Easy Southern Praline Pecan Cake With Butter Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with something sweet, rich, and downright irresistible, this Easy Southern Praline Pecan Cake With Butter Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this cake combines the moist, buttery texture of a classic yellow cake with the crunchy, caramelized pecans and a luscious butter sauce that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become a go-to for potlucks, holiday dinners, or any time you need a comforting sweet fix.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This cake is all about combining simple ingredients that complement each other perfectly—the yellow cake mix creates a tender crumb, while the pecans add that signature Southern crunch. Grab the freshest pecans you can find, and don’t skimp on the butter for that luscious sauce.

• Yellow Cake Mix: Duncan Hines Classic Yellow Cake Mix works great, but any classic yellow cake mix produces moist results.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps keep the cake moist without overpowering the flavor.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Melted Butter: Use real butter here; it adds richness and depth.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a warm caramel note to the batter that pairs well with pecans.
• Heavy Cream: Small touch for extra creaminess in the batter.
• Eggs: The glue that holds everything together — make sure they’re at room temperature for best mixing.
• Chopped Pecans: Fresh pecans provide that classic praline texture and flavor.
• Butter (for sauce): The base for the luscious butter pecan sauce.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gives the sauce that sweet, creamy texture that’s just divine.
• Chopped Pecans (for sauce): Toasted or raw, these pecans add crunch in the buttery sauce.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Easy Southern Praline Pecan Cake With Butter Sauce Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your mood or dietary preferences. Feel free to play around with add-ins or swap some ingredients for healthier alternatives.

• Variation: I sometimes substitute half the yellow cake mix with a spice cake mix for a warm cinnamon twist that pairs wonderfully with the pecan butter sauce.
• Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies, swap out pecans with toasted oats or seeds for texture, although it’s not quite the same experience.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix; just be sure to check your mix’s baking times as they can vary.
• Extra Moisture: Adding a tablespoon of applesauce to the batter is a trick I learned that adds extra moisture without changing flavor.

How to Make Easy Southern Praline Pecan Cake With Butter Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always grease my 13×9-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to make sure the cake releases easily after baking. Trust me, a well-prepped pan saves you from a lot of stress later!

Step 2: Mix the Batter with Care

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, sour cream, melted butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and eggs. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and well combined. You’ll want to avoid overmixing here to keep the cake tender – just mix until you don’t see dry ingredients.

Step 3: Fold in the Pecans

Gently fold in the 1 ½ cups of chopped pecans. This is when your batter starts smelling like magic. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every slice has that perfect crunch.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. I always check by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center — it should come out clean, no gooey batter attached. If not, give it a few more minutes, but be careful not to overbake.

Step 5: Prepare the Butter Pecan Sauce

While the cake bakes, start your butter pecan sauce. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the sweetened condensed milk and keep cooking until the mixture is hot but not boiling. Add the ½ cup chopped pecans and stir to combine. This step might require some patience to keep the sauce smooth and perfectly warmed—don’t rush it, or you risk burning the sugars.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Once your cake is out of the oven and slightly cooled, pour the butter sauce over the entire cake or on each individual slice. I like to pour the sauce into a glass measuring cup—it helps me spread it more evenly and keeps all those beautiful pecans from settling in one spot. Garnish with extra pecans if you want an added touch of elegance.

How to Serve Easy Southern Praline Pecan Cake With Butter Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some extra chopped pecans on top after drizzling the butter sauce—it makes the cake look gorgeous and adds an extra crunch that everyone appreciates. Sometimes I add a tiny dusting of powdered sugar for that sweet snowy effect, especially around the holidays.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a Southern-inspired spread, serve it alongside sweet tea or coffee—the contrast between warm cake and cold drink is just perfect.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this cake in individual ramekins with sauce poured over the top right before serving. It’s a simple trick that makes each dessert feel extra personal and elegant. You can also try layering the cake pieces with sauce and whipped cream in a trifle dish for a show-stopping dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The butter sauce soaks in overnight and actually makes the cake even more flavorful the next day.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil. When thawed in the fridge overnight, the texture stays surprisingly moist, and the sauce holds up well.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I gently microwave slices for about 20-30 seconds or heat in a low oven (around 300°F) just until warm. This refreshes the butter sauce and brings out all that pecan goodness without drying the cake.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely thrilled every time I make this Easy Southern Praline Pecan Cake With Butter Sauce Recipe because it feels like sharing a little piece of Southern comfort with the people I care about. It’s a recipe that’s approachable yet indulgent, one where familiar pantry staples come together to create something memorable. Give this a try, and I promise you’ll be hearing compliments for days—your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll get to enjoy a perfect slice of Southern hospitality in cake form.

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