Name: Southern Pecan Praline Cake with Butter Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 box butter pecan cake mix; 1 (16 oz) tub coconut pecan frosting; 4 large eggs; 3/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup water; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup evaporated milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Why You’ll Love Southern Pecan Praline Cake with Butter Sauce Recipe

Decadent and comforting: The buttery, nutty flavor makes every bite satisfying and rich.
Quick to make: Thanks to the cake mix and ready-made frosting, this cake comes together in less than an hour.
Crowd-pleaser: With its gooey butter sauce and soft texture, this cake is sure to be a hit at potlucks, holidays, or family dinners.
Southern charm: This recipe brings a taste of the South to your table with its praline-inspired flavor and melt-in-your-mouth topping.
No special equipment needed: All you need is a bowl, a spoon, and a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

1 box butter pecan cake mix
1 (16 oz) tub coconut pecan frosting
4 large eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
1/2 cup chopped pecans

For the Butter Sauce:

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven and prepare baking dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Mix the cake batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Stir until fully combined and smooth.

3. Fold in pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed in the batter.

4. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Prepare the butter sauce
While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and evaporated milk. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture is smooth and sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

6. Serve
Let the cake cool slightly. Slice and serve warm, generously drizzled with the butter sauce.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: Approx. 450 kcal per serving

Variations

Nut swap: Try using walnuts or almonds if you don’t have pecans on hand.
Mini bundt cakes: Pour batter into mini bundt pans for individual servings.
Add bourbon: A splash of bourbon in the butter sauce gives a warm depth of flavor.
More texture: Add shredded coconut to the batter for extra chewiness.
Glaze instead of sauce: If you prefer a thinner topping, drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the cake (without the sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds. Heat the sauce separately and drizzle over the warmed cake before serving.

FAQs

What is the flavor of butter pecan cake mix?

Butter pecan cake mix has a rich, buttery flavor with subtle notes of toasted pecans, giving the cake a warm, nutty taste.

Can I make this cake from scratch instead of using a cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute with a homemade butter pecan cake recipe, but the mix saves time and still delivers amazing flavor.

Can I use store-bought butter sauce?

You could, but making the butter sauce from scratch is quick and much more flavorful.

Do I have to use coconut pecan frosting in the batter?

It adds moisture and flavor, but you could skip it or replace it with another frosting flavor in a pinch, like cream cheese.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well and can be made a day in advance. Just wait to add the butter sauce until serving for the best texture.

How do I keep the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pan thoroughly with butter or baking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?

Yes, pour the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Is evaporated milk necessary for the butter sauce?

It gives the sauce a creamy richness, but you could substitute with half-and-half or whole milk in a pinch.

What if I don’t have butter pecan cake mix?

You can use yellow or vanilla cake mix and add extra chopped pecans and a teaspoon of butter extract.

Can I use salted butter in the sauce?

Yes, just reduce the added salt in other parts of the recipe or skip extra salt entirely.

Conclusion

Southern Pecan Praline Cake with Butter Sauce is a sweet, indulgent dessert that captures the heart of Southern baking. With its moist texture, crunchy pecans, and rich buttery topping, it’s the kind of cake that makes any gathering special. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a holiday celebration, or just because, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Southern Pecan Praline Cake with Butter Sauce