Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe

If you’re ready to wow your friends and family with a truly decadent dessert, look no further than this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. Bursting with buttery cake, rich caramel, crunchy pecans, and a luscious whipped topping, this cake is every pecan lover’s dream come true. Perfect for holidays or weeknight treats, it strikes that irresistible balance of sweet, creamy, and nutty that has everyone reaching for a second slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is delightfully short but mighty, with every component lending its own pop of flavor and texture. From the cake mix to the finishing pecans, each layer transforms a simple dessert into something unforgettable.

• Butter Pecan Cake Mix: Delivers the perfect buttery, nutty cake base without any fuss.
• Coconut Pecan Frosting: Swirled right into the batter for extra moisture and a familiar Southern bakery feel.
• Large Eggs: Bind everything together and give the cake lift and richness.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake tender, soft, and perfectly moist.
• Milk: Adds creaminess, melding all the flavors together beautifully.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a dreamy, drip-down soak in every poke that’s sweet and luscious.
• Caramel Sauce: Oozes into each bite, pushing the praline richness right over the top.
• Chopped Pecans: Offer a satisfying crunch and a nutty finish that makes every forkful special.
• Whipped Topping: Fluffy, light, and the perfect final touch for contrast against the dense, luxurious cake layers.

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) to make sure your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake bakes evenly. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good grease—this not only prevents sticking but makes serving those perfect squares much easier later on.

Step 2: Blend the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until the batter is mostly smooth (a few small lumps are okay). The frosting melts right in and gives the batter that classic, rich praline flavor you love.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing — buttery, nutty, and sweet.

Step 4: Poke the Cake

Once out of the oven, let the cake sit for just a few minutes so it’s warm but not piping hot. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all across the surface. Don’t worry about looking perfect; the idea is to make space for all that gooey topping to seep in.

Step 5: Add the Praline Pour

In a bowl or large measuring cup, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce until fully combined. Gently pour this dreamy mixture evenly over the cake, letting it ooze into all those holes you’ve just made. This step is what turns a great poke cake into an unforgettable Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake.

Step 6: Cool Completely, Then Top

Allow the cake to cool all the way—patience is key here for perfectly set layers. Once cooled, spread an even layer of whipped topping right to the edges, then sprinkle generously with chopped pecans for both flavor and crunch.

Step 7: Chill, Slice, and Enjoy

For best results, refrigerate your cake for at least one hour before cutting. This chilling time sets the topping and allows every glorious flavor to meld from top to bottom.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a few extra toppings! A sprinkle of finely chopped pecans, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a dusting of toasted coconut add that restaurant-style finish to each slice. If you’re feeling extra, a few fresh berries or a sprig of mint can take your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake to new heights.

Side Dishes

Pair your slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a dessert extravaganza, or keep it simple with a cup of rich hot coffee or tea. For a dessert buffet, try serving alongside fresh fruit salad or a bowl of spiced apples—these lighter sides balance the cake’s sweet, buttery richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

This cake is a show-stopper on its own, but it also loves being dressed up! Cut into small squares for a potluck tray; layer pieces in glass jars for a lovely portable treat; or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for a festive occasion. The stunning layers and candy-like finish make every presentation memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is incredibly forgiving in the fridge. Simply cover your baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. The cake keeps beautifully for up to five days, and the flavors deepen each day as the sauces soak in.

Freezing

Freezing is a breeze—just skip the whipped topping for now. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (minus topping) tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the whipped topping and nuts just before serving for best texture.

Reheating

Most people enjoy this cake cold straight from the fridge, but if you want to enjoy it warm, gently microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds. This brings back that gooey praline texture, especially if you add a fresh dollop of whipped topping right before serving.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade caramel recipe, go for it. Homemade caramel can make your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake even more delicious and adds a lovely personal touch.

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

If butter pecan cake mix isn’t available, substitute with yellow or vanilla cake mix and fold in an extra half cup of finely chopped pecans. You’ll still capture much of that buttery, nutty flavor that defines this cake.

Can I make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake the night before?

Yes, making this cake ahead of time is a great idea! The flavors meld and intensify, and the texture becomes even more luxurious as it sits overnight in the fridge.

How can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Try using a gluten-free yellow or vanilla cake mix and verify that all other packaged ingredients (like the frosting and caramel sauce) are certified gluten-free. It’s an easy swap so everyone can enjoy a slice.

Is there a way to make this dessert lighter?

You can substitute light whipped topping and low-fat condensed milk, and use less caramel or sprinkle on fewer nuts for a lighter version. While it’s meant to be indulgent, a few tweaks can reduce the richness if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

Give this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake a spot on your dessert table and just watch the smiles roll in. It’s that perfect crowd-pleaser—easy to make, unforgettable to eat, and destined to become a family favorite in no time. If you love buttery cakes with a caramel-nut twist, don’t wait another day to try it!

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