ingredient that makes a praline a praline.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and adds a sweet, aromatic touch to the praline topping.
One reader, Bartolemo Lundquist says:
I recently tried the praline cake recipe and it was absolutely delightful! The combination of the moist cake and the rich, nutty praline topping was a match made in heaven. It was a hit with my family and friends, and I can't wait to make it again. Highly recommended!
Key Techniques for Mastering Praline Cake
How to prepare the cake: Follow the package directions for the yellow cake mix and bake it in a 9x13-inch pan. Allow the cake to cool in the pan.
How to make the praline topping: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, flour, butter, and egg. Cook over low heat until thickened. Then, stir in pecans and vanilla.
How to bake the praline cake: Spread the pecan mixture over the cooled cake and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes.
How to serve the praline cake: Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly before serving and enjoying.
How To Make Praline Cake
This praline cake makes the easiest dessert! Baked fluffy cake is topped with a caramelized praline frosting made with crunchy pecans for a sweeter treat.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 18.25ozyellow cake mix,(1 package)
- 1cuplight brown sugar
- 1tbspall purpose flour
- ½cupbutter
- 1egg
- ¾cuppecans,chopped
- ½tspvanilla extract
Instructions
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Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions for a 9×13-inch pan. When done, allow the cake to cool and leave in pan.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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In a large saucepan, combine brown sugar, flour, butter and egg. Cook over low heat for 3 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in pecans and vanilla.
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Spread pecan mixture over cake. Place in oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
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Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 325.74kcal
- Fat: 13.98g
- Saturated Fat: 6.05g
- Trans Fat: 0.41g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.94g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.80g
- Carbohydrates: 48.58g
- Fiber: 1.13g
- Sugar: 30.68g
- Protein: 2.77g
- Cholesterol: 33.67mg
- Sodium: 323.42mg
- Calcium: 109.73mg
- Potassium: 69.87mg
- Iron: 1.23mg
- Vitamin A: 70.61µg
- Vitamin C: 0.07mg
Crucial Technique Tip for a Flawless Praline Cake
When preparing the pecan mixture, it's crucial to stir continuously while it's cooking to prevent it from burning. The mixture can easily stick to the bottom of the pan and burn if not stirred regularly. Also, when spreading the mixture over the cake, try to distribute it evenly for a consistent flavor in every bite.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Praline Cake
Prep ahead: Prepare the pecan mixture and store it in the refrigerator a day before. This will save time on the day of baking.
Use a cake mix: Utilize a pre-made cake mix to cut down on the time needed for measuring and mixing ingredients.
Organize ingredients: Gather all the ingredients and equipment needed before starting the recipe to streamline the process.
Multi-task: While the cake is baking, prepare the pecan mixture to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Invest in quality tools: Quality tools such as a good mixer and baking pans can help you work more efficiently in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Praline Cake Recipe
yellow cake mix - Substitute with vanilla cake mix: Vanilla cake mix can be used as a substitute for yellow cake mix, as it provides a similar base flavor and texture for the praline cake recipe.
light brown sugar - Substitute with dark brown sugar: Dark brown sugar can be used as a substitute for light brown sugar to add a deeper, more caramelized flavor to the praline cake.
all purpose flour - Substitute with cake flour: Cake flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour to create a lighter and more tender crumb in the praline cake.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for butter to add a hint of coconut flavor to the praline cake, while also providing moisture and richness.
egg - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a substitute for eggs to add moisture and binding properties to the praline cake, while also making it suitable for those with egg allergies or dietary restrictions.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can be used as a substitute for pecans to provide a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture in the praline cake.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract to add a rich, warm, and slightly sweet flavor to the praline cake.
Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Praline Cake
Elevate the plating: When presenting the praline cake, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a clean, white plate to allow the colors of the cake and pecan topping to stand out. Consider incorporating artistic elements such as delicate chocolate drizzles or edible flower petals to add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Incorporate texture contrast: Introduce a contrast in textures to the presentation by pairing the soft, moist cake with a crunchy element. Consider adding a small scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream or a quenelle of whipped cream alongside the cake to create a delightful textural interplay.
Highlight the pecan topping: Showcase the star of the dish, the luscious pecan topping, by artfully arranging whole or chopped pecans around the cake. This not only adds visual interest but also provides a hint of what awaits the diner in terms of flavor and texture.
Emphasize precision: Pay attention to the precision of each component placement on the plate. Ensure that the pecan topping is evenly spread across the cake, and use a gentle touch to create clean lines and smooth surfaces. Precision in plating demonstrates a high level of culinary skill and attention to detail.
Incorporate a complementary sauce: Elevate the dish by drizzling a caramel sauce or a bourbon-infused glaze around the plate. The addition of a complementary sauce not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds a touch of finesse to the overall presentation.
Utilize edible garnishes: Introduce edible garnishes such as delicate gold leaf or candied orange peel to add a luxurious touch to the presentation. These subtle yet impactful additions can elevate the visual appeal of the dish and convey a sense of artistry.
Consider plate geometry: Pay attention to the geometry of the plate and the placement of the cake. Opt for asymmetrical arrangements or utilize negative space to create a visually striking presentation that captures the attention of the diners.
Emphasize balance: Strive for a balanced presentation by considering the distribution of elements on the plate. Aim for a harmonious composition that showcases the cake, pecan topping, and any accompanying elements in a visually pleasing and balanced manner.
Essential Tools for Making a Perfect Praline Cake
- Oven: Used for baking and cooking food by exposing it to dry, radiant heat.
- 9x13-inch pan: A rectangular baking pan commonly used for making sheet cakes and bar cookies.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for making sauces and heating liquids.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together, often available in various sizes.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and lifting food.
- Whisk: A cooking utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients such as eggs, sauces, and batters.
- Measuring cup: A kitchen tool used to measure the volume of liquid or bulk solid cooking ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: A set of spoons used to measure an amount of an ingredient, either liquid or dry.
- Cake tester: A thin metal or wooden stick used to test the doneness of cakes and other baked goods.
- Cooling rack: A metal rack used to cool baked goods by allowing air to circulate around them.
Storing and Freezing Praline Cake: A Guide
Allow the praline cake to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the cake soggy.
To store the cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for longer. The cake will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you want to freeze the praline cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the package with the date and contents. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to serve the frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, you can reheat the cake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to warm it up and restore its texture.
If you have leftover pecans from the praline topping, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, up to 6 months. Thaw frozen pecans at room temperature before using them in other recipes or as a topping for ice cream or other desserts.
How To Reheat Leftover Praline Cake
The best way to reheat leftover praline cake is to warm it up in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the praline topping is warm and gooey. This method helps to preserve the texture and flavor of the cake while ensuring that the topping doesn't become too hard or burnt.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat individual slices of praline cake in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high for 15-20 seconds. Check the temperature and continue heating in 10-second intervals until the cake is warm and the topping is melted. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as this can cause the pecans to become tough and the brown sugar topping to harden.
For a crispy praline topping, you can reheat leftover cake slices under the broiler. Place the slices on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the topping is bubbling and caramelized. Keep a close eye on the cake to prevent burning, and remove it from the broiler as soon as the desired level of crispiness is achieved.
If you want to maintain the moistness of the yellow cake base, you can reheat leftover praline cake in a steamer basket over simmering water. This gentle heating method will warm the cake without drying it out, while also softening the praline topping. Steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the cake is heated through and the topping is soft and gooey.
For a quick and easy reheating option, you can warm up leftover praline cake in a skillet on the stovetop. Place a slice of cake in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the cake is warm and the praline topping is melted. This method works well for individual servings and helps to create a slightly crispy bottom layer on the cake.
Interesting Trivia About Praline Cake
The praline cake recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of pecans and brown sugar with a moist yellow cake. This delectable treat is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet indulgence. The praline topping adds a crunchy texture and a caramelized sweetness to the cake, making it a favorite among dessert lovers. With its simple preparation and irresistible taste, this praline cake is sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection.
Is Making Praline Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this praline cake recipe is quite high. The ingredients are commonly found in households, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of basic pantry staples and simple preparation contribute to its affordability. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, depending on the availability and pricing of ingredients. Overall Verdict: 9. The delightful combination of flavors and the ease of preparation make it a great choice for a delicious and economical dessert.
Is Praline Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?
This praline cake recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - yellow cake mix, brown sugar, butter, and pecans - are all high in calories, sugar, and fat. The cake mix itself likely contains processed flour and added sugars, while the praline topping is essentially a mixture of sugar and butter with some pecans for texture. Consuming this cake regularly could contribute to weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, and other health issues associated with a diet high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the yellow cake mix with a homemade cake batter using whole wheat flour, reducing the amount of sugar, and incorporating healthier fats like olive oil or Greek yogurt
- Decrease the amount of brown sugar in the praline topping and experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Use a smaller amount of butter in the topping or replace some of it with a healthier alternative like coconut oil
- Increase the amount of pecans in the topping for added protein, fiber, and healthy fats, while reducing the overall amount of topping used
- Serve smaller portions of the cake and pair it with fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness and add some nutritional value
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Praline Cake Recipe
The praline cake recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and nutty flavors. The addition of pecans and brown sugar creates a rich and indulgent topping that perfectly complements the moist and fluffy cake. However, to enhance the overall texture and flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the pecan mixture to balance the sweetness. Additionally, incorporating a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cake batter can elevate the aromatic profile of the dessert. Overall, this recipe offers a satisfying treat for those with a sweet tooth, and with a few tweaks, it can become a truly irresistible indulgence.
Enhance Your Praline Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Main Dish Ideas to Serve with Praline Cake
Why trust this Praline Cake Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful combination of a classic yellow cake and a rich, buttery praline topping. The use of pecans adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, while the brown sugar and butter create a luscious, caramel-like sauce. The step-by-step instructions ensure a successful outcome, and the inclusion of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile. Trust in the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe, and you'll be rewarded with a decadent dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
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