The Ultimate Southern Pecan Praline Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet memories of grandma’s southern kitchen come alive with this decadent pecan praline cake that whispers comfort and tradition.

Buttery layers meld perfectly with rich caramel notes dancing through each delectable slice.

Nutty pecans provide a delightful crunch against smooth, velvety frosting.

southern baking magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Creamy praline sauce drizzled generously creates an irresistible finishing touch.

Warm gatherings around the table will never be the same once you savor this incredible dessert.

You won’t be able to resist another slice of pure southern indulgence.

Southern Pecan Praline Cake That Feels Like Dessert Magic

• Whip Up Quickly: Minimal prep steps and simple ingredients make this cake a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy home bakers who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The combination of buttery cake, crunchy pecans, and sweet praline topping creates a universally appealing treat that will delight both kids and adults at gatherings.
• Southern Comfort Classic: Captures the rich, indulgent flavors of traditional Southern baking, bringing a taste of regional culinary heritage to your dessert table with its decadent praline topping.
• No-Fuss Baking: Using a cake mix and prepared frosting streamlines the process, allowing even novice bakers to create a professional-looking dessert with minimal kitchen skills.

All Ingredients for Southern Pecan Praline Cake

• Butter Pecan Cake Mix: A convenient base mix that provides the primary flavor profile for the cake.
• Coconut Pecan Frosting: Adds extra richness and depth to the cake's overall taste.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
• Water: Helps to hydrate and blend the cake mix ingredients.

• Roasted Chopped Pecans: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to both the cake and topping.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the praline sauce.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and a creamy consistency to the topping.

Baking Southern Pecan Praline Cake Step by Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to a toasty 350F.

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, oil, and water.

Whisk everything until the mixture looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Sprinkle in Nutty Goodness

Fold in the roasted chopped pecans, creating delightful pockets of crunch throughout the batter.

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 5: Craft the Praline Magic

In a saucepan, melt the butter until it’s silky smooth.

Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, creating a rich and creamy base.

Add the roasted chopped pecans and mix until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 6: Finish with a Decadent Drizzle

Once the cake has cooled completely on a wire rack, generously pour the praline topping over the entire surface.

Let the topping cascade down the sides, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Tips for Nutty, Rich Southern Praline Cake

• Use high-quality butter pecan cake mix and freshly roasted pecans for maximum flavor depth.
• Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean to ensure perfect texture.
• Toast pecans before adding to the batter to intensify their nutty, rich taste and create deeper aromatic notes.
• Allow cake to cool completely before adding praline topping to prevent excessive absorption and maintain distinct layers.
• Warm the praline topping slightly before drizzling for easier spreading and more luxurious presentation.

Flavor Variations for Pecan Praline Cake Lovers

• Gluten-Free Pecan Praline Cake: Replace butter pecan cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Pecan Praline Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and swap dairy-based condensed milk with coconut condensed milk.
• Nutty Alternative Cake: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile while maintaining the same praline topping technique.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free cake mix, replace sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free alternative, and reduce overall sugar content in the recipe.

Southern Pecan Praline Cake for Holiday Celebrations

• Decadent Dessert Companion: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy contrast.
• Sweet Beverage Pairing: Complement the cake's rich flavors with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or a smooth caramel latte.
• Elegant Presentation: Garnish each slice with extra toasted pecans and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a restaurant-style finish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake a day in advance and store in an airtight container to enhance the praline topping's deep, caramelized flavor.

Storing Southern Praline Cake for Freshness

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the entire cake securely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What are pecans and why are they used in this cake?

Pecans are tree nuts native to Southern United States, known for their rich, buttery flavor. They add wonderful crunch, nutty taste, and extra texture to the cake, making it more flavorful and interesting.

• Is this cake considered a Southern dessert?

Yes, this Southern Pecan Praline Cake is a classic Southern dessert that celebrates traditional Southern baking techniques and ingredients like pecans, butter, and sweet praline topping, which are deeply rooted in Louisiana and Southern cuisine.

• Can I make this cake without a boxed cake mix?

While the recipe uses a butter pecan cake mix for convenience, you could create a homemade cake base using standard cake ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and adding pecan pieces. However, the boxed mix ensures consistent texture and flavor.

Southern Pecan Praline Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet southern pecan praline cake delivers a rich, buttery indulgence straight from Louisiana’s culinary heart. Caramel-glazed layers and crunchy pecans create a delectable dessert that brings Southern comfort to your table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Components:

• 1 (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) box butter pecan cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) vegetable or coconut oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) tub coconut pecan frosting

Pecan Topping:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) roasted pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) roasted pecans, chopped (for praline topping)

Praline Topping:

• 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and heat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, amalgamate the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, oil, and water, whisking until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
3. Gently fold the roasted chopped pecans into the batter, ensuring even distribution, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
4. Position the cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface that indicates perfect doneness.
5. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack, which helps prevent moisture buildup and maintains the cake’s structural integrity.
6. For the praline topping, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then incorporate sweetened condensed milk and roasted chopped pecans, stirring until the ingredients meld together seamlessly.
7. Once the cake has reached room temperature, cascade the luscious praline topping evenly across the surface, creating a decadent finishing layer.

Notes

• Elevate the cake’s texture by using room temperature eggs, which blend more smoothly and create a more uniform batter.
• Toast pecans beforehand to intensify their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to both cake and topping.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the butter pecan cake mix with a gluten-free yellow cake mix and add butter pecan flavoring.
• Reduce sugar content by using a sugar-free cake mix and low-fat sweetened condensed milk for a lighter dessert option.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 476
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg