Pumpkin Snack Cake Praline (Printer-Friendly Version)
Moist pumpkin cake with warm spices and crunchy bourbon praline icing topped with toasted pecans, ideal for cozy gatherings.
# Ingredients Needed:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 -
2 cups all-purpose flour
02 -
1 teaspoon baking soda
03 -
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
04 -
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 -
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
07 -
1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree
08 -
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
09 -
1/4 cup granulated sugar
10 -
1/2 cup vegetable oil
11 -
2 large eggs, room temperature
12 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Praline Icing
13 -
1/4 cup salted butter (56g)
14 -
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
15 -
1/4 cup heavy cream
16 -
1 cup powdered sugar
17 -
1 tablespoon bourbon
18 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
19 -
3/4 cup toasted chopped pecans
20 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Set oven to 350°F and spray an 18x13 inch sheet pan liberally to prevent sticking.
02 -
Whisk together flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl for even distribution.
03 -
In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully integrated.
04 -
Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture gently until no flour pockets remain; avoid overmixing to preserve tenderness.
05 -
Pour batter evenly into prepared pan and smooth top. Bake 18–20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into center emerges clean or with few crumbs.
06 -
Melt butter over medium-low heat in a small saucepan. Add brown sugar and cream; whisk constantly until boiling. Remove from heat, gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
07 -
Whisk in bourbon and vanilla extract, then stir in toasted pecans and salt for texture and balanced flavor.
08 -
Pour warm icing over slightly cooled cake. Use a spatula to gently spread without overflowing edges. Allow frosting to set fully for about one hour before slicing.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Use room temperature eggs and oil to improve batter texture by trapping air for a lighter crumb.
02 -
Avoid overmixing batter; mixing only until combined ensures a tender, moist texture.
03 -
Toasting pecans intensifies flavor and preserves crunch in the icing.
04 -
Cake can be baked one day ahead and stored covered at room temperature to enhance flavor melding.
05 -
For longer storage, refrigerate up to one week or freeze slices up to three months.