Praline Cake

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Praliné is a mixture of finely ground caramelized almonds or hazelnuts. Its origins date back to the 17th century in France, where it is attributed to the chef of the Duke of Choiseul-Praslin. Used in many French desserts, it has become a key ingredient in sophisticated pastries and chocolate and nut-based desserts.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 200 g flour
• 1 packet of baking powder
• 150 g brown sugar
• 100 g softened butter
• 3 eggs
• 150 g praliné (paste or chunks)
• 120 ml milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Chopped hazelnuts and almonds for decoration (optional)

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C and butter a cake pan.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy.
4. Add the eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Add the praliné and vanilla: Stir in the praliné and vanilla extract, and mix well.
6. Combine the ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the mixture, alternating with the milk until a smooth batter forms.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean..

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• For a more intense praliné flavor, use praliné paste in the batter and add praliné chunks for extra crunch. You can also drizzle the cake with praliné ganache for added indulgence.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Praliné and chocolate cake: Add dark chocolate chips or a chocolate ganache for a flavor contrast.
• Praliné coffee cake: Add a spoonful of instant coffee for a touch of bitterness that pairs well with praliné.

Bake Time 🔥

Baking the praliné cake takes about 40 to 45 minutes at 180°C (350°F). This ensures that the cake is cooked evenly, allowing the rich, nutty flavors of the praliné to fully develop throughout the batter. During baking, the aroma of caramelized nuts will fill the air, creating a delightful anticipation for the finished dessert. It’s important to check the cake towards the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Once done, the cake should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch, ready to be enjoyed with its unique blend of sweet and nutty notes.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

This praliné cake pairs ideally with a strong coffee or black tea to balance its sweetness.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Dust the praliné cake with powdered sugar and decorate with chopped hazelnuts and almonds for a crunchy touch. You can also glaze it with chocolate ganache for a more indulgent visual and taste effect.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

Praliné, made from hazelnuts and almonds, provides healthy fats and antioxidants. While this cake is rich, it contains beneficial fatty acids for the heart, especially from the nuts.