Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

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This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the kind of dessert that turns heads and brings people back for seconds. Imagine a soft, buttery cake drenched with a sweet, sticky praline sauce that sinks into every bite. Add a whipped topping and a generous sprinkle of crunchy pecans, and you have a Southern-inspired treat that feels indulgent yet comforting.

What makes this poke cake special is the way the sauce seeps into the holes of the cake, turning a simple dessert into a decadent experience. The praline flavor adds a toasty, caramel richness that pairs perfectly with the soft texture of butter pecan cake. It’s a favorite for holidays, potlucks, or any time you want to impress without fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

You’ll love how ridiculously easy it is to make with just a handful of ingredients. The flavors are nostalgic yet elevated, and the texture is pure comfort. It’s rich without being too heavy, sweet without being cloying. And it keeps beautifully, meaning it tastes just as good the next day—if not better.

What Kind of Cake Mix Should I Use?

A butter pecan cake mix works best for this recipe, and most major grocery stores carry it. If you can’t find it, a yellow cake mix or butter golden cake mix with added chopped pecans will do the trick. The key is to choose a base that enhances the warm, nutty praline flavors.

Ingredients for the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

This recipe uses pantry staples and a few simple extras to transform a boxed cake into something truly special.

Butter pecan cake mix is the perfect flavor base, already infused with the nutty richness this dessert is known for.

Eggs help bind the cake and add richness.

Vegetable oil gives the cake moisture and tenderness.

Water activates the mix and helps create a light crumb.

Sweetened condensed milk is poured into the poked holes to create that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Caramel sauce or butterscotch topping is key for layering in that praline flavor.

Whipped topping (like Cool Whip) gives a creamy, light finish that balances the dense cake.

Chopped pecans add a toasty crunch and bring home the buttery praline flavor.

How To Make the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the butter pecan cake mix according to package directions using eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake as directed. Once done, let the cake cool slightly.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar-sized utensil, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake, making sure to go nearly all the way to the bottom.

Step 3: Add the Praline Filling

Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top, allowing it to seep into the holes. Then drizzle the caramel sauce over the cake to deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Chill and Top

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours so the flavors meld. Before serving, spread a thick layer of whipped topping over the surface, then scatter chopped pecans generously on top.

Serving and Storing This Praline Cake Delight

This cake is perfect served chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. It serves 12 to 15 people, making it a great option for gatherings, potlucks, or celebrations. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days. The flavors just get better with time as the cake soaks up more of that praline goodness.

What to Serve With Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake?

A scoop of vanilla ice cream

Melting slowly beside a slice of this rich cake, ice cream adds a dreamy finish.

Fresh berries

A tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake, raspberries or strawberries work well.

Hot coffee or espresso

The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness in the cake beautifully.

Whipped cream with cinnamon

Add a dollop of spiced whipped cream for a cozy touch.

Salted caramel drizzle

For extra indulgence, drizzle warm salted caramel over each serving.

Bourbon whipped cream

If you’re entertaining adults, this twist gives a bold southern flair.

Butter pecan ice cream

Double down on flavor by pairing the cake with its namesake ice cream.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake hit the spot, you’ll probably fall in love with these other sweet favorites:

• Delightful Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Recipe for fruity crunch and creamy layers.
• Butter Pecan Cheesecake if you’re obsessed with pecan goodness.
• Mama Seward’s Iconic Strawberry Cake Recipe for a vintage Southern classic.
• Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls if you’re craving breakfast dessert vibes.
• Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies for a cookie version of butter cake magic.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a different topping? Try a homemade caramel drizzle? I love seeing how you make these treats your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more sweet inspirations on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to dessert fix.

Conclusion

This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is sweet, simple, and unforgettable. It takes a humble boxed mix and turns it into something elegant and irresistible. Whether you’re serving a crowd or saving it all for yourself, it’s one of those recipes that keeps getting requested. Make it once, and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite for so many.

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