Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both effortless and unforgettable, this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake delivers pure comfort in every bite. It combines the decadence of caramel, the nuttiness of pecans, the warmth of butter pecan cake, and the creamy richness of sweetened condensed milk—all soaked deep into the layers of a soft, tender crumb. This recipe feels like something straight out of a Southern kitchen: indulgent, sweet, and made to impress any crowd with almost no effort at all.
Poke cakes have long been a beloved classic because of their signature texture. The method of poking holes into a freshly baked cake allows fillings and sauces to seep into every bite, transforming a simple cake into something far more flavorful and moist. This Butter Pecan Praline version takes that concept to a whole new level, creating a dessert that’s equal parts cake, caramel, praline, and dreamy whipped topping.
Whether you’re preparing this for a holiday gathering, a Sunday dinner, a potluck table, or a special celebration, be prepared for people to ask for seconds—and the recipe.
Why This Cake Works So Well
What sets this cake apart is the clever combination of ingredients. Using a butter pecan cake mix makes the base incredibly easy, yet the addition of coconut pecan frosting inside the batter adds richness, depth, and texture you can’t get from a boxed mix alone. The result is a dense yet melt-in-your-mouth crumb that tastes like it came from a bakery, not a mixing bowl.
Once baked, the warm cake is drenched in a mix of caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk, allowing the sweetness to soak through every layer. This creates a praline-like flavor profile and ensures the cake stays moist for days. A topping of whipped cream and crunchy pecans adds a cool, airy contrast to the rich, buttery cake underneath.
This cake is the definition of simple indulgence: minimal ingredients, zero decorating stress, and guaranteed “wow” factor.
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 (15 oz) box butter pecan cake mix
1 (16 oz) can coconut pecan frosting
4 large eggs
¾ cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk
For the Topping:
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz) jar caramel sauce
1 cup chopped pecans
Whipped topping, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, oil, and milk until smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While warm, poke holes all over the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Mix condensed milk and caramel sauce, then pour evenly over the cake, letting it soak in.
- Cool completely, then top with whipped topping and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips for the Best Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
To make this dessert truly shine, a few small tweaks go a long way. First, don’t rush the cooling process. Giving the cake time to absorb the caramel-milk mixture ensures even moisture throughout. Chilling it also helps the whipped topping firm up and keeps the praline flavors balanced rather than overly sweet.
If you love extra crunch, lightly toast the pecans before sprinkling them on top. Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with caramel and butter pecan.
And if you want to turn this cake into a show-stopping centerpiece, drizzle an additional ribbon of caramel sauce over the whipped topping just before serving. It adds shine, flavor, and an irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve and Store It
This cake is best served cold, allowing the layers to meld and the filling to set. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert. In fact, many people swear it tastes even better the next day because the flavors continue to develop.
If you’re making this for a large gathering, it slices beautifully into clean squares once chilled. For smaller servings, a spoonful from the corner of the pan is just as satisfying!
Perfect for Holidays, Parties, or Anytime You Need Comfort Food
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is one of those recipes that feels both nostalgic and exciting. It has the soul of traditional Southern desserts but with the convenience of modern baking shortcuts. Its rich, buttery flavor and praline sweetness make it ideal for fall holidays, Christmas dessert tables, birthday parties, or any time you simply want something irresistibly good.
Serve it once, and it’s guaranteed to become one of your signature go-to desserts.
If you’re ready to create a cake that’s comforting, decadent, and unbelievably easy, this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the sweet treat you’ve been searching for.
