Pecan Praline Sweet Potato Cake

Indulge in the sweet symphony of flavors with our irresistible Pecan Praline Sweet Potato Cake. This heavenly dessert combines the rich, earthy taste of sweet potatoes with the crunchy sweetness of pecan praline topping, creating a treat that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a delicious dessert, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Join us as we delve into the world of this delectable recipe, including ingredients, instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 2 lightly beaten eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup oil

For the Topping:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, buttermilk, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sweet potato mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Stir in the oil until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the topping.

For the Topping:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the powdered sugar, heavy cream, butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
5. Immediately pour the hot topping over the warm cake, spreading it out evenly.
6. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Add a Dash of Spice: For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cake batter.
• Swap the Nuts: Don’t have pecans on hand? Feel free to use walnuts or almonds instead.
• Drizzle with Caramel: For an added touch of decadence, drizzle the cooled cake with caramel sauce before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh? A: Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used in place of fresh. Just be sure to drain them well before mashing.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, this cake can be frozen for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Keto and Low-Carb Version:

For those following a keto or low-carb diet, you can make the following modifications to create a low-carb version of Pecan Praline Sweet Potato Cake:

• Use Almond Flour: Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content.
• Use a Sugar Substitute: Use a keto-friendly sweetener, such as erythritol or stevia, in place of granulated sugar and brown sugar.
• Limit Sweet Potatoes: Reduce the amount of sweet potatoes used in the recipe to lower the carb count.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our Pecan Praline Sweet Potato Cake is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist, flavorful crumb and decadent pecan praline topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for a special celebration or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. So why wait? Try out this recipe today and treat yourself to a slice of heaven!