Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe

If you’re looking to surprise your loved ones with a dessert that’s a showstopper in both flavor and presentation, this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is it. Imagine a moist, buttery cake infused with a luscious praline sauce and crowned with fluffy whipped topping and crunchy pecans. Every bite is a heavenly blend of nutty, caramel bliss and creamy richness. This easy poke cake is the ultimate treat for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or simply because you deserve a sweet escape any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple—but powerful—these ingredients are. Each one works its magic, lending sweetness, richness, nutty depth, or creamy smoothness to your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and why it matters.

• Butter pecan cake mix: The base for pure buttery, nutty flavor with none of the fuss.
• Coconut pecan frosting: This transforms the crumb with extra moisture and sweet pecan surprises in every bite.
• Eggs: Act as the binder and give the cake its gorgeous, fluffy rise.
• Vegetable oil: Makes the finished cake extra tender and rich.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and gives the batter the perfect consistency.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Infuses the cake with sweet, silky decadence when poured over the poked surface.
• Caramel sauce: Envelops each hole and creates those classic praline notes that are irresistible.
• Chopped pecans: Bring texture, flavor, and a delightful crunch to the soft, creamy layers.
• Whipped topping: The crowning touch, adding a cool and billowy contrast to the rich cake beneath.

How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) for a consistently even bake. Take a moment to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake releases effortlessly once it’s baked—there’s nothing worse than losing half the cake to the pan! This step makes all the difference for perfect slices later.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk. Don’t worry about using a mixer—you can do this by hand, and you’ll be rewarded with a thick, smooth batter. All those pecan bits and coconut from the frosting will dot your batter, promising incredible flavor in every single slice.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and give it a gentle shake to level it out. Bake for 35–40 minutes, checking with a toothpick at the center; when it comes out clean, you’re ready! The heavenly aroma filling your kitchen might tempt you to sneak a bite, but patience, my friend—the next steps bring magic.

Step 4: Poke the Cake

While your cake is still warm, grab the handle of a sturdy wooden spoon and poke holes all over (about an inch apart). Don’t be shy—the more holes, the more gooey praline sauce the cake will absorb. This is what makes a poke cake so delightfully moist and flavorful from top to bottom.

Step 5: Make and Pour the Praline Topping

Mix the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce together in a bowl. This golden mixture is pure decadence! Pour it slowly and evenly over your cake, letting it seep into every hole. Watch as it disappears, promising an ultra-moist bite every time.

Step 6: Top and Decorate

After your cake has cooled completely, it’s time to pile on the whipped topping—think of it as a soft cloud, ready to balance all the sweetness below. Sprinkle your chopped pecans across the top for that signature Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake finish. Each pecan adds both beauty and crunch.

Step 7: Chill, Slice, and Enjoy

Pop your finished cake into the fridge for at least an hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld, and the topping to set. When you serve it, you’ll reveal beautiful cross-sections with gorgeous ribbons of caramel and praline throughout. Pure joy!

How to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Garnishes

Whipped topping and chopped pecans are non-negotiable—these classic garnishes highlight the praline character and add inviting contrast in texture. For a little extra flair, try a drizzle of caramel sauce right before serving, or even a few delicate chocolate shavings for a dramatic dessert plate.

Side Dishes

This rich Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake pairs beautifully with simple accompaniments. Brew up strong coffee, make a fresh fruit salad with berries, or scoop a small spoonful of vanilla bean ice cream on the side. Each option balances the cake’s sweetness and keeps your guests coming back for just one more bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn each serving into a personalized treat by using mason jars or parfait glasses—simply layer squares of poke cake, whipped topping, and a sprinkle of pecans. For festive gatherings, cut the cake into small cubes and skewer them for easy party bites, or serve atop mini dessert plates with a sprig of fresh mint for restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake stores perfectly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Use an airtight container or tightly wrap your baking dish with plastic wrap to keep everything luscious and fresh. The flavors actually get deeper and richer as they chill, making each day-after slice even more indulgent.

Freezing

Want to make it ahead for the holidays or prep single servings? Go ahead and freeze individual squares of the cake. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and foil before freezing, and skip garnishing until after you thaw. The cake layers hold up beautifully, so you’ll have a delicious dessert waiting whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

If you’d like to bring a chilled piece back to room temperature, simply let it sit out for 20–30 minutes. For a slightly warm experience, microwave a slice for no more than 10 seconds—just enough to soften the caramel and make the toppings ultra melty, without affecting the whipped topping too much.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade caramel recipe, it will work wonderfully and might make your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake even more special. Just ensure it’s pourable so it soaks into the cake properly.

What if I can’t find butter pecan cake mix?

If butter pecan cake mix isn’t available, start with yellow or vanilla cake mix and add a handful of extra chopped pecans and a teaspoon of butter extract to mimic that signature flavor.

Can I skip the coconut pecan frosting in the batter?

I don’t recommend it—the coconut pecan frosting adds incredible moistness and flavor throughout the cake. If you must substitute, try blending sweetened shredded coconut with finely chopped pecans for a similar effect.

Does this cake need to be refrigerated?

Yes, since the cake is topped with whipped topping and a condensed milk-caramel sauce, it should be kept chilled. This also helps the flavors meld and the texture stay moist and delicious.

Can I make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake ahead of time?

You sure can! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Just wait to add the final whipped topping until a few hours before you plan to serve, for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you love sweet, rich, and nutty desserts, you simply have to try Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. It’s a breeze to put together, impossible to resist, and bound to become a new favorite with your family and friends. Gather your ingredients and enjoy every spoonful—trust me, this is a dessert worth sharing (or savoring all to yourself)!

Print