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Easy Southern Pecan Praline Cake

Featured in Sweet Endings and Treats.

This Southern Pecan Praline Cake transforms a simple cake mix into something truly special. The secret lies in mixing coconut pecan frosting right into the batter along with plenty of chopped pecans. While that alone would make a great cake, it's the warm butter sauce that takes it over the top. Made with sweetened condensed milk, butter, and more pecans, this sauce adds a praline-like finish that makes everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen. It's perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any time you want an impressive dessert without a lot of fuss. The best part? You can make the sauce ahead and warm it up when needed.
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Updated on Wed, 22 Jan 2025 19:09:10 GMT
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Moist Southern pecan praline cake drizzled with rich, buttery sauce for a decadent dessert. Pin it
Moist Southern pecan praline cake drizzled with rich, buttery sauce for a decadent dessert. | tasteofcook.com

A rich, buttery Southern treasure, this Pecan Praline Cake transforms simple ingredients into a decadent dessert that captures the essence of Southern hospitality. The combination of tender butter pecan cake and luxurious praline sauce creates an unforgettable experience that'll transport you straight to a cozy Southern kitchen.

During a family reunion in Georgia, my aunt shared this recipe with me, and I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could create something so magnificent. The way the butter sauce seeps into the warm cake creates pure magic.

Essential Ingredients Selection

  • Butter Pecan Cake Mix: Duncan Hines offers the most authentic butter pecan flavor.
  • Coconut Pecan Frosting: German chocolate cake frosting adds moisture and richness.
  • Pecans: Fresh, high-quality pecans make all the difference - avoid pre-chopped ones.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Use full-fat version for the richest sauce.
  • Butter: Unsalted gives you better control over the final taste.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Mastering the Cake Batter
Bring eggs to room temperature for better incorporation. Mix cake mix and frosting thoroughly before adding wet ingredients. Add water and oil gradually, mixing on low speed before increasing. Fold in pecans gently to maintain texture.
Step 2: Creating the Perfect Sauce
Melt butter over medium-low heat to prevent scorching. Add condensed milk, stirring constantly until bubbles form at the edges. Stir in pecans just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Sweet pecan praline cake with a luscious butter sauce, a classic Southern treat. Pin it
Sweet pecan praline cake with a luscious butter sauce, a classic Southern treat. | tasteofcook.com

Last Thanksgiving, I discovered that warming individual slices for 15 seconds before adding the sauce creates the perfect temperature contrast. This small detail made everyone ask for seconds!

Southern-style praline cake packed with pecans and topped with a creamy butter sauce. Pin it
Southern-style praline cake packed with pecans and topped with a creamy butter sauce. | tasteofcook.com

This cake has become my go-to recipe for potlucks and family gatherings. There's something about the combination of warm butter sauce cascading over the tender cake that brings people together, creating moments of pure joy around the dessert table. The recipe may start with a box mix, but the end result is pure Southern comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead. Make the butter sauce fresh or reheat it gently when ready to serve.
→ What if I can't find butter pecan cake mix?
Yellow cake mix works as a substitute - just add 1 teaspoon of butter flavoring to keep that rich taste.
→ Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, freeze the cake without the sauce for up to 3 months. Make the sauce fresh when ready to serve.
→ Why add frosting to the cake batter?
The coconut pecan frosting adds moisture, flavor, and texture that makes the cake taste completely homemade.
→ Can I use unsalted butter for the sauce?
Yes, just add a pinch of salt to the sauce to balance the sweetness.

Southern Pecan Praline Cake

A buttery pecan cake made extra special with coconut pecan frosting in the batter and topped with a warm, rich butter-pecan sauce for pure Southern comfort.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cake Base

01 1 box butter pecan cake mix
02 1 tub coconut pecan frosting
03 4 large eggs
04 ¾ cup vegetable oil
05 1 cup water
06 ½ cup pecans, chopped

→ Butter Sauce

07 2 tablespoons salted butter
08 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
09 ½ cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Get your oven warming up to 350°F and spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 02

Grab your mixing bowl and throw in the butter pecan cake mix, the whole tub of coconut pecan frosting, eggs, oil, and water. Mix everything really well until it's all smooth and combined.

Step 03

Stir those chopped pecans into your batter - they'll add such a nice texture to every bite. Pour it all into your prepared pan.

Step 04

Pop it in the oven for about 35-40 minutes. You'll know it's done when it springs back when you touch it and has a nice golden brown color. A toothpick stuck in the middle should come out clean.

Step 05

While the cake is baking, make your sauce. Melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat, then pour in the sweetened condensed milk. Keep stirring until it's heated through, then mix in those chopped pecans.

Step 06

When serving, either drizzle the warm sauce over individual slices, or go all out and pour it over the whole cake. Both ways are absolutely delicious!

Notes

  1. This cake starts with a mix but tastes completely homemade thanks to the addition of coconut pecan frosting in the batter
  2. The warm butter sauce can be made ahead and reheated when ready to serve

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Small saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains tree nuts (pecans)
  • Contains dairy (butter, condensed milk)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat (cake mix)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~