Dreamy Pecan Praline Cake Recipe for Sweet Celebrations

Sweet southern kitchens buzz with excitement when a decadent pecan praline cake lands on dining tables.

Nutty aromas drift through cozy spaces, promising delightful moments of pure indulgence.

Memories of grandmother’s cherished recipes blend seamlessly with modern baking techniques.

Caramel notes whisper comfort and warmth from every tender crumb.

Southern hospitality shines through this magnificent dessert, inviting everyone to savor each luxurious bite.

Rich layers promise a delectable journey into culinary bliss.

Let’s uncover the magic that makes this cake an irresistible southern treasure.

Pecan Praline Cake Full of Flavor

• Celebrate Southern Comfort: Dive into a rich, nutty cake that embodies classic Southern dessert traditions with its decadent pecan praline topping.
• Simplify Baking Magic: Transform a basic cake mix into a gourmet-style dessert using just a few additional ingredients, making impressive baking accessible for everyone.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations, this cake delivers maximum flavor with minimal complicated steps.
• Texture-Lover's Dream: Experience a delightful contrast between the moist cake base and crunchy pecan topping that creates an irresistible sensory experience.

Ingredients Used in Pecan Praline Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient and time-saving foundation for the cake's structure.
• Coconut Pecan Frosting: Adds richness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Water: Helps blend the ingredients and create a smooth batter.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cake ingredients together.

• Pecans (Finely Chopped): Adds a delightful nutty crunch and enhances the cake's texture.

• Butter, Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich, creamy base for the praline topping.
• Pecans (Chopped): Provides a classic praline texture and adds a delicious nutty flavor.

How to Bake Pecan Praline Cake

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Baking Dish

Get your oven ready by setting the temperature to 350F (175C). Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create The Cake Batter

• Yellow cake mix
• Coconut pecan frosting
• Vegetable oil
• Water
• Eggs

Blend everything together using an electric mixer until the batter becomes smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 3: Enhance With Pecans

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

Step 4: Bake The Cake

Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes.

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

Step 5: Craft The Praline Topping

• Butter
• Sweetened condensed milk

Stir continuously until the butter melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth.

Step 6: Finish The Praline Topping

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in chopped pecans until well distributed.

Step 7: Complete The Cake

Pour the warm praline topping over the freshly baked cake, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Allow the cake to cool slightly, then slice and serve. This dessert is absolutely delightful when enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Tips That Perfect Pecan Praline Cake

• Choose a high-quality yellow cake mix for the best texture and flavor in your pecan praline cake.
• Chop pecans finely and fold gently to distribute evenly without sinking to the bottom of the cake.
• Use the toothpick test to ensure the cake is fully baked, checking the center for moist crumbs but no wet batter.
• Keep the praline sauce warm but not boiling when pouring over the cake to ensure smooth, even coverage.
• Cover the cake loosely and store at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.

Flavor Variations for Pecan Praline Cake

• Chocolate Pecan Praline Cake: Replace yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix for a rich, decadent chocolate base. Add cocoa powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
• Bourbon Pecan Praline Cake: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of bourbon into the cake batter for a sophisticated adult version. Sprinkle extra bourbon-soaked pecans on top for extra punch.
• Maple Pecan Praline Cake: Substitute water with maple syrup in the batter. Add maple extract to enhance the flavor. Top with a maple-infused praline sauce for a Canadian-inspired variation.
• Gluten-Free Pecan Praline Cake: Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to maintain the cake's texture.

Foods That Pair Well With Pecan Praline Cake

• Pair Perfectly with Sweet Bourbon: Sip a smooth, caramel-forward bourbon that complements the cake's rich pecan and sweetened notes, enhancing the dessert's nutty warmth.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a cold, creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm cake, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that melts in your mouth.
• Match with Strong Coffee: Brew a robust dark roast or espresso to cut through the cake's sweetness, providing a bold counterpoint that elevates the praline's caramel undertones.
• Enhance with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Whip fresh cream with a touch of ground cinnamon to add a spicy-sweet dimension that brightens the cake's dense, nutty profile.

Best Storage Practices for Pecan Praline Cake

• Store covered cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the praline topping intact by avoiding direct plastic wrap contact.
• Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut cake into portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 1 month for quick individual servings.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this Pecan Praline Cake?

The key ingredients include yellow cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, oil, water, butter, sweetened condensed milk, and two different amounts of chopped pecans.

• Can I use a different type of cake mix?

While yellow cake mix works best, you could potentially substitute with a white or butter-flavored cake mix, but the flavor profile might slightly change.

• Is this recipe considered difficult to make?

No, this is actually a relatively easy cake recipe that uses a cake mix as a base, making it simple for both beginner and experienced bakers to prepare successfully.

Pecan Praline Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Pecan Praline Cake delivers Southern charm with rich caramel layers and crunchy pecans dancing through moist cake crumb. Creamy frosting and candied nut garnish promise a delectable dessert experience that will transport you straight to New Orleans.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup water
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 container coconut pecan frosting
• 1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Nuts:

• 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 1 cup pecans, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Combine yellow cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, oil, water, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Whisk vigorously until the batter achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Gently incorporate finely chopped pecans into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
4. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to create a level surface. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
5. During the cake’s baking time, create the praline topping by melting butter and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter completely dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth.
6. Remove the topping from heat and fold in the chopped pecans, creating a rich, nutty glaze.
7. Once the cake emerges from the oven, immediately drizzle the warm praline mixture over the surface, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the entire cake.
8. Allow the cake to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling the topping to slightly set. Serve warm or at room temperature for a decadent dessert experience.

Notes

• Swap cake mix for gluten-free alternative to accommodate dietary restrictions and make the dessert celiac-friendly.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add deeper, richer dimension to the cake’s overall taste profile.
• Reduce sugar content by using low-fat sweetened condensed milk and cutting back on additional sweeteners for a lighter version.
• Allow cake to cool completely before adding praline topping to prevent potential soggy texture and ensure proper setting of the glaze.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 462
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 260 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg