Best Praline Butter Cake Recipe

This praline butter cake recipe is a rich dessert built from a buttery cake base, toasted pecans, and a soft praline topping made from brown sugar, butter, and cream.

Creating this praline butter cake recipe comes from my daily work of testing flavors and discovering new baking ideas that feel comforting and memorable.

The main purpose behind this praline butter cake recipe is to share a reliable homemade dessert that feels indulgent yet achievable for home bakers, dessert lovers, and family gatherings.

Below, I present easy steps to prepare the cake, serving ideas, helpful tips, health benefits, extra delicious methods, creative variations, storage guidance, and clear answers to common concerns.

About This Praline Butter Cake Recipe

This praline butter cake recipe delivers a deep buttery taste layered with gentle caramel sweetness from the brown sugar praline. The cake crumb feels soft yet rich, while the melted topping brings a creamy, almost toffee-like finish.

Toasted pecans contribute a roasted nuttiness that adds character and contrast. On another side, the dessert feels comforting and indulgent, making it enjoyable as a warm slice or at room temperature.

The balance of sweetness and nut flavor creates a dessert that feels luxurious, cozy, and memorable without being overly heavy.

How To Prepare Praline Butter Cake Recipe?

To make this praline butter cake recipe perfectly, follow each step carefully. I’ve shared simple instructions and helpful tips to guide you through baking and preparing the praline topping.

Using common kitchen tools makes the process easier, but don’t worry if you’re missing some. With attention, the cake will turn out rich, buttery, and full of caramelized pecan flavor.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 servings

Kitchen Utensils

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round or square cake pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

Butter Cake

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or lightly browned for extra flavor)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Praline Topping

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Get everything ready

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan and dust it lightly with flour so the cake won’t stick. Set it aside for later.

Step 2: Make the batter base

In a large bowl, beat the butter with the white and brown sugars until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one, then stir in the vanilla.

Step 3: Bring it all together

In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the butter mixture a little at a time, switching back and forth with the milk. Mix just until everything is smooth—don’t overdo it.

Step 4: Bake the cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 40–45 minutes, until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Prepare the praline topping

While the cake is baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and cream, stirring constantly. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly, then take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla and pecans.

Step 6: Finish and cool

Once the cake is done, spoon the warm praline topping over the top. Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting so the topping has time to settle.

Cooking Method Explained Simply

The praline butter cake begins by mixing butter, sugars, eggs, flour, milk, and vanilla into a smooth batter, then baking it in a preheated oven until cooked through.

While baking, brown sugar, butter, and cream are cooked on the stovetop to make a thick praline sauce, then pecans are stirred in. Once the cake is baked, the warm praline topping is poured over it and allowed to cool slightly to set.

Notes: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch. This cake tastes even better the next day as the praline topping soaks slightly into the cake.

Nutrition Facts Of Praline Butter Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amounts
Calories	420
Fat	26g
Saturated Fat	14g
Carbohydrates	45g
Sugar	30g
Protein	5g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	180mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This praline butter cake recipe offers a rich, buttery base paired with a sweet, nutty topping that creates a comforting dessert experience.

The toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch, while the caramel-like praline brings depth and warmth to each slice. It bakes into a moist, dense cake that holds its shape yet feels soft on the palate.

The praline butter cake recipe is approachable for home bakers, delivering impressive flavor without complicated techniques. The result is a dessert that feels indulgent, memorable, and enjoyable for family, friends, or casual gatherings.

How It Works

This praline butter cake recipe works by layering flavors and textures during baking. The butter cake batter provides a rich, dense foundation that rises evenly thanks to the baking powder.

The praline topping, made from butter, brown sugar, cream, and pecans, melts slightly in the oven, forming a glossy, sticky layer that seeps into the cake. Toasted pecans add crunch and a roasted flavor that contrasts the soft crumb.

Heat transforms the sugar and butter into a caramelized coating, while the cake absorbs some of the topping, resulting in a moist, flavorful dessert with a balanced sweetness and nutty depth.

Serving Ideas

Serve this praline butter cake recipe slightly warm to enjoy the gooey, caramelized topping. A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side enhances the nutty sweetness.

Drizzle a little heavy cream or caramel sauce over slices for extra indulgence. Fresh berries or a handful of chopped pecans add texture and a hint of freshness.

The praline butter cake recipe can also be paired with hot coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a comforting dessert experience. Cut into small squares for sharing at gatherings or afternoon treats.

My Tips For Success!

1. Use high-quality butter for the cake and praline topping to enhance richness and flavor.

2. Toast pecans lightly in a dry pan to bring out their natural nuttiness before adding to the topping.

3. Beat the butter and sugar thoroughly to create a light, airy texture in the cake.

4. Measure flour carefully and fold gently to maintain the cake’s soft, dense structure.

5. Pour the praline topping evenly over the batter to ensure it spreads and caramelizes during baking.

6. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing so the topping sets and does not run.

Nutrition Benefits

This praline butter cake recipe provides energy from healthy fats in butter and pecans, supporting brain function and satiety.

Pecans add vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E, which support heart health and immunity.

The cake contains protein from eggs and nuts, helping maintain muscle strength. Brown sugar contributes carbohydrates for quick energy, while the cream adds calcium for strong bones.

While indulgent, this dessert can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, offering nutrients alongside a rich, flavorful experience.

Extra Delicious Methods

➤Caramel Swirl – Before baking, gently fold soft caramel into the butter cake batter so it creates pockets of molten sweetness throughout. This adds an extra layer of flavor that melts in the mouth with every slice.

➤ Chocolate Drizzle – After the cake has cooled, pour warm melted chocolate over the praline topping. The chocolate hardens slightly while the topping remains soft, creating a mix of textures and a richer taste experience.

➤ Spiced Variation – Add a small amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the cake batter. These spices infuse warmth and subtle complexity that complement the buttery cake and sweet praline.

➤ Bourbon Infusion – Stir a tablespoon of bourbon into the praline sauce as it cooks. The alcohol evaporates, leaving a deep, slightly smoky flavor that enhances the caramel and nut notes.

➤ Layered Cake – Slice the baked cake horizontally and spread additional praline topping between the layers. This makes the dessert thicker, more decadent, and allows the praline flavor to be present in every portion of the cake.

Storage Guidance

To keep the praline butter cake recipe fresh, allow it to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out.

At room temperature, the cake will stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week, making sure to cover it well so the topping does not harden excessively.

The praline butter cake recipe can also be frozen for up to two months; wrap it in plastic and then in foil, and thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy the same rich flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This praline butter cake recipe brought joy and warmth to my kitchen, and seeing my guests and family enjoy it made the effort truly rewarding.

The rich, buttery cake with its sweet, nutty topping delighted everyone, and the simple steps made creating it surprisingly easy. I feel proud and happy for this successful bake and the smiles it brought to the table.

I hope this praline butter cake recipe continues to inspire home bakers to try something new, share delicious moments, and create sweet memories with loved ones in their own kitchens.

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