Pecan Praline Cake: A Southern Classic with a Buttery Caramel Twist

If you love rich, nutty flavors, buttery caramel sauce, and moist, tender cake, then Pecan Praline Cake is the ultimate dessert for you! This Southern-inspired cake is loaded with toasted pecans, infused with a buttery vanilla flavor, and topped with a decadent praline glaze that drips beautifully down the sides.

Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or just because you need a sweet treat, this cake is easy to make yet incredibly impressive. Whether you’re a pecan lover or simply enjoy a good buttery, caramel-drizzled cake, this recipe is a must-try!

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Why You’ll Love Pecan Praline Cake

✔ Rich & Buttery – The perfect balance of moist cake and crunchy pecans.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, big flavor!
✔ That Praline Glaze! – Buttery caramel sauce with pecans makes every bite amazing.
✔ Crowd-Pleaser – Great for holidays, potlucks, or special occasions.
✔ Tastes Even Better the Next Day – The flavors meld beautifully overnight!

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The Best Pecan Praline Cake Recipe

This cake is soft, rich, and bursting with caramelized pecan flavor, topped with a luxurious praline glaze for the ultimate indulgence.

Ingredients (Serves 10-12)

For the Cake:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional but adds warmth)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans, toasted

For the Praline Glaze:

• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole pecans, for topping

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare the Cake Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan (or a Bundt pan) with parchment paper.

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2. Toast the Pecans

• Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet.
• Toast at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Let them cool while preparing the batter.

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3. Make the Cake Batter

• In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Mix in vanilla extract.

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4. Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
• Stir in the toasted chopped pecans.

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5. Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes (for a round cake) or 50-55 minutes (for a Bundt cake).
• A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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6. Make the Praline Glaze

• In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream, whisking continuously.
• Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
• Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and salt.

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7. Assemble the Cake

• Pour the warm praline glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drizzle down the sides.
• Top with whole pecans for extra crunch.

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8. Serve & Enjoy!

• Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

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Tips for the Best Pecan Praline Cake

✅ Use fresh, high-quality pecans – Toasting them enhances their natural nuttiness.
✅ Don’t overmix the batter – This keeps the cake light and fluffy.
✅ Let the praline glaze cool slightly – It will thicken as it sits, making it easier to drizzle.
✅ Add bourbon for extra depth – A tablespoon of bourbon in the praline glaze adds a Southern twist!
✅ Make it ahead of time – This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

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Variations & Customizations

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious variations!

1. Bourbon Pecan Praline Cake

🥃 Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the praline glaze for extra richness and warmth.

2. Chocolate Pecan Praline Cake

🍫 Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
🍫 Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the praline glaze.

3. Cream Cheese Pecan Cake

🧀 Add 4 oz cream cheese to the cake batter for extra moisture.
🧀 Frost with cream cheese frosting before adding the praline glaze.

4. Coconut Pecan Praline Cake

🥥 Stir ½ cup shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical touch.
🥥 Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the praline glaze.

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What to Serve with Pecan Praline Cake

This cake is rich and satisfying on its own, but here are some perfect pairings:

☕ Hot Coffee or Espresso – Balances the sweetness.
🍨 Vanilla Ice Cream – A creamy contrast to the warm praline glaze.
🥛 Cold Milk – Classic and refreshing.
🍓 Fresh Berries – Adds a bright, fruity balance.

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How to Store & Freeze

Storing:

• Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 2 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Freezing:

• Wrap the cake (without glaze) in plastic wrap, then foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the praline glaze before serving.

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Final Thoughts: A Decadent Southern Treat

Pecan Praline Cake is everything you want in a rich, buttery dessert—moist cake, crunchy pecans, and an irresistible praline glaze. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, birthday, or just to treat yourself, this Southern-inspired cake will have everyone asking for seconds.

🔥 Try it today and indulge in pure pecan praline bliss! 🔥

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