If you are anything like me and have a soft spot for rich, nutty desserts, then the Pecan Praline Cake with Creamy Drip Glaze Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. This cake is a beautiful Southern-inspired creation that strikes the perfect balance between a moist, buttery pecan cake and a luscious creamy glaze that drips elegantly down every slice. Every bite offers a comforting combination of sweet praline flavor and a delightful crunch from toasted pecans, making it an irresistible treat for special occasions or whenever you need a little slice of heaven on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the simple secret to achieving that perfect Pecan Praline Cake with Creamy Drip Glaze Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the moistness of the cake to the sweetness and shine of the glaze, so it’s worth having everything measured and ready before you start baking.
- Butter pecan cake mix: The base that brings buttery flavor and a tender crumb to the cake effortlessly.
- Coconut pecan frosting: Adds creamy richness and moistness straight into the batter for that irresistible texture.
- Eggs (4 large): Essential for structure, helping the cake rise perfectly and bind all ingredients together.
- Vegetable oil (3/4 cup): Keeps the cake tender and moist with every bite.
- Water (1 cup): Balances the batter and ensures a smooth mix.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup + 1/4 cup for garnish): Provides a nutty crunch and that trademark praline taste—toast them if you want an extra kick.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup): Creates the creamy base of the glaze with decadently sweet undertones.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and thickens the glaze to the perfect drip consistency.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds smooth, rich depth to the glaze for that silky finish.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Elevates the glaze flavor with warm, comforting notes.
How to Make Pecan Praline Cake with Creamy Drip Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Batter
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and get your Bundt pan ready by greasing and flouring it thoroughly. This helps your cake come out beautifully shaped and prevents any sticking. Then, in a large bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until everything blends into a smooth, luscious batter. Folding in the chopped pecans now ensures they’re evenly distributed, giving every bite that irresistible crunchy texture.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top gently with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here pays off by helping your cake keep its gorgeous shape and moist texture.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Drip Glaze
While your cake cools, it’s time to prepare the silky glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, and butter. Stir constantly to blend these ingredients into a smooth, shiny glaze as the butter melts. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely warm note. Let the glaze cool slightly so it thickens to just the right drip consistency before moving on.
Step 4: Glaze and Garnish
Drizzle the creamy glaze generously over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the edges in beautiful, irresistible drips. If you want to take it up a notch, sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top right away so they stick perfectly to the glaze. This final touch adds a delightful texture contrast and makes your cake look truly stunning.
How to Serve Pecan Praline Cake with Creamy Drip Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra touches can make serving this cake feel extra special. Toasted pecans on top bring out a deeper nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy sweetness and a pretty finish that guests will admire. For an even richer flair, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to complement the praline notes.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving this as part of a dessert spread, consider offering fresh seasonal fruits like sliced pears or berries, which add a bright contrast to the cake’s richness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic companion—its creaminess perfectly balances the nutty sweetness of the praline flavors. Coffee or a spiced chai tea also pairs beautifully, enhancing those warm, comforting Southern dessert vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual mini Bundt cakes using the same batter and glaze — perfect for parties or gifting. Layer slices between parchment paper and stack them on a pretty platter, letting the glaze drip down enticingly. Another idea is to serve slices plated with a sprinkling of crushed praline candy or caramel shards for some textural surprise and visual wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Pecan Praline Cake with Creamy Drip Glaze Recipe holds up wonderfully for several days when stored properly. Keep the cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to enjoy it within 2 days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh up to 5 days, though be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavors of the glaze and cake.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake to savor the praline goodness anytime you want. Wrap the cooled cake securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw the cake overnight in the fridge and add the glaze fresh or keep it simple for a quick treat.
Reheating
To refresh your cake slices, warm them gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or place briefly in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F). This softens the cake and slightly melts the glaze back to its creamy perfection, giving you that just-baked feeling in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake mix instead of boxed for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade butter pecan cake batter works beautifully in this recipe and can add a personal touch. Just ensure your batter has a similar consistency and flavor notes to the boxed mix for best results.
How important is toasting the pecans?
Toasting pecans enhances their nutty aroma and adds deeper flavor, which really complements the praline taste. While optional, it’s highly recommended if you want that extra layer of richness.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free butter pecan mix or bake a gluten-free cake with similar flavors. Just be mindful of ingredient labels and adjust baking time if needed.
What’s the best way to prevent the glaze from running off the cake?
Let the cake cool completely before glazing, and allow the glaze to cool slightly to thicken before drizzling. This slows the drip for a beautiful, controlled glaze effect without losing that luscious drip look.
Can I add other nuts or flavors to this recipe?
Definitely! While pecans are traditional, you can experiment with walnuts or almonds for a different crunch. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter can also enhance the warm Southern dessert flavor profile wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and tastes like Southern hospitality, the Pecan Praline Cake with Creamy Drip Glaze Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It’s easy to make, packed with comforting flavors, and impressive enough to wow any crowd. Once you try it, I have no doubt this recipe will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire—so go ahead, bake a Bundt, and savor every delectable bite.
Print
Pecan Praline Cake with Creamy Drip Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and moist Pecan Praline Cake made with butter pecan cake mix and coconut pecan frosting, baked to perfection in a Bundt pan, then topped with a creamy sweet glaze and chopped pecans for an irresistible Southern dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) butter pecan cake mix
- 1 tub (16 ounces) coconut pecan frosting
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a Bundt pan thoroughly to ensure the cake doesn’t stick after baking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Use an electric mixer on medium speed and mix for 2 minutes until the batter is fully blended and smooth.
- Add Pecans: Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans into the batter to add crunch and flavor.
- Bake Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set. Then invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, and butter. Stir constantly until the butter has melted and the glaze is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the glaze cool slightly so it thickens a bit but remains pourable.
- Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle the creamy glaze evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top if desired to finish with added texture and flavor.
Notes
- The coconut pecan frosting incorporated into the batter contributes to the cake’s ultra-moist texture and rich flavor.
- For a more intense praline flavor, toast the chopped pecans before folding them into the batter and sprinkling on top.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Use a Bundt pan for the classic shape and even baking characteristic of this cake.
