If you’re in the mood for a spectacular dessert that brings Southern flair and irresistibly rich flavors to your table, the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is your answer. Imagine a moist cake laced with a buttery caramel soak, layered under clouds of homemade whipped cream, and crowned with a decadent praline sauce loaded with toasted pecans. Every bite is sweet, nutty, gooey perfection—a true treat for both special occasions and everyday indulgence!

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is in its simplicity: each ingredient is essential, coming together for an unforgettable symphony of textures and flavors. Here’s what makes this cake extraordinary and how each component shines:

Butter pecan cake mix: Provides an instant head start with buttery richness and nutty undertones.
Sweetened condensed milk: Soaks into the cake, making every bite indulgently moist and flavorful.
Caramel sauce: Adds another layer of creamy, mellow sweetness to the cake’s base.
Chopped pecans, toasted: Brings irresistible crunch and a nutty aroma; toasting deepens their flavor.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates a luscious, fluffy whipped topping that balances the cake’s sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Lightly sweetens the whipped cream for a smooth, pillowy finish.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the whipped cream with an inviting, aromatic warmth.
Butter: Forms the decadent base of the praline sauce, contributing a rich, creamy mouthfeel.
Brown sugar: Gives the praline sauce its signature caramel notes and sticky texture.
Heavy cream: Adds silkiness and body to the praline sauce, making it pourable and dreamy.

How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch cake pan with non-stick spray. Prepare the butter pecan cake mix according to box instructions—usually a blend of eggs, oil, and water—then pour the batter into the pan. Bake until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, then remove from the oven to cool slightly. This step establishes the deliciously moist foundation for your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake.

Step 2: Poke and Soak

While the cake is still warm, grab a fork or use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake and follow with a generous drizzling of caramel sauce. As this pool of sweetness seeps into every crevice, it transforms the cake into a luscious, gooey delight with each bite.

Step 3: Toast and Add Pecans

While the cake soaks, toast your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for just a couple of minutes, until they’re fragrant and golden. Sprinkle about half a cup of these toasted pecans evenly across the top of the cake—this way, you infuse more flavor and some irresistible crunch right in the middle layer.

Step 4: Make the Praline Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt half a cup of butter over medium heat and stir in the brown sugar and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Let it bubble and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture is glossy and slightly thickened. Turn off the heat and stir in the rest of your chopped pecans. The resulting praline sauce is what makes this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake so utterly decadent.

Step 5: Praline the Cake

Pour about half of the praline sauce all over the cake, spreading it with a spatula to make sure it finds its way into those poked holes. This step creates gooey pockets of flavor and gives each slice a taste of Southern-style candied pecan magic.

Step 6: Whip the Cream

In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This homemade whipped cream is a cloudlike finish that lightens—and perfects—the entire cake.

Step 7: Assemble and Decorate

Spread the whipped cream over the cooled, praline-soaked cake in a thick, fluffy layer. Finish with a generous drizzle of the remaining praline sauce and a final sprinkle of toasted pecans. The result is a showstopper: your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake, ready for its grand entrance!

How to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Garnishes

The crowning touch? An extra sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans and a final flourish of caramel or praline sauce just before serving. For an extra-special look, you can add a few whole pecan halves on each slice or a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Side Dishes

Since this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is quite rich, it pairs beautifully with fresh, lightly sweet options like a bowl of berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. You can also serve it with black coffee or hot tea, which balance out all the sweetness and really let the cake’s buttery flavors shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-ready presentation, consider serving individual squares in cupcake liners or mini trifle cups layered with whipped cream and a drizzle of praline sauce. If you’re feeling festive, top each piece with a small edible flower or a chocolate curl for a touch of whimsy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake keeps well for up to four days, and some folks even say it gets better as the flavors meld!

Freezing

You can freeze the cake (without whipped cream) for up to one month. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh whipped cream topping and a drizzle of praline sauce before enjoying.

Reheating

If you love a warm cake, microwave individual slices for about 10–15 seconds before serving. Just remember to add any cold toppings (like whipped cream) after reheating to keep the texture perfect.

FAQs

Can I make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows all those sweet, buttery flavors to soak thoroughly into the cake, enhancing the texture and taste. Just wait to add the whipped cream topping until right before serving.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

While butter pecan cake mix is classic, you can experiment with yellow or vanilla cake mix if that’s what you have on hand. Just know the final flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.

Is it possible to make this dessert nut-free?

You can omit the pecans if you have a nut allergy, though the cake will lose some of its signature flavor and crunch. Try substituting with toasted sunflower seeds for a similar texture.

How do I toast pecans properly?

Spread chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3–5 minutes until you smell their rich, nutty aroma. Be careful not to walk away—they can burn quickly!

Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of homemade?

Definitely! While fresh whipped cream tastes best, a store-bought whipped topping can save time and still satisfy everyone’s sweet craving. Just spread it on in a thick layer as you would with the homemade version.

Final Thoughts

Once you try the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake, you’ll find yourself dreaming up excuses to make it again and again. It’s everything a dessert should be: easy, impressive, comforting, and downright delicious. Don’t wait for a special occasion—grab those ingredients and treat yourself to a slice of Southern-inspired bliss!