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Heavenly Praline Cake

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Heavenly Praline Cake is a luxurious dessert combining moist cake layers with a buttery, nut-filled praline topping or filling. The rich caramelised sugar and crunchy pecans or hazelnuts create a delightful contrast to the soft cake, making it a show-stopping treat for any celebration.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened or melted)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or hazelnuts (optional in batter)
  • Praline Topping/Filling:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or hazelnuts
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional Frosting: cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or chocolate ganache
  • Garnish: chopped praline nuts, pecan halves, chocolate curls, caramel drizzle

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two or three 8-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract and buttermilk. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in chopped nuts if using.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes (layer pans) or 40–50 minutes (9×13 pan), until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
  6. Meanwhile, make the praline topping/filling: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, cream, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened. Stir in chopped nuts and vanilla. Let cool slightly.
  7. To assemble a layer cake: Place one cake layer on a plate, spread praline filling, and optionally frost with cream cheese frosting. Repeat with remaining layers. For a single-layer cake, pour praline topping over the entire surface.
  8. Chill assembled cake for 1–2 hours or until set. Just before serving, garnish with extra praline nuts, chocolate curls, or a drizzle of caramel if desired.

Notes

Use buttermilk in the batter for extra moistness and depth of flavor.Do not overcook the praline sauce to prevent hardening—it should remain spreadable.Let cake layers cool completely before assembling to avoid melting the topping or frosting.For a less sweet version, reduce sugar slightly or use dark chocolate ganache instead of sweet frosting.This cake can be made a day ahead and stored chilled for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/heavenly-praline-cake/