Pecan Praline Buttermilk Loaf Cake
A delightful loaf cake that merges sweet, buttery flavors with a tender texture, featuring rich caramel notes and a crunch from toasted pecans.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (best for baking)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (for a soft texture)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder (reacts with buttermilk to create softness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (slightly softened, room temperature for easy mixing)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar (granulated form)
- 3 huge eggs (adds structure and richness)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (key ingredient for tenderness)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (adds crunch and nutty taste)
Praline Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed for intense caramel flavor)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (makes the glaze silky smooth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for aroma and flavor)
- 1 cup chopped, toasted pecans (for aroma and crunch)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the slightly softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one by one and mix until well combined.
- Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients with buttermilk into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix gently after each addition until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
Baking
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, then smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Glazing
- Prepare the praline topping by melting the butter with brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract, cooking until smooth.
- Fold in the toasted pecans and drizzle over the cooled cake.
Notes
Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s perfect for birthdays or holiday gatherings. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.