For the Chocolate Spice Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Pecan Praline:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for a few minutes until they become fragrant. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color.
- Stir in the toasted pecans.
- Pour the pecan praline mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it cool and harden, then break it into pieces.
For the Brown Butter Buttercream:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a light golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Assembly:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of brown butter buttercream over it.
- Add some pecan praline pieces over the buttercream.
- Repeat with the next cake layer.
- Place the final cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.
- Decorate the top with more pecan praline pieces.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your Pecan Praline Chocolate Spice Cake with Brown Butter Buttercream!
This cake is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.