Chocolate Praline Layer Cake

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Servings: 12 Difficulty: Advanced
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Rich devil's food cake with a crunchy butter-pecan praline base and fluffy whipped cream frosting
Chocolate Praline Layer Cake recipe image

This indulgent Chocolate Praline Layer Cake is the ultimate showstopper for birthdays and holidays. It features dense, moist devil’s food cake layers baked over a sweet, buttery praline crust made with chopped pecans. The contrast between the crunchy, caramelized nut base and the soft, airy chocolate cake is irresistible. Topped with a cloud of vanilla whipped cream and garnished with chocolate curls, it balances rich chocolate flavors with a light finish. While it uses a cake mix for convenience, the homemade praline layer and fresh whipped topping make it feel like a bakery treat. Perfect for sharing with friends and family after a hearty meal.

Chocolate Praline Layer Cake recipe image
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Chocolate Praline Layer Cake

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 12 Calories: 776.2

Description

This indulgent Chocolate Praline Layer Cake is the ultimate showstopper for birthdays and holidays. It features dense, moist devil's food cake layers baked over a sweet, buttery praline crust made with chopped pecans. The contrast between the crunchy, caramelized nut base and the soft, airy chocolate cake is irresistible. Topped with a cloud of vanilla whipped cream and garnished with chocolate curls, it balances rich chocolate flavors with a light finish. While it uses a cake mix for convenience, the homemade praline layer and fresh whipped topping make it feel like a bakery treat. Perfect for sharing with friends and family after a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325F (165C). Grease two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a small heavy saucepan, combine the butter, the 1/4 cup whipping cream, and the brown sugar.
  3. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
  4. Pour the butter-sugar mixture evenly into the bottoms of the prepared cake pans.
  5. Sprinkle the coarsely chopped pecans evenly over the butter mixture in each pan.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the devil's food cake mix, the water, the oil, and the eggs.
  7. Beat on low speed until just moistened, then beat on high speed for 2 minutes to aerate the batter.
  8. Carefully spoon the chocolate batter evenly over the pecan mixture in each pan, being careful not to disturb the nuts.
  9. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when lightly touched.
  10. Cool cakes in pans for 5 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
  11. In a chilled bowl, beat the cold whipping cream until soft peaks form.
  12. Gradually blend in the powdered sugar and the vanilla extract. Beat until stiff peaks form.
  13. To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate with the praline side facing up.
  14. Spread half of the whipped cream evenly over the praline layer.
  15. Top with the second cake layer, also praline side up.
  16. Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top layer.
  17. Garnish with whole pecans and chocolate curls if desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

Amount Per Serving
Calories 776.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 58.5g90%
Saturated Fat 13.9g70%
Cholesterol 16.5mg6%
Sodium 348.5mg15%
Total Carbohydrate 65.7g22%
Dietary Fiber 4.3g18%
Sugars 61.0g
Protein 4.6g10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: chocolate, cake, praline, pecans, layer, dessert, baking, whipped cream, devil's food, butter, chocolate cake, nutty, rich, birthday, holiday, layer cake, chocolate curls, homemade, indulgent, classic
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