Decadent Chocolate Pecan Praline Layer Cake
Indulge in a slice of our Decadent Chocolate Pecan Praline Layer Cake, a delightful choice for any celebration. This exquisite dessert features rich layers of homemade devil's food cake infused with a luscious praline topping made of caramelized brown sugar and chopped pecans. Topped with a creamy whipped topping, every bite offers a perfect balance of chocolate and nutty sweetness, making it an unforgettable centerpiece for birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday gatherings. Discover why this beloved Pillsbury bake-off winner continues to be a favorite for special occasions!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
whipping cream
1/4 cup (divided)
brown sugar
1 cup (firmly packed)
pecans
3/4 cup (coarsely chopped)
devil's food cake mix
1 (18 ounce) package (as per package instructions)
water
1 1/4 cups (room temperature)
oil
1/3 cup (vegetable or canola)
eggs
3 (large, room temperature)
whipping cream
1 1/4 cups (for whipped topping)
powdered sugar
1/4 cup (for whipped topping)
vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon (for flavoring)
pecan halves
to taste (for garnish)
chocolate curls
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
In a heavy saucepan, combine the softened butter, 1/4 cup of whipping cream, and the brown sugar over low heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
3
Divide the praline mixture evenly between two 9-inch round cake pans. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the praline layer in each pan.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining cake ingredients: devil's food cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix on low speed until moistened, then beat on high speed for 2 minutes until well combined.
5
Carefully pour the cake batter over the praline and pecan mixtures in the pans, filling around the edges first, then gently spooning the remaining batter into the center.
6
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7
Once cooled, make the whipped topping by beating 1 1/4 cups of whipping cream in a small bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually blend in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until stiff peaks form.
8
To assemble the cake, place one layer on a serving plate with the praline side facing up. Spread half of the whipped cream topping over the first layer.
9
Carefully place the second layer on top of the first, also with the praline side facing up, and spread the remaining whipped cream over the top.
10
For garnishing, decorate the cake with pecan halves and chocolate curls as desired.
11
Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Chocolate Pecan Praline Layer Cake?
It is an exquisite dessert featuring layers of homemade devil's food cake infused with a luscious praline topping of caramelized brown sugar and chopped pecans, topped with a creamy whipped topping.
Which cake mix is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 18-ounce package of devil's food cake mix.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (165°C).
How do I prepare the praline mixture?
Combine softened butter, 1/4 cup of whipping cream, and brown sugar in a heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is smooth.
How should pecans be added to the cake pans?
Sprinkle 3/4 cup of coarsely chopped pecans evenly over the praline layer in each of the two cake pans.
How long should I beat the cake batter on high speed?
After mixing on low speed until moistened, beat the cake batter on high speed for 2 minutes.
What is the best way to pour the batter into the pans?
Carefully pour the batter over the praline and pecan mixtures, filling around the edges first, then gently spooning the rest into the center.
What is the baking time for these cake layers?
The cakes should be baked for 35 to 45 minutes.
How can I tell if the cakes are fully baked?
The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans before removal?
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
What are the steps for making the whipped topping?
Beat 1 1/4 cups of whipping cream until soft peaks form, then blend in powdered sugar and vanilla, and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
What ingredients are needed for the whipped topping?
The whipped topping requires 1 1/4 cups of whipping cream, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How do I assemble the cake layers?
Place the first layer praline-side up and spread half the whipped cream over it; then place the second layer praline-side up and spread the remaining whipped cream on top.
Should the praline side of the cake face up or down when assembling?
The praline side should face up for both the bottom and top layers.
What garnishes are suggested for this cake?
You can decorate the cake with pecan halves and chocolate curls as desired.
Does this cake require refrigeration?
Yes, the cake should be refrigerated until you are ready to serve it.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What is the preparation for the pecans used in the praline layer?
The pecans should be coarsely chopped for the praline layers.
Can I substitute the devil's food cake mix?
While the recipe specifies devil's food cake mix for a rich chocolate flavor, you may try others, though the result may vary.
What temperature should the eggs be?
The recipe recommends using three large, room temperature eggs.
How should the butter be prepared before cooking?
The butter should be softened before combining it with the cream and sugar.
How should the brown sugar be measured?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of firmly packed brown sugar.
What type of oil is used in the batter?
You can use 1/3 cup of either vegetable or canola oil.
How many cake pans do I need for this recipe?
You will need two 9-inch round cake pans.
What size should the cake pans be?
The recipe specifies using 9-inch round cake pans.
What makes this recipe a classic favorite?
It is a beloved Pillsbury bake-off winner known for its balance of chocolate and nutty sweetness.
Is this cake suitable for special celebrations?
Yes, it is an unforgettable centerpiece for birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday gatherings.
What heat setting should I use for the saucepan when making the praline?
Use low heat to melt the butter and combine the praline ingredients.
What temperature should the water be for the batter?
The water for the cake mix should be at room temperature.
How many ingredients are included in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this recipe, including garnishes.