Southern Praline Pecan Cake has always been a taste of pure comfort for me, transporting me straight back to my grandmother’s kitchen. The air would be thick with the sweet, nutty aroma, and the sight of that glistening, buttery glaze coating the warm cake was pure magic. If you’ve ever wondered what is Southern praline pecan cake, it’s that decadent, moist, and utterly delicious dessert that embodies Southern hospitality. This easy recipe makes it simple to recreate that magic, even on a busy weeknight. Get ready to bake up some happiness; let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Southern Praline Pecan Cake
This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a Southern tradition in every bite! Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Incredible Flavor: It’s a buttery, moist masterpiece with a rich praline pecan flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Super Quick Prep: Using a cake mix makes this an easy praline pecan cake, perfect for when you’re short on time.
- Budget-Friendly Delight: You likely have most of the ingredients already, making it an affordable treat.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore the sweet, nutty taste and tender crumb.
- Impressive Results: This homemade Southern praline cake looks and tastes like it took hours, but it’s surprisingly simple to whip up.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From holidays to casual get-togethers, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile Serving: Great on its own or served warm with ice cream.
Ingredients for Southern Praline Pecan Cake
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful pecan praline cake with butter sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward approach, using a convenient cake mix as its base. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix (15.25 oz) – this forms the flavorful foundation of our cake.
- 1 cup sour cream – this is my secret for an incredibly moist and tender crumb.
- 4 large eggs – they bind everything together and add richness.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – ensures the cake stays wonderfully moist.
- 1/2 cup water – helps achieve the perfect batter consistency.
- 1 cup chopped pecans – for that essential nutty crunch and praline flavor.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar – adds sweetness and a hint of molasses to the cake batter.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for butter sauce) – the start of our luscious, poured-over sauce.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for butter sauce) – balances the sweetness of the sauce.
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk (for butter sauce) – creates that classic, smooth praline texture.
How to Make Southern Praline Pecan Cake
This recipe makes how to make Southern praline pecan cake so simple, you’ll be whipping it up all the time! It’s designed for ease without sacrificing that authentic Southern taste. Get ready to create a truly moist pecan praline recipe experience.
- Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This prevents our beautiful cake from sticking.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the contents of your butter pecan cake mix, 1 cup sour cream, 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1/2 cup water. Using an electric mixer, beat everything together on medium speed until the batter is wonderfully smooth and creamy. You want to see no lumps!
- Step 3: Now, it’s time to add that delightful crunch and sweetness. Gently stir in the 1 cup chopped pecans and the 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar. Mix just until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Don’t overmix at this stage!
- Step 4: Pour the luscious batter into your prepared baking pan. Smooth the top gently with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be divine!
- Step 5: While the cake is baking, let’s whip up that irresistible butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup evaporated milk. Keep stirring constantly as it comes to a gentle boil. Continue to stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Step 6: Once the cake is out of the oven, don’t let it cool completely! While it’s still warm, use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the top. This is crucial for allowing the sauce to soak in. Slowly and evenly pour the warm butter sauce over the entire cake. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to meld into the cake.
Pro Tips for the Best Southern Praline Pecan Cake
To ensure your cake is absolutely perfect every time, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. These tips will elevate your cake from good to unforgettable!
- Always use fresh pecans; toasting them briefly before chopping can intensify their flavor even more. For more on nut preparation, check out these tips for toasting nuts.
- Don’t overbake the cake! A slightly underbaked center will firm up as it cools, especially with the sauce.
- For an extra rich sauce, a mix of brown and granulated sugar works wonders.
- Letting the cake cool slightly before pouring the sauce allows it to soak in beautifully.
What’s the secret to a perfect Southern Praline Pecan Cake?
The secret to an authentic Southern pecan cake lies in the balance of moist crumb and that luscious, buttery sauce. Using sour cream in the batter is key to its tenderness, and ensuring the sauce is poured while the cake is still warm allows it to truly meld. For more baking insights, you can explore recent recipe posts.
Can I make Southern Praline Pecan Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! This Southern style praline pecan cake is fantastic for meal prep. Bake it a day in advance and store it at room temperature. Just keep the butter sauce separate and warm it up just before pouring it over the slightly warmed cake. For more information on food storage, consult these terms of use.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Southern Praline Pecan Cake?
The most common pitfall is overbaking, which leads to a dry cake. Also, resist the urge to pour the sauce over a completely cooled cake; it needs warmth to soak in properly. Ensure your pecans are evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every slice.
Best Ways to Serve Southern Praline Pecan Cake
This delightful cake is a star on its own, but I love dressing it up a bit! Serving it warm is truly the best way to experience the gooey butter sauce. For an extra special treat, imagine a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream melting into a warm slice – pure bliss!
Another fantastic option is to pair it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you’re looking for something a little different, consider serving it alongside a simple fruit salad. For those who adore that sweet, rich flavor, this cake is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, making it a perfect complement to ideas for a Southern pecan cake with caramel.
Nutrition Facts for Southern Praline Pecan Cake
This Southern praline pecan cake is a decadent treat, and while it’s a showstopper, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving. Remember, these are approximations, as homemade recipes can vary! For more details on nutritional information, please refer to our GDPR policy.
- Calories: 400cal
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 350mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of cake mix and exact measurements.
How to Store and Reheat Southern Praline Pecan Cake
Proper storage is key to keeping this delightful homemade Southern praline cake fresh and delicious. Once completely cooled, I like to store any leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This is perfect for those who love a quick slice throughout the day!
If you have more cake than you can enjoy within a couple of days, don’t worry! You can move it to the refrigerator, still in its airtight container, where it will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and pop it into the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. For any questions regarding storage or other inquiries, feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Praline Pecan Cake
Can I use a different type of nut in this cake?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional for this Southern praline pecan cake, walnuts also work wonderfully. Just make sure they are chopped finely so they distribute evenly throughout the batter. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
What’s the best way to ensure my cake is moist?
The recipe already includes ingredients like sour cream and oil, which are fantastic for moisture. For the absolute best Southern praline pecan cake, be careful not to overbake it. A toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Also, don’t skip pouring the warm butter sauce over the cake while it’s still warm; it soaks in and adds incredible moisture!
Is this an easy Southern pecan cake recipe to make for beginners?
Yes, this is an incredibly easy Southern pecan cake recipe! It uses a convenient cake mix as a base, which simplifies the process significantly. The steps are straightforward, and the butter sauce is simple to prepare. Even if you’re new to baking, you can achieve fantastic results with this recipe.
How do I store leftovers of this cake?
Once cooled, leftovers of this delicious cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave for a few seconds, bringing back that warm, gooey goodness.
Variations of Southern Praline Pecan Cake You Can Try
While this classic recipe is amazing as is, I love experimenting! Thinking about a pecan praline pound cake? You can achieve a similar dense, rich texture by using a pound cake mix instead of the butter pecan mix, adjusting baking time as needed. Or, for an even richer flavor profile, consider a Southern caramel pecan cake by swapping out some of the evaporated milk in the sauce for dulce de leche or a good quality caramel sauce. For more information on baking substitutions, you might find resources on home baking helpful.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can try using a dairy-free cake mix and a plant-based milk and oil substitute. For a gluten-free twist, a good quality gluten-free butter pecan cake mix will work beautifully. These little tweaks allow you to customize this beloved Southern treat to your preferences!
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Southern Praline Pecan Cake: 1 Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist, buttery Southern praline pecan cake with a rich butter sauce, perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe uses a cake mix for a quick and impressive dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for butter sauce)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for butter sauce)
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk (for butter sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine butter pecan cake mix, sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until batter is smooth.
- Stir in chopped pecans and brown sugar until evenly distributed.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the butter sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add granulated sugar and evaporated milk, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove cake from oven. While still warm, poke holes over the cake and pour the warm butter sauce evenly over the top. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor in the sauce, you can use half brown sugar and half granulated sugar.
- If you don’t have butter pecan cake mix, a yellow cake mix with a dash of maple extract and extra pecans can be used.
- The cake can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep the sauce separate until just before serving for the best presentation.
- Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400cal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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