Pecan Cake With Praline Glaze
A rich pecan cake with a moist crumb, infused with raisins and bourbon, topped with a sweet praline glaze—perfect for special occasions or indulgent gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine raisins and bourbon, stirring well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Cream the softened butter.
- Gradually add sugar, beating well.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and ground nutmeg.
- Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in chopped pecans and raisin mixture.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured tube pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan for ten minutes.
- Remove from pan to a wire rack and drizzle with praline glaze.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. You can also substitute the bourbon with apple juice or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version. If you prefer, feel free to add chocolate chips or substitute pecans with walnuts for a different twist. Make sure to sift your dry ingredients to avoid lumps and ensure even mixing.
Serving Suggestions
This pecan cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. You can also serve it with fresh fruit or a side of caramel sauce. For a complete meal, consider complementing it with a light salad or a cup of coffee. It’s perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat after dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pecan cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and microwave each piece for about 15-20 seconds or until warm. Avoid reheating the whole cake to maintain its moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Cake With Praline Glaze contains roughly 914 calories, with 8g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value) and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 728mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut in this cake?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Each nut will bring a unique flavor and texture to the cake, so choose according to your taste. Just ensure they are coarsely chopped for even distribution in the batter.
What should I do if I don't have buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will work well in this recipe and maintain the cake's moisture.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the pecan cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If it comes out wet with batter, continue baking and check again in 5-minute intervals.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).