Chocolate Cake with Praline Topping

Steps

• 1

  Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Spray bottom only of 8- or 9-inch square pan with cooking spray (without flour).
• 2

  In large bowl, beat cake ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into pan.
• 3

  Bake 8-inch pan 44 to 49 minutes, 9-inch pan 38 to 43 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Run knife around edge of pan to loosen cake; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely.
• 4

  In 2-quart heavy saucepan, heat 1/4 cup butter, the brown sugar and whipping cream to boiling, stirring frequently. Boil and stir 1 minute; remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in pecans. Cool 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until topping begins to thicken.
• 5

  Spread warm topping over cake. Cool before serving. Cut into 4 rows by 3 rows.