4. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of baked cake and coconut-pecan goodness will start filling your kitchen—it’s heavenly!
5. Prepare the Butter-Praline Topping
While the cake is still warm, it’s time to make the optional topping. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until the butter has fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
6. Add Pecans to the Topping
Remove the saucepan from the heat and fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans. The combination of butter, sweetened condensed milk, and pecans creates a luscious, sticky topping that pairs perfectly with the soft, tender cake.
7. Top the Cake and Serve
Pour the warm praline topping evenly over the freshly baked cake. The topping will soak slightly into the cake, creating an irresistible, gooey texture that everyone will love.
8. Enjoy!
Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for maximum decadence—or let it cool completely for a firmer texture that still melts in your mouth. Every bite is rich, nutty, and comforting—the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Tips for the Perfect Pecan Praline Cake
-
Use Fresh Pecans: Freshly chopped pecans have a stronger, richer flavor than pre-chopped ones. Toasting them lightly before adding to the batter enhances their nuttiness even more.
-
Experiment with Frosting Flavors: While coconut-pecan frosting is classic, you can try cream cheese or caramel frosting for a unique twist.
-
Storage: Keep leftover cake covered at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes well if you want to make it ahead of time.
-
Serving Ideas: Pair slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert that feels extra special.
This Pecan Praline Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. From the first bite, you’ll enjoy a perfect balance of moist cake, rich coconut-pecan flavor, and the optional buttery topping that takes it over the top. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but decadent enough for a celebration.
Once you try this recipe, it will quickly earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation. Everyone who tastes it will be begging for the recipe, and you’ll have a new favorite cake to share for years to come.