Southern Pecan Praline Delight Cake
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mardi Gras with this indulgent Southern Pecan Praline Delight Cake. A delightful fusion of pecans, buttery richness, and a hint of nutmeg, this cake is a sweet celebration fit for any festivity. Each bite captures the essence of Southern hospitality and warmth, making it perfect for Easter brunches, family gatherings, or any special occasion. The cake's tender crumb, complemented by the sweetness of praline liqueur and the crunch of toasted pecans and chewy raisins, creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant finish, and let the festivities begin!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
4 cups (All-purpose flour, measured)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (Sifted)
ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons (Freshly grated or ground)
sugar
2 cups (Granulated)
butter
1/2 lb (Softened)
eggs
6 (Separated into yolks and whites)
pecan pieces
1 lb (Chopped)
raisins
1 1/2 lbs (Seedless)
praline liqueur
1 cup (For flavoring)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and generously grease and flour a tube or Bundt pan to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pecan pieces and raisins and sprinkle 1/2 cup of flour over them. Toss gently until they are well coated in flour. This helps prevent them from sinking in the batter.
3
In another bowl, mix the remaining flour with baking powder and ground nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.
4
Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites in a clean bowl until soft peaks form. Set them aside without washing the beaters.
5
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, incorporate the egg yolks one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
6
Gradually add the reserved flour mixture and the praline liqueur to the creamed butter mixture, alternating between the two and finishing with the flour. Mix until just combined.
7
Carefully fold in the pecan and raisin mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8
Lastly, gently fold in the beaten egg whites, ensuring not to deflate them, to maintain the cake's light texture.
9
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 3 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 1 hour. Then gently turn it out onto a cake rack to cool completely.
12
Optional: Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Pecan Praline Delight Cake?
It is an indulgent cake featuring pecans, buttery richness, and a hint of nutmeg, designed to capture the essence of Southern hospitality and Mardi Gras celebrations.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The cake is made with flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, granulated sugar, softened butter, 6 eggs, chopped pecans, seedless raisins, and praline liqueur.
How do I prevent the pecans and raisins from sinking to the bottom of the cake?
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the measured flour over the pecan pieces and raisins and toss them gently until they are well coated before adding them to the batter.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The cake should be baked in an oven preheated to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius).
What type of pan should I use?
You should use a tube or Bundt pan that has been generously greased and floured to prevent sticking.
How should the egg whites be prepared?
Beat the egg whites in a clean bowl using an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
Should I wash the beaters after beating the egg whites?
No, you can set the beaters aside without washing them before moving on to the next mixing step.
How long does the Southern Pecan Praline Delight Cake bake?
The cake requires a long baking time of 3 hours.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
What is the purpose of the praline liqueur?
The praline liqueur is used as a liquid flavoring that adds to the sweetness and unique Southern character of the cake.
How do I cream the butter and sugar?
Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How are the eggs incorporated into the batter?
The eggs are separated; the yolks are incorporated into the creamed butter one at a time, while the whites are beaten separately and folded in at the end.
How should the flour and liqueur be added to the mixture?
Gradually add the flour mixture and praline liqueur to the creamed butter, alternating between the two and finishing with the flour.
When should the pecan and raisin mixture be added?
Carefully fold in the floured pecan and raisin mixture after the flour and liqueur have been combined with the butter and sugar.
Why must the egg whites be folded in gently?
Folding them in gently ensures you do not deflate them, which helps maintain the cake's light texture.
How long should the cake cool in the pan?
After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 1 hour.
What is the final cooling process?
After an hour in the pan, gently turn the cake out onto a cake rack to cool completely.
How can I enhance the presentation of the cake?
Dust the finished cake with powdered sugar for an elegant and beautiful presentation.
Is this cake suitable for specific holidays?
Yes, it is highly recommended for Mardi Gras celebrations and Easter brunches.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of softened butter.
How much flour is required in total?
A total of 4 cups of all-purpose flour is needed.
What quantity of raisins is used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 lbs of seedless raisins.
What is the texture of the pecans in the cake?
The pecans provide a crunchy, toasted texture that complements the tender crumb of the cake.
How much nutmeg should I use?
Use 2 teaspoons of freshly grated or ground nutmeg.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 6 eggs, which must be separated.
What is the volume of pecan pieces required?
The recipe uses 1 lb of chopped pecan pieces.
What kind of sugar is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of granulated sugar.
Is baking powder necessary for this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of sifted baking powder is included in the dry ingredients.
Can this cake be served at family gatherings?
Yes, it is perfect for family gatherings or any special occasion that calls for a sweet, festive dessert.
What are the primary flavors of this cake?
The primary flavors are pecan, buttery richness, sweet praline liqueur, and warm nutmeg.