Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake Recipe

Warm, spiced, and crowned with a gooey nutty surprise, the Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake is pure autumn comfort made gloriously easy. Imagine digging your fork through a tender pumpkin-rich crumb, only to meet that swoon-worthy praline topping: buttery, brown-sugary, and studded with toasty pecans. You don’t need a special occasion (just a skillet and a craving for fall flavors!) to justify baking this charmer. Whether you’re looking to level up your weeknight dessert or impress at your next potluck, this recipe is about to become your new seasonal favorite.

Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how approachable this recipe is, with pantry staples and a handful of cozy spices coming together for maximum impact. Every ingredient in Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best soft texture, deep flavor, and irresistible aroma. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

  • All-purpose flour: The sturdy structure that holds our cake together while still delivering a fluffy crumb.
  • Baking powder & baking soda: Together, they give the cake a lovely lift and keep each bite tender.
  • Salt: Just enough to amplify all the sweet and spiced notes — don’t skip it!
  • Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, & cloves: The magical trio that turns pumpkin into pure autumn gold; each spice brings warmth and complexity.
  • Unsalted butter (softened): Provides rich flavor and a luscious texture; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Granulated sugar & brown sugar: White sugar for structure and brown sugar for a caramel-like depth and moisture.
  • Eggs: Act as binders and give the cake its lovely rise and cohesiveness.
  • Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, offering earthy sweetness and a beautifully moist crumb.
  • Sour cream: Adds tang for depth and keeps your cake incredibly soft — don’t substitute here!
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and rounds everything out with a sweet, aromatic finish.
  • Chopped pecans: Crunchy bites that transform into praline magic — toast them for extra flavor!
  • Brown sugar (for praline topping): Melts into a gooey caramel layer atop your cake.
  • Unsalted butter (for praline topping): Richness is key for the praline to bubble and gloss properly.
  • Heavy cream (for praline topping): Brings silkiness to the praline, helping it set as a crave-worthy glaze.

How to Make Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Skillet and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and buttering a 10-inch oven-safe skillet. This ensures your Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake doesn’t stick and gets those gently crisped, caramelized edges that only a skillet can provide. The butter also adds a little more flavor to the outer crumb.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This step distributes the leaveners and spices evenly so every bite sings with warm, holiday flavor. The aromatic blend is what sets this cake apart!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This is where your cake gets its airiness and structure. Take your time — you want the mixture pale and creamy. This base is crucial for that beautiful rise when your Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake bakes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Pumpkin Mixture

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the pumpkin puree, sour cream, and vanilla extract until your batter is smooth and luscious. The pumpkin brings color and moisture, while sour cream gives a slight tang that balances all the sweetness.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Go slow and only mix until just combined — overmixing can lead to a dense cake. You’re aiming for a batter that’s thick but still pourable, flecked with all those lovely spices.

Step 6: Assemble the Praline Topping

In a small bowl, stir the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and heavy cream together. This will turn bubbly and caramelized in the oven, forming the mouthwatering praline top that’s the highlight of Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the cake batter into your prepared skillet, smoothing the top evenly. Spoon the praline mixture all across the surface — don’t worry if it looks rustic! Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Let it rest for about 10 minutes to set before slicing. Serve it warm for ultimate coziness.

How to Serve Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake

Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To take the Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake over the top, add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a fluffy dollop of whipped cream on each warm slice. A sprinkle of extra toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce wouldn’t hurt either! These final touches melt delightfully into the gooey praline top.

Side Dishes

Don’t be afraid to make this cake the star of a dessert spread! A simple fruit salad with sliced pears, apples, or even roasted figs pairs beautifully with its spiced richness. For something more decadent, offer hot coffee or chai lattes alongside, and you’re in for a match made in autumn heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic, communal vibe, serve the Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake straight from the skillet on a wooden board, letting guests slice their own generous portions. Want to get fancy? Use biscuit cutters for elegant, round servings, or layer squares with whipped cream in parfait glasses for a show-stopping dessert-in-a-cup presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, simply cover the skillet with foil, or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. The Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake will stay moist and delicious at room temperature for up to two days. The praline topping will settle into the cake a bit, making it even more indulgent on day two!

Freezing

To freeze, cool the cake completely and wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. For the best quality, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving; you may lose a tiny bit of that gooey praline texture but the flavor remains divine.

Reheating

For that “fresh from the oven” experience, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a low oven (300°F) until warmed through. The praline melts slightly, reinvigorating the signature texture of this beloved Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade puree works beautifully here. Just be sure it’s not watery — drain excess moisture for the best texture in your Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake.

Can I make this cake in something other than a skillet?

Yes! While the skillet delivers those iconic crispy edges, a 9-inch round cake pan or even a square baking dish will do in a pinch. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake nut-free?

Of course. Simply omit the pecans from the praline topping, or substitute with sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds if you’d like a bit of crunch without the nuts.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. The praline will be bubbly and caramelized, and the cake should spring back lightly to the touch.

What’s the best way to serve Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake for a crowd?

Double the recipe and use a larger skillet, or bake two smaller cakes. Present them warm right in the skillet for easy, dramatic slicing at the table — no fuss, no extra dishes required!

Final Thoughts

If there was ever a dessert made for sharing around the table, it’s the Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake. It’s cozy, eye-catching, and just begging to be enjoyed on a crisp day. I hope you bake it soon and watch it disappear — one happy slice at a time!

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Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 18 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin Praline Skillet Cake. This moist and flavorful cake is topped with a sweet pecan praline topping that adds a delightful crunch to every bite. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a special dessert treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Praline Topping:

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 10-inch oven-safe skillet.
  2. Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in pumpkin puree, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mix until combined. Pour batter into skillet.
  5. Make praline topping: Mix pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and heavy cream. Spoon over the batter.
  6. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
  • Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 31g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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