Southern Praline Walnut Cake

14 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 50 m Total: 1 h 5 m Beginner
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Southern Praline Walnut Cake
I tested this recipe on friends for the holidays and they loved it. I have been asked repeatedly for this recipe. This praline walnut cake uses butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, and walnuts for a quick-to-make dessert that tastes homemade and always gets rave reviews.

Ingredients

14 servings
  • 1 box butter pecan cake mix
  • 1 container Coconut Pecan Frosting
  • 4 eggs
  • 3/4 cup Canola or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup nuts (cook's choice is walnut)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-10 inch bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Combine the cake mix with the frosting, eggs, oil, water and 1/2 of the pecan/walnut pieces. Mix until combined.
  3. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 of the nuts in the prepared Bundt pan, then pour in the cake batter.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Enjoy!

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why did my cake stick to the bundt pan?

A: Make sure to thoroughly spray the bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray, getting into all the crevices. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting - if you try to remove it too soon while it's too hot, it's more likely to stick.

Q: Can I use all pecans or all walnuts instead of mixing them?

A: Absolutely! The recipe is flexible - use whatever nuts you prefer or have on hand. Pecans will give it a more traditional Southern praline flavor, while walnuts add a slightly earthier taste.

Tips and Techniques

Sprinkling the nuts in the bottom of the bundt pan first creates a beautiful nutty crust on top of the finished cake when you invert it. For an extra special presentation, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze or caramel sauce after the cake has cooled.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • butter pecan cake mix: yellow cake mix plus 1 teaspoon butter extract
  • Coconut Pecan Frosting: German chocolate cake frosting (which is also coconut pecan)
  • walnuts: all pecans, or chopped almonds

Equipment Needed

  • 9-10 inch bundt pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden pick or cake tester
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Historical Context

Pralines are a beloved Southern candy with roots in French Louisiana, made from pecans and caramelized sugar. This cake captures that iconic flavor combination in an easy bundt cake that became popular in the 1970s-80s when creative cooks started doctoring cake mixes to taste homemade.