PRALINE PUMPKIN TORTE

Praline Pumpkin Torte image

Homemade pralines, big poufs of whipped cream and spiced cake make this torte decadent to the last bite. It's perfect for an autumn day. -Esther Sinn, Princeton, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup butter
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup chopped pecans
CAKE:
4 large eggs
1-2/3 cups sugar
1 cup canola oil
2 cups canned pumpkin
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
TOPPING:
1-3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional chopped pecans, optional

Steps:

In a heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter and cream. Cook and stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Pour into two well-greased 9-in. round baking pans. Sprinkle with pecans; cool. , For cake, in a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar and oil. Add pumpkin and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, pie spice, baking soda and salt; gradually add to pumpkin mixture just until blended. , Carefully spoon batter over brown sugar mixture. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For topping, in a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form. , Place one cake layer, praline side up, on a serving plate. Spread two-thirds of the whipped cream mixture over cake. Top with second cake layer and remaining whipped cream. Sprinkle with additional pecans if desired. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 577 calories, Fat 38g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 118mg cholesterol, Sodium 397mg sodium, Carbohydrate 56g carbohydrate (39g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein.