Homemade Butter Pecan Praline Cake Recipe: Sweet Southern Bliss

Decadent southern desserts hold a special place in every sweet tooth’s heart, and this butter pecan praline cake recipe delivers pure indulgence.

Layers of rich, moist cake blend perfectly with caramelized pecans and a luxurious buttery glaze.

Each slice promises a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Warm notes of toasted pecans weave through the cake delicate crumb, creating an irresistible aroma.

The praline topping adds a delightful crunch that elevates this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Southern baking traditions shine through in every delectable bite.

You’ll want to savor this showstopping cake that turns any occasion into a celebration.

Butter Pecan Praline Cake Sweet Indulgence

• Whip Up with Ease: This cake demands minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for bakers of all levels from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Packed with rich pecan flavor and sweet praline sauce, this cake guarantees smiles and second helpings at family gatherings and potlucks.
• One-Pan Wonder: Using a simple 9×13 pan means less cleanup and straightforward preparation, saving you precious time and kitchen energy.
• Sweet Comfort Treat: The combination of buttery pecans, creamy sauce, and soft cake creates a nostalgic Southern-style dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

What’s in Butter Pecan Praline Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides structure and flavor for the cake.
• Vanilla Frosting: Adds moisture and enhances the cake's sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide richness to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy batter.
• Pecans: Adds crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich and creamy caramel-like sauce.
• Butter: Provides a smooth, rich texture to the sauce.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Pecans: Adds extra crunch and nutty depth to the sauce.

• Pecans: Provides a decorative and crunchy topping for the finished cake.

Baking Steps for Praline Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Space

Turn the oven to 350F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and coat it completely with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cake Mixture

• Cake mix
• Frosting
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Milk

Blend everything until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Gently fold in chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean.

Step 4: Create Cake Holes

Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke multiple holes across the surface.

These holes will help the sauce penetrate the cake.

Step 5: Craft Pecan Sauce

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Butter
• Chopped pecans
• Vanilla extract

Heat the mixture, stirring constantly until it becomes smooth and slightly bubbly.

Step 6: Final Touch

Pour the warm pecan sauce over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.

Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Tips for Butter Pecan Cake Success

• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch before mixing into the cake batter.
• Insert a toothpick in the center to ensure it comes out clean, preventing underbaking and ensuring a perfect texture.
• Let eggs and milk sit out beforehand to help ingredients blend more smoothly and create a more uniform cake texture.
• Use the handle of a wooden spoon gently and evenly to make holes, allowing the praline sauce to penetrate deeply into the cake.
• Cover the cake loosely with foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days, letting flavors meld and intensify over time.

Praline Cake Fun Variations

• Gluten-Free Pecan Paradise: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Nutty Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk, plant-based butter alternative, and dairy-free condensed milk for a completely vegan version.
• Lower Sugar Wellness Cake: Substitute regular cake mix with sugar-free mix, use sugar-free frosting, and replace condensed milk with low-sugar condensed milk alternative.
• Keto Nutty Adaptation: Use almond flour-based cake mix, replace sugar with erythritol, use heavy cream instead of milk, and incorporate sugar-free condensed milk for a low-carb option.

Serving Butter Pecan Praline Cake

• Decadent Dessert Companion: Serve this rich butter pecan praline cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance its sweet intensity.
• Elegant Coffee Pairing: Complement the cake's nutty flavor with a warm cup of dark roast coffee or smooth caramel macchiato for a delightful after-dinner treat.
• Southern Style Presentation: Garnish each slice with a sprinkle of toasted pecans and a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance its rustic, homemade charm.
• Beverage Harmony: Enjoy alongside a chilled glass of bourbon milk punch or sweet iced tea to highlight the cake's southern-inspired essence.

Storage for Praline Cake Leftovers

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and maintain its moist, delicious texture.
• Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
• Keep covered on the counter for 1-2 days if you plan to enjoy it quickly. Place a clean kitchen towel over the top to keep the cake fresh.
• Store any leftover praline sauce separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Gently reheat before drizzling over cake slices.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a similar texture and flavor profile.

• Is this cake suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe contains eggs, dairy, and nuts, so it may not be ideal for those with specific allergies or dietary needs.

• How can I tell if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Add the sauce just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Butter Pecan Praline Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Praline pecan cake brings Southern charm to dessert tables with its rich, caramelized nutty layers. Moist crumb and creamy frosting invite sweet indulgence, making you crave another slice of this irresistible Southern classic.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 1 box butter pecan cake mix (15.25 ounces / 432 grams)
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting and Topping:

• 1 can coconut pecan frosting (15.5 ounces / 440 grams)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans for sauce

Sauce and Butter:

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces / 397 grams)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, frosting, eggs, oil, and milk, whisking until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Gently fold chopped pecans into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout.
4. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
6. Once removed from the oven, allow the cake to cool slightly, then use the handle of a wooden spoon to create systematic punctures across the surface.
7. For the praline sauce, combine condensed milk and butter in a saucepan, heating and stirring until smooth and integrated.
8. Incorporate toasted pecans and vanilla extract into the warm sauce, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
9. Carefully drizzle the hot praline sauce over the warm cake, ensuring complete and even coverage.
10. Garnish the top with additional toasted pecans for extra crunch and visual appeal.
11. Let the cake cool completely before serving to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Swap cake mix for gluten-free version to accommodate dietary restrictions and ensure everyone can enjoy this delectable dessert.
• Toast pecans before adding to batter and sauce to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the cake.
• Create a lighter version by using Greek yogurt instead of oil and reducing the amount of condensed milk in the sauce.
• Use a skewer or chopstick for more uniform holes when poking the warm cake, allowing the sauce to penetrate evenly and create a more consistent texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg