Southern Praline Butter Pecan Sheet Cake Recipe

Close your eyes and imagine yourself on a warm porch swing, a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves of a pecan tree.

Laughter spills from a nearby kitchen, and the intoxicating aroma of butter, sugar, and toasted nuts fills the air.

This, my friends, is the essence of a Southern summer, and at the heart of it all lies a legendary dessert: the Southern Praline Butter Pecan Sheet Cake Recipe.

This cake is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a nostalgic journey, a taste of tradition passed down through generations. Imagine fluffy, buttery cake infused with the rich flavor of toasted pecans.

This delectable base is then crowned with a crown jewel – a gooey, caramelized praline topping that shatters with a satisfying crunch and bathes each bite in a symphony of sweetness.

Easy to make and impossible to resist, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of classic Southern desserts.

How To Prepare And Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Southern

Servings: 16 slices

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 13×9-inch baking pan
• Spatula
• Saucepan
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Praline Topping

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans

How To Make Praline Butter Pecan Sheet Cake Recipe

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

● Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13×9-inch baking pan.

● In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

● Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

● In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

● Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

● Fold in the chopped pecans.

2. Bake the Cake

● Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

● Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

● Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a cooling rack.

3. Make the Praline Topping

● In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

● Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to boil.

● Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

● Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and well combined.

● Stir in the chopped pecans.

4. Assemble the Cake

● Pour the praline topping over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

● Allow the topping to set for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Special Note

This recipe is all about celebrating the beauty of simple ingredients. But feel free to get creative! 

Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cake batter for a warm touch, or drizzle the top with melted chocolate for an extra decadent finish. The possibilities are endless!

Nutritional Value Praline Butter Pecan Sheet Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	450
Total Fat	22g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	150mg
Total Carbohydrates	60g
Sugars	45g
Protein	4g

Make Southern Praline Butter Pecan Sheet Cake More Delicious

This Southern Praline Butter Pecan Sheet Cake is already a showstopper, but there are always ways to elevate its deliciousness. Here are five ideas to make this cake even more irresistible.

1. Add a Caramel Drizzle

Enhance the Sweetness: A caramel drizzle can take this cake to the next level of decadence. You can either make your own caramel sauce or use a high-quality store-bought one.

How to Add:

1. Prepare your caramel sauce while the cake is cooling.

2. Once the praline topping is set, drizzle the caramel sauce over the cake in a zigzag pattern.

3. For a more sophisticated look, use a piping bag or a squeeze bottle for the drizzle.

2. Incorporate Chocolate Chips

Introduce a Chocolatey Twist: Adding chocolate chips to the batter can give the cake a delightful chocolatey surprise in every bite. Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips work best for balancing the sweetness.

How to Add:

1. Fold 1 cup of chocolate chips into the cake batter after mixing in the chopped pecans.

2. Bake as usual and enjoy the melty pockets of chocolate throughout the cake.

3. Add a Hint of Bourbon

Infuse a Rich, Adult Flavor: Adding a splash of bourbon to the praline topping can enhance the flavor profile with a rich, smoky note. This variation is perfect for adult gatherings or special occasions.

How to Add:

1. Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the praline topping mixture after removing it from the heat.

2. Stir well to combine, then proceed with pouring the topping over the cake.

4. Use Browned Butter

Enhance the Nutty Flavor: Browned butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that complements the pecans beautifully. Use browned butter in both the cake and the praline topping for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Add:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma.

2. Allow it to cool slightly before using it in the cake batter and praline topping.

5. Add a Cream Cheese Frosting Layer

Balance Sweetness with Creaminess: A layer of tangy cream cheese frosting can balance the sweetness of the praline topping and add a creamy texture.

How to Add:

1. Prepare a simple cream cheese frosting by beating together 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

2. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the cooled cake before adding the praline topping.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is rich enough to stand on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, here are a few serving suggestions:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of cold vanilla ice cream alongside a warm slice of cake creates the ultimate temperature contrast.

2. Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of lightness and complements the praline topping beautifully.

3. Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh berries adds a pop of color, freshness, and a touch of tartness to cut through the sweetness.

Can I Make This Cake In Advance?

Yes, you can make the Southern Praline Butter Pecan Sheet Cake in advance. You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. Add the praline topping on the day you plan to serve it to keep the topping fresh and crisp.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warm climate, it’s better to store the cake in the refrigerator to prevent the praline topping from becoming too soft. When refrigerating, let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can I Freeze This Cake?

Yes, you can freeze this cake. To freeze, wrap the cooled cake (without the praline topping) tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake at room temperature and prepare the praline topping fresh.

Conclusion

The Southern Praline Butter Pecan Sheet Cake Recipe is a delightful dessert that brings the rich flavors of the South to your table.

With its moist, buttery cake and crunchy, sweet praline topping, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious taste of Southern hospitality!

Happy baking!