Description
Preacher Cake is a classic Southern dessert featuring a moist and tender yellow cake base layered with a gooey, caramelized topping of cinnamon, brown sugar, and nuts. This comforting cake combines simple ingredients into a luscious treat with a rich, warm flavor and a tender, gooey texture that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (buttermilk or classic)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Mixture
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Start by mixing the yellow cake mix with eggs, milk or buttermilk, 1/2 cup melted butter, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, thick batter ready for layering.
- Combine the Topping Mixture: In a separate bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and 1/4 cup melted butter to form the rich topping that will caramelize during baking.
- Layer the Batter and Topping: Pour half of the batter into a greased baking dish, sprinkle half of the topping mixture evenly over it, then pour the remaining batter on top followed by the rest of the topping to create alternating gooey layers.
- Bake Until Golden and Gooey: Bake the assembled cake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but moist and luscious.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting to let the gooey layers set perfectly and enhance its comforting texture.
Notes
- Use real butter for the best flavor and texture instead of margarine or shortening.
- Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake tender and light; avoid overmixing.
- Spread the brown sugar and nut topping evenly for consistent gooeyness in every bite.
- Watch the baking time carefully to prevent the cake from drying out while ensuring it bakes through.
- Let the cake rest before serving to allow the topping to thicken and make slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg