Indulgent Butter Pecan Praline Recipe

Introduction

This Indulgent Butter Pecan Praline is a luscious treat combining moist cake, rich praline sauce, and fluffy whipped cream topped with toasted pecans. Perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a decadent dessert with buttery, nutty flavors.

A square dessert with four visible layers sits on a white plate with a black floral pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a light-colored, soft cake base, topped by a thick, gooey caramel and nut filling that is golden brown with small nut pieces. Above that is a fluffy layer of whipped cream, bright white and smooth. The top layer is glossy caramel sauce, generously covered with whole, shiny pecan halves that are rich brown with a glossy texture. The layers are cleanly stacked and the caramel sauce slightly drips over the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 box Butter Pecan Cake Mix
  • 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 cup Toasted Pecans

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch cake pan by coating it with non-stick spray.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, prepare the butter pecan cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Poke holes all over the warm cake using a fork or skewer.
  4. Step 4: Pour the sweetened condensed milk generously over the holes and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
  5. Step 5: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, whisking until well combined. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes to form the praline sauce.
  6. Step 6: Pour half of the warm praline sauce over the cake, focusing on the holes to soak it in, then set the cake aside to cool slightly.
  7. Step 7: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until stiff peaks form.
  8. Step 8: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cooled cake, drizzle the remaining praline sauce on top, and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
  9. Step 9: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra crunch, add chopped pecans directly into the cake batter before baking.
  • Use raw pecans and toast them yourself in a dry skillet for a fresher, more intense flavor.
  • Substitute vanilla extract with bourbon for a boozy twist to the whipped cream.

Storage

Store the prepared cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped cream topping is best enjoyed fresh. Reheat individual slices slightly in the microwave if desired, but avoid heating the whole cake to preserve texture.

How to Serve

A thick slice of dessert is shown with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a light, creamy white cake with a soft texture. The middle layer is a smooth caramel-colored filling that looks thick and glossy, covering the cake evenly. The top layer is decorated with chopped brown nuts scattered all over and small white dollops of cream sitting on the caramel layer. The dessert is placed on a white plate with a dark green leaf pattern, set on a white marbled surface in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute with a vanilla or butter cake mix, but the butter pecan flavor is key to this recipe’s signature taste.

How do I toast pecans properly?

Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool before adding to the cake.

Print

Indulgent Butter Pecan Praline Recipe

This Indulgent Butter Pecan Praline cake combines the rich flavors of buttery pecans and a luscious praline sauce with a moist butter pecan cake base. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and toasted pecans, this dessert is a perfect treat for any special occasion or a sweet indulgence to satisfy your cravings.

  • Author: Amy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1 box Butter Pecan Cake Mix
  • Non-stick spray (for cake pan)

Praline Sauce

  • 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream

Whipped Cream Topping

  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Garnish

  • 1/2 cup Toasted Pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch cake pan with non-stick spray to ensure the cake does not stick.
  2. Make Cake Batter and Bake: In a large bowl, prepare the butter pecan cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  3. Cool and Poke Holes: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Using a skewer or fork, poke holes all over the warm cake to allow the praline sauce to seep in.
  4. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk generously over the holes in the warm cake. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan so the milk absorbs well.
  5. Prepare Praline Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and heavy cream, whisking until the mixture is smooth. Let it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Apply Praline Sauce: Pour half of the warm praline sauce evenly over the cake, making sure it soaks into the holes. Set the cake aside to cool slightly.
  7. Make Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture using a mixer until stiff peaks form.
  8. Assemble Topping: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cooled cake. Drizzle the remaining praline sauce on top and sprinkle with toasted pecans for crunch and added flavor.
  9. Chill: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set before serving.

Notes

  • To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until fragrant.
  • Ensure the cake cools completely before spreading whipped cream to prevent it from melting.
  • The poke-hole method allows the sweetened condensed milk and praline sauce to penetrate the cake, keeping it moist and flavorful.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Butter Pecan Praline Cake, Butter Pecan Cake, Praline Sauce, Whipped Cream Topping, Toasted Pecans, Moist Cake Dessert

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating