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Golden Southern Pecan Praline Buttermilk Cake: A Slice of Heaven

Picture this: a cozy afternoon, the sun is shining, and the aroma of freshly baked cake wafts through your home. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Well, say hello to the Southern Pecan Praline Buttermilk Cake—your new favorite recipe that’s not just a treat for the taste buds but also a majestic showstopper that can easily impress anyone from your best friend to your mother-in-law.

Let’s be real: life can be a whirlwind, and sometimes you need a little sugar and spice to sweeten your days. This cake brings that perfect blend of comfort and joy, making it a wonderful solution for both special celebrations and quiet family moments. So, grab your apron and let’s get this baking party started!

Why You’ll Love This Southern Pecan Praline Buttermilk Cake

This isn’t just any cake; it’s a delightful homage to Southern baking traditions that combines moist buttermilk cake with a crunchy, caramelized pecan topping. Each slice bursts with flavor that will make your taste buds dance and leave everyone shouting, “More, please!” Not to mention, it’s adaptable for any occasion—be it a birthday, afternoon tea, or your neighbor’s unexpected visit. And who doesn’t need a good excuse to whip up something scrumptious?

Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to bake this beauty to perfection.

Ingredients

For this show-stopping cake, you’ll need:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup buttermilk (because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love that tangy goodness?)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Praline Topping:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup pecans, chopped (don’t skimp on these; they’re the stars of the show!)
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

Directions: Let’s Bake!

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The anticipation will be killer, but trust me, it’s worth it! Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. This is crucial—you don’t want your masterpiece to stick like last week’s leftovers.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Honestly, that first whiff of flour and sugar together is enough to set your mood for the day.

Step 3: Cream the Butter

In another bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until it’s creamy and fluffy—approximately 5 minutes. If you’re multitasking, consider this your mini workout for the day!

Step 4: Add the Good Stuff

To your butter, add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until well-blended. Gradually incorporate your dry mixture into the wet. Mix until just combined; we don’t want to overdo it!

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake it in the oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. As it bakes, your home will smell like a Southern bakery, and you’ll feel like a superstar.

Step 6: Prepare the Praline Topping

While the cake bakes, it’s time to make that praline topping. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it’s bubbling. Add in those glorious chopped pecans and stir for a couple of minutes. Finally, remove from heat and mix in the heavy cream.

Step 7: Finish the Cake

Once the cake is done, pour the warm praline topping over it like a boss! Spread it out so every slice gets its fair share. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Cooking Tips to Remember

• Buttermilk Hacks: Don’t have buttermilk? No worries! Just add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for 10 minutes—voila!
• Nutty Overload: If you’re a nut lover like me, feel free to sprinkle in some finely chopped pecans into the cake batter for extra crunch.
• Storage: Keep unused pieces in an airtight container on the counter for about 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week (if they last that long!).

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! While pecans are quintessential for this Southern delight, walnuts or almonds can offer a twist.

How can I store leftovers?
I recommend wrapping the cake tightly in plastic wrap or transferring pieces to an airtight container. It’ll keep moist and delicious!

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil. It should keep well for about 2-3 months in the freezer.

Time to Indulge!

With this Southern Pecan Praline Buttermilk Cake in your arsenal, you’re all set to impress guests, satisfy your sweet tooth, or simply enjoy a piece of heaven on a plate. It’s a recipe that encapsulates the warmth and love of home-cooked meals—perfect for those busy weeks when you need a moment of goodness.

So go on, give this recipe a try, and let’s bring a little bit of that Southern charm into your kitchen. And who knows? This cake just might become your new go-to for every occasion!

If you’re looking for more delightful treats, don’t forget to check out my popular Classic Southern Banana Pudding recipe that’s sure to bring joy to your table!

Meta Description: Southern Pecan Praline Buttermilk Cake is the perfect recipe for dessert lovers. Quick, easy, and delicious, this dish will become your go-to meal. Try it today!

Southern Pecan Praline Buttermilk Cake

A moist buttermilk cake topped with a crunchy caramelized pecan praline, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup buttermilk For tangy flavor.
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Praline Topping

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup pecans, chopped The stars of the show!
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat softened butter until creamy and fluffy for about 5 minutes.
4. Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla to the butter and mix until well blended.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

Baking

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Praline Topping

1. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar and butter over medium heat, stirring constantly until bubbling.
2. Add chopped pecans and cook for a couple of minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream.

Finishing Touches

1. Pour the warm praline topping over the cake and spread it out evenly.
2. Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

For buttermilk substitute, add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to milk and let sit for 10 minutes. Nut lovers can add finely chopped pecans into the cake batter for extra crunch. Store unused cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or 1 week in the fridge.