There’s something magical about the smell of roasted pecans and warm brown sugar wafting through the kitchen on a sunny afternoon. This pecan praline cake recipe brings back memories of summer picnics, my grandma’s Southern charm, and those sweet moments shared over a slice of cake and a tall glass of iced tea. It’s not just dessert it’s a little piece of tradition baked into every bite.
I first tasted this cake in my aunt’s cozy kitchen in Savannah, Georgia. She served it warm, fresh from the oven, with the praline glaze still glistening on top. One bite and I was hooked. Over the years, I’ve perfected my own version and today, I’m thrilled to share this gem with you.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a summer potluck, or just treating yourself, this pecan praline cake is the perfect Southern-inspired dessert to wow the crowd.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Praline Cake
- Rich and buttery with a moist crumb
- Topped with a sweet pecan praline glaze
- Perfect for summer gatherings
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Crowd-pleasing Southern classic
If you’re a fan of cozy desserts like Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes, you’ll be swooning over this cake. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and nutty, making it a crowd-pleaser for holidays, potlucks, or lazy weekend afternoons.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Praline Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
This is a cake that leans into shortcut baking with a boxed mix—just like Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars. The result? A moist, fluffy base ready to carry the weight of that sticky-sweet praline topping.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 8-inch round cake pans.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, sweetened condensed milk, milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until smooth. Fold in chopped pecans.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 4: Make the Praline Glaze
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and chopped pecans.
Step 5: Glaze the Cake
Pour the warm praline topping over the cooled cake, letting it soak in slightly and cascade down the sides. For a glossy finish, let it set at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Pecan Praline Cake
- Toast the pecans in a skillet before adding to enhance their flavor.
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for deeper flavor notes.
- Serve warm for that melt-in-your-mouth glaze experience.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent summer dessert.
Experimenting with these variations can lead to discovering your personal favorite rendition of the pecan praline cake.
Make It Your Own
- Swap yellow cake mix for butter pecan or spice cake.
- Stir a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter.
- Add a splash of bourbon to the praline glaze for a boozy twist.
- Decorate with whole pecan halves for an elegant finish.
How to Store Pecan Praline Cake
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months (without glaze).
To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds.
Pair This Dessert With…
- Sweet tea or iced coffee
- Fresh peach slices for a Georgia-inspired plate
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- A light sparkling Moscato
pair it with a cup of coffee and one of these Cupcakes and Mini Muffins for a cozy dessert platter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make pecan praline cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake is perfect for prepping a day ahead. Just bake the cake, let it cool completely, and store it covered at room temperature. Add the praline glaze before serving for the freshest flavor.
What type of pecans should I use?
Use fresh, shelled pecans — either raw or toasted. Toasting them in a dry skillet for 5–7 minutes adds a deeper, nuttier flavor that complements the praline glaze beautifully.
Can I make this cake without a boxed cake mix?
Absolutely. You can substitute the mix with a homemade yellow cake base if you prefer baking from scratch. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Is there a gluten-free version of this pecan praline cake?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Can I freeze pecan praline cake?
You can freeze the unglazed cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Add the glaze after thawing to keep the texture fresh and the glaze gooey.
Pecan Praline Cake
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 container coconut pecan frosting (16 oz), mixed into the batter
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
Praline Topping
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans toasted if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, oil, and water. Mix until well combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- In a saucepan, heat sweetened condensed milk and melted butter over low heat until warm. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Once cake is done, poke holes on top and pour warm praline topping evenly. Let it soak and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Conclusion
If summer had a flavor, it would taste like this pecan praline cake — buttery, nutty, sweet, and a little nostalgic. With every bite, you’ll taste the golden warmth of Southern hospitality and the comfort of a cake that’s been loved for generations.
This recipe is more than just dessert, it’s a celebration of the simple pleasures: sweet memories, sunlit afternoons, and the joy of sharing something homemade. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, I hope this cake brings a little sweetness to your day.
Now it’s your turn bake it, taste it, and make it yours. And don’t forget to come back and share your twist on this Southern classic. Did you add cinnamon? A splash of bourbon? I’d love to hear all about it.