Pecan Praline Cake Recipe
Get ready to experience sweet Southern comfort in every bite of this Pecan Praline Cake. It’s a moist, buttery sheet cake crowned with a luscious praline sauce and crunches of toasted pecans—a true showstopper for holidays, potlucks, or any day that needs a little extra warmth. Each slice is rich, nutty, and layered with caramel notes that make you want to savor just one more forkful. Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or the next day (if it lasts that long!), this cake is effortless yet extraordinary, promising all the classic flavors you crave in an irresistible southern dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pecan Praline Cake is how it turns everyday ingredients into something spectacular. Each one has a special role, from adding depth to the batter to building that signature praline layer. Here’s what makes this cake shine:
- Butter pecan cake mix: This shortcut packs in buttery, nutty flavor without tons of extra steps, giving the cake its signature taste.
- Water: Adds necessary moisture, ensuring your cake is soft and tender every time.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb moist and gives the cake its lovely texture that stays fresh for days.
- Large eggs: Provide rich structure and help bind all the ingredients for a fluffy, cohesive batter.
- Coconut pecan frosting: Folded right into the batter, this adds sweetness, texture, and those wonderful coconut-puffed bites.
- Chopped pecans: The star crunch in every slice, bringing toasted nuttiness and a beautiful garnish.
- Butter: Forms the rich, glossy base of the praline topping—don’t be shy, it’s worth every bite!
- Packed brown sugar: Gives the praline its classic caramel flavor and a touch of cozy molasses.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce extra smooth, creamy, and pourable for soaking right into the cake.
- Vanilla extract: A little bit of vanilla rounds out the praline topping with aromatic warmth.
How to Make Pecan Praline Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish—the right prep here guarantees the cake slides out effortlessly and the edges get a slight caramelization for irresistible flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat everything together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth, pale, and inviting. This blend is your canvas, so don’t be afraid to mix until it looks just right!
Step 3: Add the Frosting and Pecans
Stir in half of the coconut pecan frosting—this is the hidden secret to making your Pecan Praline Cake incredibly moist, with little coconut and pecan pockets throughout the sponge. Gently fold in 3/4 cup of the chopped pecans, saving the rest for your final flourish.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will turn a beautiful golden brown, and the aroma will absolutely fill your kitchen!
Step 5: Make the Praline Topping
While the cake is baking, prepare the praline topping. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla extract—this is the magic that turns your cake into something truly decadent.
Step 6: Finish and Decorate
Let your cake cool for about 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven—just long enough so the praline topping soaks in without melting the cake entirely. Pour the warm praline topping evenly over the surface, then shower the remaining pecans on top for an irresistible crunch. Serve slices warm or at room temperature; either way, it’s pure joy!
How to Serve Pecan Praline Cake
Garnishes
Give each piece a little extra flair! A simple dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or an extra drizzle of praline sauce (if you have some left) can make each slice even more indulgent. Fresh mint leaves or toasted coconut curls add a pop of color and a hint of contrast.
Side Dishes
Pecan Praline Cake shines alongside light, refreshing sides, like a simple fruit salad or sliced fresh strawberries. If you’re making it for a big Southern meal, serve it after something savory and homestyle, like fried chicken or barbecue—those sweet nutty flavors make the perfect finale!
Creative Ways to Present
Transform each serving into a dessert masterpiece by layering cubes of cake in parfait glasses with whipped cream and extra praline sauce. Or use a ring mold to create individual portions topped with salty-sweet caramel popcorn or candied pecans. A sprinkle of sea salt can also accentuate the cake’s caramel notes beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pecan Praline Cake keeps beautifully covered at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to five. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve all that glorious moisture and keep the praline topping fresh.
Freezing
Want to save a slice (or the whole cake) for later? Let the cake cool completely, then wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight—this cake defrosts like a dream without losing flavor.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked warmth, pop individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. If you’re warming the whole cake, cover loosely with foil and heat in a 300°F oven until everything is soft and gooey again. Serve with a fresh scoop of ice cream for pure comfort!
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of the mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite scratch recipe for butter pecan or yellow cake, swap it in. Just keep the proportions similar and fold in the coconut pecan frosting and pecans as directed for that signature Pecan Praline Cake experience.
What if I can’t find coconut pecan frosting?
No worries—you can substitute with regular coconut frosting and stir in some additional chopped pecans. Even a homemade coconut-pecan filling works wonderfully if you prefer to go fully from scratch.
Can the pecans be toasted before adding?
Yes, and it’s a terrific idea! Toasting the pecans before adding deepens their flavor and adds even more crunch, highlighting the nutty notes in every bite of the cake and the praline topping.
Is it possible to make this Pecan Praline Cake in advance?
For sure! Bake the cake a day ahead, let it cool, and add the praline topping just before serving for that ultra-gooey freshness. It also tastes great the next day—sometimes even better!
How do I prevent the praline topping from becoming grainy?
Make sure to fully melt the butter and dissolve the brown sugar before adding the cream. Gently simmer the topping while stirring until smooth and glossy, and pour it over the cake while both are still warm for the perfect finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the smell (and taste!) of homemade Pecan Praline Cake filling your kitchen. This recipe is pure Southern hospitality on a plate—simple enough for any baker, decadent enough to impress every guest. I hope you give it a try and make it your new go-to treat whenever you want to bring a little warmth to your table.
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Pecan Praline Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, nutty flavors of a Pecan Praline Cake. This easy-to-make sheet cake features a moist butter pecan base topped with a decadent praline sauce and crunchy pecans. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 container (16 oz) coconut pecan frosting
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Praline Topping:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease/flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix cake batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Beat until smooth. Fold in half of the frosting and 3/4 cup pecans.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make praline topping: Melt butter in a saucepan, add sugar and cream. Simmer until thickened. Stir in vanilla.
- Top the cake: Pour warm praline topping over the cooled cake. Sprinkle remaining pecans on top.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- To enhance flavor, toast pecans before adding them.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
