Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix Cake Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter cake mix, water, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Add Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Make the Praline Topping

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Poke Holes: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
4. Pour Praline Mixture: Pour the warm praline topping over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.

Step 3: Prepare the Frosting

1. Whip Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
2. Frost the Cake: Spread the whipped cream frosting evenly over the top of the cake.

Step 4: Serve

1. Chill and Enjoy: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Slice and serve chilled.