If you adore rich, comforting desserts bursting with nutty sweetness, you cannot miss trying this Pecan Praline Cake with Creamy Drip Glaze Recipe. This cake is a delightful harmony of moist butter pecan layers swirled with luscious coconut pecan frosting and crowned with a smooth, irresistible creamy glaze that drips perfectly over every curve of your Bundt pan masterpiece. Every bite offers that classic southern charm with a luscious praline crunch that will quickly become your go-to dessert for gatherings, celebrations, or simply a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to crafting the perfect pecan praline cake. Each brings a unique touch to the texture, flavor, or richness that makes the cake unforgettable.
- Butter pecan cake mix: Provides a buttery, nut-studded base that’s quick to prepare without compromising flavor.
- Coconut pecan frosting: Infuses moisture and a tropical nuttiness right into the batter for extra richness.
- Large eggs: Act as the glue holding everything together while lending structure to the cake.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist throughout.
- Water: Helps blend all ingredients smoothly for that perfect batter consistency.
- Chopped pecans: Add crunch and that signature praline texture inside and on top.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Gives the glaze its glossy, creamy sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze effortlessly.
- Butter: Contributes to the glaze’s velvety mouthfeel and richness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with a warm aromatic note.
How to Make Pecan Praline Cake with Creamy Drip Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing and flouring a Bundt pan. This step ensures your beautiful cake releases perfectly without sticking, preserving those gorgeous ridges that give it character.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix with the coconut pecan frosting, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about two minutes until everything is perfectly blended and smooth. This luscious batter is the key to your moist, flavorful cake.
Step 3: Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold in one cup of chopped pecans. This step adds that delightful crunch and bursts of nutty flavor we all crave in praline desserts.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean, promising a perfectly cooked cake inside and out.
Step 5: Cool Before Glazing
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes—a crucial pause that helps it set. Then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Fully cooling the cake ensures your creamy drip glaze won’t melt away, creating that beautiful, thick drizzle we all adore.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Drip Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat, stir together sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, and butter. Keep stirring until the butter fully melts and the glaze is smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the glaze to cool slightly before drizzling.
Step 7: Glaze and Garnish
Drizzle the creamy glaze over your cooled Bundt cake, letting it cascade down the sides naturally. For an extra touch of elegance and crunch, sprinkle with additional chopped pecans. This finishing step transforms the cake into a stunning centerpiece that tastes as beautiful as it looks.
How to Serve Pecan Praline Cake with Creamy Drip Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans on top adds a lovely crunch and a toasted aroma that complements the cake exquisitely. You can also add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few edible flowers for a festive presentation.
Side Dishes
This decadent cake pairs wonderfully with lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance its rich sweetness. Fresh berries or a cup of hot coffee also make delightful companions that enhance the flavors without overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Pecan Praline Cake with Creamy Drip Glaze Recipe in individual slices on rustic wooden boards or vintage dessert plates for a charming, homestyle vibe. You can drizzle extra glaze on each slice just before serving for that wow factor, or even layer small slices with whipped cream and pecan bits in glasses for an elegant parfait twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the cake moist and the glaze fresh. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy the same fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
If you want to warm the cake, place slices in a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 15-20 seconds. Warming enhances the creamy drip glaze flavor and makes the cake taste freshly baked, perfect for cozy afternoons or dessert cravings.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake mix instead of box mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute your favorite homemade butter pecan cake recipe for the boxed mix. Just be sure to adjust the other wet ingredients slightly to maintain the batter’s consistency.
Is it necessary to use coconut pecan frosting in the batter?
While the coconut pecan frosting adds incredible moisture and flavor, you can experiment with other moist frostings or even cream cheese icing for a different but still delicious twist.
Can I toast the pecans before adding them?
Yes, toasting pecans brings out even more flavor and crunch. Just spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, before folding into your batter or sprinkling on top.
How thick should the glaze be?
The glaze should be smooth but thick enough to hold its shape slightly on the cake. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar; too thick, add a touch more sweetened condensed milk or a splash of water to loosen it up.
Can this cake be made in a regular round cake pan?
Yes, you can bake this recipe in other pans, but baking times might vary. Keep an eye on the cake after 40 minutes and test for doneness with a toothpick regularly.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Praline Cake with Creamy Drip Glaze Recipe is a heartwarming celebration of southern flavors that’s as easy to make as it is to fall in love with. It’s perfect for bringing a little sweetness and joy to any occasion or just treating yourself on a whim. I hope you delight in baking and sharing this remarkable cake with your friends and family as much as I do!
