Name: Pecan Praline Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: – 1 box butter pecan cake mix; – 1 cup milk; – 1/2 cup vegetable oil; – 4 large eggs; – 1 container coconut pecan frosting (for batter); – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; – 1 cup chopped pecans; – 1/2 cup unsalted butter; – 1 cup brown sugar; – 1/4 cup heavy cream; – 1 cup powdered sugar; – 1/2 teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, buttery cakes with a caramel-like nuttiness, this Pecan Praline Cake is about to be your new favorite. It’s the kind of dessert that makes your whole kitchen smell like heaven while it bakes, and trust me, you’re going to want a slice (or three). The combination of tender cake, crunchy pecans, and a praline glaze dripping down the sides? Absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love Pecan Praline Cake

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a cozy afternoon treat, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake is always a good idea.

Versatile

Perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a sneaky breakfast slice with your morning coffee.

Budget-Friendly

Uses simple pantry staples, so you don’t have to break the bank for a homemade, bakery-quality cake.

Quick and Easy

No complicated techniques here—just mix, bake, and enjoy!

Customizable

Add chocolate chips, a splash of bourbon, or a pinch of cinnamon to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing

A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dessert can satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Pecan Praline Cake

Here’s what makes this cake so special—simple ingredients that create something magical.

Cake

Pecans: The stars of the show, bringing a rich, toasty crunch in every bite.
Butter: Adds that irresistible buttery goodness and keeps the cake moist.
Brown Sugar: For deep caramel notes that complement the pecans beautifully.
Eggs: Give the cake structure and help create a tender crumb.
All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds everything together.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Help the cake rise perfectly.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness.

Praline Glaze

Butter: Because more butter equals more flavor.
Brown Sugar: Melts into a rich, gooey glaze.
Heavy Cream: Makes the praline sauce silky and decadent.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and a perfectly golden cake.

Toast the Pecans

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This step enhances their nutty flavor.

Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until a smooth batter forms.

Fold in the Pecans

Gently fold in the toasted pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Praline Glaze

While the cake cools, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Drizzle and Enjoy

Pour the warm praline glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides for that signature look.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8-10 slices
Calories per serving: Approx. 350

(Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Pecan Praline Cake

This cake is delicious on its own, but here are some serving ideas to take it up a notch:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top for added sweetness.
Pair with a cup of strong coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Additional Tips

Don’t overmix the batter. This keeps the cake light and fluffy.
Toast the pecans. It makes a big difference in flavor!
Let the cake cool before glazing. Otherwise, the glaze may soak in too much instead of creating that beautiful drizzle effect.
Store leftovers in an airtight container. The cake stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and add the praline glaze before serving.

2. Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work well as a substitute for pecans.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

4. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

5. What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.

6. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

7. How do I make the praline glaze thicker?
Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken before pouring.

8. Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Brown sugar is best for that caramelized praline flavor, but in a pinch, you can use white sugar with a bit of molasses.

9. Do I need to refrigerate the cake?
Not necessarily, but if you want to keep it fresh for more than 3 days, refrigeration is a good idea.

10. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! A handful of chocolate chips adds a delicious twist.

Conclusion

This Pecan Praline Cake is a total showstopper—rich, buttery, and dripping with sweet, nutty praline goodness. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something delicious, this cake never disappoints. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking!