If you love desserts that are rich, buttery, and packed with nutty flavor, Butter Pecan Praline Cream Cake is a dream come true. This indulgent layered cake combines the warm flavor of toasted pecans with a soft buttery cake and a luscious praline cream frosting. Every bite delivers a perfect blend of sweetness, crunch, and creamy texture.

Inspired by classic Southern desserts, this cake captures the beloved flavor of butter pecan ice cream and traditional praline candy. The caramel-like praline topping and smooth cream frosting elevate the cake into something truly irresistible.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, birthday celebration, potluck, or special family gathering, this butter pecan praline cake is guaranteed to impress guests and satisfy any sweet tooth.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the best Butter Pecan Praline Cream Cake, along with expert baking tips, variations, storage advice, and serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Love Butter Pecan Praline Cream Cake

There are many reasons why this cake is such a popular dessert.

Rich buttery flavor

The cake base is soft and moist with deep buttery notes.

Toasted pecans in every bite

Crunchy pecans add a wonderful texture and nutty flavor.

Creamy praline frosting

The frosting combines cream cheese and praline sauce for a decadent finish.

Perfect for celebrations

This elegant cake is ideal for holidays, birthdays, and special gatherings.

Crowd-pleasing dessert

The combination of butter, caramel, and pecans makes this cake hard to resist.

What Is Butter Pecan Praline Cake?

Butter pecan praline cake is a dessert that blends three classic Southern flavors:

• Butter pecan cake – a moist cake filled with toasted pecans
• Praline sauce – a caramel-like topping made with butter, sugar, and cream
• Cream frosting – a smooth frosting that balances the sweetness

The result is a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and full of warm nutty flavor.

Ingredients for Butter Pecan Praline Cream Cake

This recipe uses simple ingredients that create a bakery-quality dessert.

For the cake

1 box butter pecan cake mix
3 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk
1 cup chopped toasted pecans

For the praline topping

½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup chopped pecans

For the cream frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream

Optional garnish:

Extra toasted pecans
Caramel drizzle

How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Cream Cake

Follow these steps to create a beautiful layered cake.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Cake mix

Eggs
Oil
Milk

Mix until smooth.

Fold in the chopped toasted pecans.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the two pans.

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Praline Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

Add the brown sugar and heavy cream.

Cook while stirring until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken (about 3–4 minutes).

Remove from heat and stir in:

Vanilla extract
Chopped pecans

Let the praline sauce cool slightly.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together:

Cream cheese
Butter

Mix until light and fluffy.

Gradually add powdered sugar.

Add vanilla extract and heavy cream.

Beat until the frosting becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate.

Spread a layer of cream frosting on top.

Drizzle some of the praline sauce over the frosting.

Add the second cake layer.

Frost the top and sides with the remaining cream frosting.

Step 7: Add the Praline Topping

Spoon the praline sauce over the top of the cake.

Allow it to drip slightly down the sides.

Sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top for decoration.

Tips for the Best Butter Pecan Praline Cake

Toast the pecans first

Toasting pecans enhances their nutty flavor and makes the cake taste richer.

Use room-temperature ingredients

Butter and cream cheese blend more smoothly when softened.

Don’t overmix the batter

Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.

Let the praline sauce cool slightly

If it’s too hot, it may melt the frosting.

Delicious Variations

You can customize this cake in several ways.

Butter Pecan Caramel Cake

Add extra caramel drizzle between layers for deeper flavor.

Butter Pecan Layer Cake with Custard

Spread vanilla custard between layers for an ultra-creamy texture.

Chocolate Butter Pecan Cake

Add chocolate chips to the cake batter for a chocolate twist.

Coconut Butter Pecan Cake

Add shredded coconut to the frosting for tropical flavor.

What to Serve with Butter Pecan Praline Cake

This rich cake pairs well with lighter accompaniments.

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• Coffee or espresso
• Cold milk
• Fresh berries

Storage Instructions

Because of the cream cheese frosting, the cake should be refrigerated.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare parts of this cake in advance.

• Bake cake layers one day ahead
• Store them wrapped at room temperature
• Make frosting and praline sauce the day of serving

This makes assembling the cake much easier.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per slice (based on 12 servings):

Calories: 520
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 30g
Protein: 6g
Sugar: 42g

Values may vary depending on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake from scratch?

Yes. You can replace the cake mix with a homemade butter cake recipe if preferred.

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Yes, though pecans provide the traditional butter pecan flavor.

Can I make this cake as a sheet cake?

Absolutely. Bake the batter in a 9×13 pan for 30–35 minutes.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Because praline is caramel-based, reducing sugar may affect texture.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this dessert comes from layering flavors and textures.

• The cake provides a soft buttery base
• The toasted pecans add crunch and warmth
• The cream frosting balances the sweetness
• The praline topping adds caramel richness

Together, they create a dessert that tastes like something from a professional bakery.

Final Thoughts

Butter Pecan Praline Cream Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves rich, buttery flavors and crunchy pecans. Its combination of moist cake layers, creamy frosting, and caramel praline topping makes it a standout treat for special occasions.

Whether you’re baking it for a holiday table, birthday celebration, or weekend indulgence, this cake is guaranteed to impress everyone who tries it.

Butter Pecan Praline Cream Cake (Rich Southern-Style Dessert)

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Instructions

1. Make the cake:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9″ round pans.
Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Fold in toasted pecans.
Divide batter between pans. Bake 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

2. Make praline filling:

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, cream, pecans, and salt. Cook 3–4 minutes until thickened. Cool completely.

3. Make frosting:

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.

4. Assemble:

Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread praline filling evenly over top.

Top with second layer. Frost entire cake with cream cheese frosting.
Press toasted pecans onto sides or top. Drizzle with caramel just before serving.

💡 Pro Tips:
– Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
– For clean slices, chill cake 30 minutes before cutting.
– Make ahead: Cake layers freeze well; assemble day-of for best texture.

Prep Time & Nutrition (per slice, serves 12):