Pecan Praline Cake is one of those magical desserts that brings everyone to the kitchen the moment it comes out of the oven. Imagine a tender, buttery cake laced with toasted pecans, crowned with a caramelized praline topping that seeps into every bite. This Southern-inspired treat is pure comfort, perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something delightfully indulgent yet spectacularly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of accessible pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, this cake whips up quickly yet never fails to impress. Each component brings its own charm, from the nutty crunch of pecans to the gooey, caramel-like praline on top. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you’ll love using each one!
- Butter pecan cake mix: The flavor-packed foundation, giving your Pecan Praline Cake that irresistible, toasty note and a reliably soft crumb every time.
- Coconut pecan frosting (canned): Swirled right into the batter, this shortcut adds moist texture and that signature Southern sweetness without extra effort.
- Large eggs: Four eggs enrich the cake for a fluffy, classic structure that holds up well to the decadent topping.
- Vegetable oil: This gives the cake lasting moisture, letting it stay tender for days—if it lasts that long!
- Milk: Adds a touch of richness and ensures a smooth, silky batter.
- Chopped pecans: Folded into the mix, they create pops of nutty crunch in every forkful—don’t skip them!
- Unsalted butter: The backbone of the praline topping, making it creamy, luscious, and easy to pour.
- Light brown sugar: For rich, molasses undertones in the praline layer—use it packed for maximum flavor.
- Evaporated milk: Classic for Southern confections, it thickens the praline and adds a subtle creaminess.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon ties the praline together with warmth and depth.
- Chopped pecans (for topping): A generous shower on top means even more crunch and a pretty finish.
How to Make Pecan Praline Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s at just the right temp for a golden, evenly baked cake. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish—it’s worth being thorough here to ensure every slice comes out clean and beautiful.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In your largest mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk. Whisk or beat together until everything is smooth and no streaks remain. The batter will be plush and inviting! Gently fold in the first cup of chopped pecans for a rich, nutty crunch throughout.
Step 3: Bake It Up
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As the kitchen fills with the most heavenly aroma, you’ll know you’re on the right track.
Step 4: Make the Praline Topping
While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the light brown sugar and evaporated milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, whisking constantly. After 2–3 minutes, the topping will thicken slightly—perfect! Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that classic praline aroma.
Step 5: Assemble and Finish
Once the cake is hot from the oven, immediately pour the warm praline sauce evenly over the top, letting it seep into all those nooks and crannies. Finish with a hearty sprinkle of the remaining chopped pecans so every bite gets a little crunch. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving—it’s absolutely divine warm, when the praline is gooey and the cake is plush.
How to Serve Pecan Praline Cake
Garnishes
Dress up your Pecan Praline Cake with a flourish of extra pecans, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. That little bit of cold against the warm cake is pure dessert bliss—and it’s a feast for the eyes, too.
Side Dishes
Since the cake is rich and sweet, pair it with something light and sippable. Freshly brewed coffee, black tea, or even a glass of cold milk makes the flavors shine. For festive occasions, a fruit salad or cheese board alongside balances things out beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring out the Southern flair by cutting the cake into squares and stacking them on a fancy cake stand. Or serve each slice in wide bowls with the praline topping spooned over and a scattering of pecans on top. For parties, you can even bake the batter in two 9-inch pans for a dramatic layered look—just frost in between each layer with that gooey praline!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Pecan Praline Cake can be covered tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and stored at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five. The praline will keep the cake moist and flavorful, so it’s just as tempting the next day.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then stash them in a freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge—it’s a wonderful treat to have ready for surprise guests or late-night cravings.
Reheating
To gently reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, or warm them in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes until the praline is soft and the cake is just heated through. That just-baked aroma will make it feel like a brand-new cake every time!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix if I can’t find butter pecan?
Definitely! Yellow or vanilla cake mix will work nicely. For extra flavor, try adding a bit of additional vanilla extract or a touch of ground nutmeg to mimic the classic butter pecan taste.
Is it possible to make Pecan Praline Cake nut-free?
If you or your guests have nut allergies, you can leave out the pecans. While it won’t have the signature crunch, the cake and praline will still be rich, sweet, and totally delicious.
Can I turn this into a layer cake?
Absolutely! Bake the batter in two 9-inch round pans, then pour the praline topping between the layers and over the top for a stunning celebration cake with gorgeous cascades of caramel and pecans.
How do I know when the cake is baked through?
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready. Keep an eye on the cake after 40 minutes, as ovens can vary.
Can I reduce the sugar in the praline topping?
You can experiment with using a little less brown sugar if you prefer, but keep in mind the topping will be thinner and a bit less rich. The balance of sweet cake and nutty topping is what makes Pecan Praline Cake so irresistible!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s easy enough for a weeknight yet special enough for a celebration, Pecan Praline Cake will be a new favorite. Each bite delivers all the warm, gooey, and nutty magic you love in Southern baking. Give it a try and watch it disappear—there’s just something about this cake that brings people together.
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Pecan Praline Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent richness of this Pecan Praline Cake, a Southern-inspired dessert that combines the flavors of butter pecan and creamy coconut frosting topped with a luscious praline glaze.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix
- 1 can (16 oz) coconut pecan frosting
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Praline Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix cake batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, frosting, eggs, oil, milk, and 1 cup chopped pecans. Mix until smooth.
- Bake the cake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare praline topping: Melt butter in a saucepan, add brown sugar and milk, boil until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla.
- Finish the cake: Pour warm praline topping over the cake, sprinkle with chopped pecans. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- This cake pairs well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a luxurious treat.
- For a layered cake, use two 9-inch round pans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 41 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
