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Tasty Southern Pecan Praline Cake

Featured in: Sweet Desserts

This Pecan Praline Cake turns an ordinary cake mix into something downright amazing. The trick is adding coconut pecan frosting directly to the batter with a generous amount of chopped pecans. But what really makes it special is pouring that warm butter sauce on top. Made from sweetened condensed milk, butter, and extra pecans, this topping gives it that praline magic that'll have everyone thinking you slaved away for hours. It's great for family dinners, neighborhood potlucks, or whenever you want something impressive that doesn't take much effort. And if you're busy, you can always make the sauce beforehand and just warm it up when you're ready.
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punchofyummy
Updated on Sat, 29 Mar 2025 21:43:38 GMT
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. | pinchofyummy.com

Down-home decadence in every bite, this Pecan Praline Cake turns ordinary store items into a mouthwatering Southern classic that screams comfort and warmth. When fluffy, nutty cake meets that sweet, gooey praline topping, you'll get a taste that instantly reminds you of lazy summer afternoons spent on grandma's porch.

I first tried this at my cousin's place down in Georgia during our summer get-together. I couldn't believe how something made from grocery store basics could taste so fancy. There's pure kitchen magic happening when that warm butter sauce meets fresh cake.

Crucial Ingredient Breakdown

  • Butter Pecan Cake Mix: Grab the Duncan Hines brand for the most genuine nutty taste.
  • Coconut Pecan Frosting: The stuff meant for German chocolate cake adds incredible moisture.
  • Pecans: Buy them whole and chop them yourself - the pre-chopped ones don't taste nearly as good.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Don't go for the light version, full-fat creates the dreamiest sauce.
  • Butter: Pick unsalted so you can control the flavor profile yourself.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide

Step 1: Getting Your Batter Just Right
Let eggs sit out till they reach room temp for better mixing. Combine your cake mix with frosting before adding any wet stuff. Pour in water and oil bit by bit while mixing slowly at first. Gently add pecans at the end so they don't break up too much.
Step 2: Whipping Up That Heavenly Sauce
Slowly melt your butter on medium-low so it doesn't burn. Add the condensed milk while constantly stirring until tiny bubbles show up around the edges. Mix in pecans right before you serve for the tastiest results.
Heavenly butter pecan cake drizzled with warm praline topping, bringing Southern charm to any table. Pin it
Heavenly butter pecan cake drizzled with warm praline topping, bringing Southern charm to any table. | pinchofyummy.com

At our family dinner last Thanksgiving, I tried warming each slice for just 15 seconds before adding the hot sauce. The contrast between warm cake and hot topping had everyone coming back for more!

Rich pecan-studded cake bathed in a sweet buttery glaze for an authentic Southern dessert experience. Pin it
Rich pecan-studded cake bathed in a sweet buttery glaze for an authentic Southern dessert experience. | pinchofyummy.com

I never show up to family reunions or neighborhood cookouts without this cake anymore. Something magical happens when that warm butter mixture flows over a slice of this cake. It brings folks together like nothing else can. You might start with a boxed mix, but what comes out of your oven is pure Southern soul food that'll make memories around your table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this cake earlier?
Sure, you can bake the cake one day ahead. Just make or warm up the butter sauce right before serving.
→ What if the store doesn't have butter pecan cake mix?
A yellow cake mix works fine too - just add a teaspoon of butter flavoring to get that rich taste.
→ Is this cake good for freezing?
Absolutely, you can freeze the cake without sauce for up to 3 months. Then whip up fresh sauce when you're ready to eat it.
→ Why put frosting in the cake mix?
The coconut pecan frosting gives moisture and extra flavor that makes everyone think it's made from scratch.
→ Can I use butter without salt for the topping?
Sure thing, just toss in a tiny bit of salt to balance out the sweetness.

Pecan Praline Butter Cake

A delicious butter cake packed with pecans and enhanced by coconut pecan frosting mixed into the batter, then drenched in a warm, sweet butter-pecan topping for true Southern flavor.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Amelia

Category: Sweet Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cake Base

01 1 package butter pecan cake mix
02 1 container coconut pecan frosting
03 4 large eggs
04 ¾ cup cooking oil
05 1 cup water
06 ½ cup chopped pecans

→ Butter Sauce

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

Instructions

Step 01

Warm your oven to 350°F and coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to stop sticking.

Step 02

In a bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, entire container of coconut pecan frosting, eggs, oil, and water. Beat until smooth and fully mixed.

Step 03

Fold the chopped pecans into your mixture for extra crunch in every bite. Transfer the batter to your greased pan.

Step 04

Slide it into the oven for around 35-40 minutes. It's ready when the top bounces back after touching and looks golden. Check by sticking a toothpick in the center - it should come out clean.

Step 05

As the cake bakes, start your sauce. In a small pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the condensed milk and stir constantly until hot. Then mix in your chopped pecans.

Step 06

You can pour the warm sauce over single slices or cover the whole cake with it. Either way tastes amazing!

Notes

  1. Though it starts from a box, this cake feels totally homemade because we add coconut pecan frosting right into the mix
  2. You can make the butter sauce earlier and just warm it up when you're ready to eat

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Small pot
  • Measuring tools

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has tree nuts (pecans)
  • Contains milk products (butter, condensed milk)
  • Has eggs
  • Contains wheat from 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: ~