Louisiana Stranger Cake
+5 photos

Louisiana Stranger Cake

12 servings
Louisiana stranger cake is filled with pecans and coconuts, with hints of German chocolate cake and praline. A sweet glaze makes the cake beautiful, too. It's unlike any dessert you've had before.

Ingredients

  • granulated sugar
    ¾ c
  • unsalted butter
    6 tbsp.
  • can evaporated milk

    divided

    1
  • eggs

    plus 2 large egg yolks, divided

    4 large
  • sweetened shredded coconut

    toasted

    ¾ c
  • vanilla extract
    1 tsp.
  • chopped pecans

    toasted, divided, plus more for garnish

    1 ½ c
  • baking spray with flour
  • pkg. butter pecan cake mix

    such as betty crocker

    1
  • tap water

    plus more as needed for icing

    6 tbsp.
  • neutral oil

    such as canola or vegetable

    ⅓ c
  • powdered sugar

    about 8 oz.

    2 c

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Gather all ingredients.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Cook sugar, butter, 3/4 cup of the evaporated milk, and 2 egg yolks in a large saucepan over medium, whisking constantly, until mixture is a light caramel color and reaches a pudding-like thickness, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in coconut, vanilla, and 1 cup of the pecans. Set aside to cool to room temperature, about 45 minutes.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Lightly coat a 12-cup Bundt pan with baking spray; set aside. Stir together cake mix, water, oil, cooled evaporated milk mixture, 10 tablespoons of the evaporated milk, and remaining 4 eggs and 1/2 cup pecans in a large bowl until just combined. Transfer to prepared pan and spread into an even layer.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Bake in preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Let cake cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack; let cool completely, about 2 hours.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar and remaining 2 tablespoons evaporated milk until combined. If necessary, whisk in water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until icing reaches desired consistency. Pour icing over cooled cake. Garnish with chopped pecans.

    Step 5
Louisiana Stranger Cake
+5

Louisiana Stranger Cake

5.0(2)250 min12 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

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Exceptional

Based on 2 ratings

southernliving.com
5.0(2 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving a dessert that defies expectations and delights with every bite? This Louisiana Stranger Cake delivers a truly unique experience, blending the comforting familiarity of a cake with intriguing hints of German chocolate and praline, all tied together with pecans and coconut.

What makes this cake truly special is its captivating flavor profile. Imagine the rich, caramel notes of praline mingling with the tropical sweetness of coconut and the earthy crunch of toasted pecans. The concept of a "stranger cake" comes to life as you discover layers of flavor that are at once familiar and wonderfully new, culminating in a beautiful, sweet glaze that promises an exquisite finish.

When you slice into this Louisiana Stranger Cake, expect a delightful surprise. The cake itself promises a tender crumb, providing the perfect canvas for the generous inclusions of toasted pecans and sweetened shredded coconut. Each forkful offers a symphony of textures and tastes: the gentle chewiness of coconut, the satisfying crunch of pecans, and a balanced sweetness that’s never overwhelming. This is a dessert designed to impress, offering a complex yet harmonious experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

While the core ingredients are essential to its distinctive charm, you can personalize the garnish. If you’re looking to add another dimension, consider a sprinkle of extra toasted coconut alongside the pecans for an intensified tropical note. For those who enjoy a richer texture, ensure your pecans are freshly toasted to bring out their maximum flavor and crunch.

This Louisiana Stranger Cake is perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply when you want to treat yourself and loved ones to something truly extraordinary. Serve it with a cup of hot coffee or tea, allowing its intricate flavors to truly shine as a memorable centerpiece dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions