If you’re craving a true Southern-inspired treat, Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is about to become your new bake sale legend and weeknight family favorite. Imagine a tender butter pecan cake, bathed in rich praline sauce, every bite sweet and nutty, with puddles of caramel-like filling throughout. It’s an effortlessly elegant dessert that always draws rave reviews at potlucks, birthdays, and cozy gatherings. This irresistible cake delivers big flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen, making it a must-bake for anyone who loves classic comfort desserts with a showstopping twist.

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake comes together with simple pantry staples, each ingredient chosen to bring richness, texture, and deep caramel notes. Here’s what you’ll need and why each part matters in bringing this dreamy cake to life:

Butter pecan cake mix: Always the shortcut star, giving you all the buttery, nutty flavors as a base without the fuss of baking from scratch.
Coconut pecan frosting: Adds moisture and chewy pecan-coconut bits for irresistible texture bites throughout the cake.
Eggs: Four whole eggs make the cake extra rich, helping it rise soft and fluffy.
Vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist; don’t skimp here!
Milk: Adds creaminess and helps bind everything, making the batter silky.
Chopped pecans: Tiny crunchy bursts of toasty flavor—use fresh pecans for the best aroma and taste.
Sweetened condensed milk: The key to the praline sauce, lending deep sweetness and a velvety texture that soaks into every poke.
Butter: Infuses richness into the sauce, paired perfectly with the pecans.

How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Kicking things off is easy: set your oven to a cozy 350°F and give your trusty 9×13-inch pan a generous greasing. This step ensures no sticky situations when you’re ready to serve picture-perfect squares of Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine your butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, oil, and milk. Use an electric mixer and blend until the batter is creamy and smooth—no lumps! Fold in half a cup of those glorious chopped pecans, distributing them evenly for nutty goodness in every bite.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour your luscious batter straight into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let your kitchen fill with an aroma that’s pure nostalgia and Southern comfort.

Step 4: Poke and Cool

Once your cake is out of the oven, grab a wooden spoon’s handle and poke holes all over the top—this is the secret to transforming a simple cake into Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake magic! Set aside while you prep the sauce (try not to eat it straight from the pan at this stage…)

Step 5: Whip Up the Praline Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, gently melt butter, then stir in your sweetened condensed milk until silky smooth. Let it come to a low simmer, then stir in the remaining chopped pecans. The kitchen will smell like a candy shop!

Step 6: Fill and Soak

Pour the warm praline sauce slowly and evenly over the cake, watching as it seeps into every hole and down the sides. This praline bath adds sweet, gooey pockets throughout, elevating every bite. Let the cake cool completely for neat slicing and maximum flavor.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Garnishes

Give your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake a flourish by topping with extra chopped pecans for crunch, a generous dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. Each garnish adds visual appeal and another tempting layer of texture.

Side Dishes

This cake is lovely alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or with fresh berries tossed in a bit of sugar for a tart contrast. Even a piping hot cup of coffee or black tea makes the experience feel extra special and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving small square slices in cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats, or layer cubes of the cake in parfait glasses with whipped cream and caramel for a fun take on trifle. Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake also looks stunning on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with chopped pecans.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 4-5 days—just make sure you cover it well with foil or plastic wrap to preserve its moisture and keep the praline filling from drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake into portions and wrap each securely in plastic wrap, then arrange in an airtight container or zip-top bag. It can rest happily in the freezer for up to three months, making it perfect for emergency sweet cravings.

Reheating

For a taste of freshly baked magic, gently warm chilled or thawed cake slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving. This gives the praline a soft, almost molten drizzle once more—pure comfort in every bite.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix if I can’t find butter pecan?

Absolutely! A yellow or butter cake mix works well—add a dash of vanilla and extra toasted pecans for that signature flavor. The coconut pecan frosting helps recreate some of the classic taste, even with a different base.

Is it okay to make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake a day ahead?

Yes, in fact, making it a day ahead deepens the flavors and allows the sauce to soak in completely. Simply cover and refrigerate overnight, then let it come up to room temperature for best serving texture.

Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?

Of course! While pecans bring that traditional Southern flavor, walnuts offer a pleasant crunch and earthy note that pairs nicely with the praline sauce. You can even try a blend of nuts if you’re feeling adventurous.

Do I need to toast the pecans?

Toasting the pecans adds an extra depth of flavor, but it’s not a must. If you have a few spare minutes, gently toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet until fragrant before folding them into the batter and sauce for a richer, nuttier taste.

How do I cut neat slices of poke cake?

Let the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake cool fully—refrigerating for an hour before slicing helps, too. Use a hot, clean knife for sharp edges, wiping between cuts for beautiful bakery-style squares.

Final Thoughts

This dessert truly sparkles with Southern warmth, nostalgia, and comfort. Whether you’re whipping up Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake for a special gathering or as a thoughtful surprise for your family, it’s guaranteed to draw delighted smiles and recipe requests. Trust me—this is one cake you’ll want to make again and again!

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. A butter pecan cake soaked in a sweet praline sauce, topped with chopped pecans – it’s a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 (15 oz) box butter pecan cake mix
1 (16 oz) can coconut pecan frosting
4 large eggs
3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
1 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Sauce:

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Cake Batter: Combine cake mix, coconut frosting, eggs, oil, and milk. Beat until well blended.
Add Pecans: Stir in chopped pecans and pour batter into the baking dish.
Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Prepare Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, add condensed milk, and simmer. Stir in chopped pecans.
Poke Cake: Remove cake from oven and poke holes. Pour sauce over the cake, allowing it to seep in.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.