Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the ultimate Southern-inspired dessert—rich, moist, and loaded with the caramel-toffee notes of pralines, buttery pecans, and the decadent creaminess of a poke cake. With every bite, you’ll experience the magic of a soft butter cake infused with swirls of praline caramel, studded with toasted pecans, and crowned with an impossibly plush cloud of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.
This cake brings together all the nostalgia and comfort of church suppers, holiday tables, and Sunday lunches, but with a modern poke-cake twist that makes it easy for bakers of any skill level. The “poke cake” technique means the cake is baked, then poked all over and flooded with a luscious sauce—here, a homemade or store-bought caramel-praline syrup—making the dessert extra moist and flavorful.
The nutty, buttery topping takes it over the top, and the fact that it’s essentially foolproof and make-ahead only adds to its charm. Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or any time a sweet craving hits and you want to share a showstopper.
Ingredients
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix (or yellow cake mix, plus 1 cup chopped pecans)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Praline Poke Filling:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 3/4 cup caramel or butterscotch sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed, or 1 1/2 cups homemade whipped cream
- Additional caramel sauce and pecan halves, for garnish
The Magic of Poke Cakes and Butter Pecan
Poke cakes are a beloved shortcut dessert, created for busy home bakers looking for maximum impact with minimum fuss. The “poke and pour” method means that after baking, small holes are poked all over the cake and a sweet, sticky filling is poured over, making every forkful extra-moist and packed with flavor.
The butter pecan cake brings classic Southern ingredients—roasted, buttery pecans and rich, vanilla-kissed crumb—while the praline caramel and whipped frosting add layers of decadence and fun. This cake is as pretty as it is delicious, with swirls of caramel and crunchy pecans on top for that signature praline look.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Bake the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan. In a large bowl, mix cake mix, milk, oil or melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans, if using a yellow mix. Pour into the prepared pan and bake according to the box instructions (usually 25–28 minutes) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Poke and Soak:
While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about an inch apart. In a saucepan, gently heat the sweetened condensed milk, caramel or butterscotch sauce, melted butter, and salt until just blended and pourable.
Reserve a bit of toasted pecans for garnish, then stir the rest into the sauce. Slowly pour the warm praline filling over the cake, letting it seep into all the holes. Gently spread with a spatula to help it soak in evenly.
Let the cake cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (up to overnight) for optimal flavor and texture.
Prepare the Frosting:
Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Fold in the whipped topping until light and creamy. (You can substitute all whipped topping if cream cheese isn’t your favorite, or use only whipped cream for a lighter finish.)
Spread frosting over the cold cake. Drizzle with more caramel sauce (warm slightly to pour), and scatter extra pecans and praline bits or a sprinkle of sea salt for a salty-sweet finish.
Variations and Sweet Twists
- Swap in chocolate cake mix and chocolate sauce for a turtle poke cake.
- Use maple syrup in the filling for maple-pecan flavor.
- Add bourbon to the praline filling for a boozy twist perfect for adults.
- Try coconut flakes with the pecans for a Southern “Derby Pie” vibe.
- Make it gluten-free with a GF cake mix and certified gluten-free pecans.
For extra crunch, add a pecan-streusel layer under the frosting, or use crushed Butterfingers or toffee for a “candy bar” finish.
Make-Ahead, Storing, and Gifting
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a make-ahead marvel. Chill overnight for the best flavor and easiest slicing. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to five days; the cake stays moist and gets even better as it sits.
To transport, keep the cake in its pan and pack toppings separately; garnish just before serving for freshest results. For gifting, cut into squares and package in festive boxes or tins—each slice is a perfect celebratory bite.
Serving and Pairing
Serve this cake cold or at room temperature with hot coffee, spiced tea, or a glass of cold milk. For a plated dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of bourbon caramel for true Southern indulgence.
Pair for potlucks with fresh fruit salads, lemon bars, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Troubleshooting, Tips, and FAQs
Why is my cake too soggy? Don’t overfill the holes and allow time for soaking/chilling before frosting and serving. Use a thick praline sauce rather than thin syrup.
How to toast pecans? Bake at 350°F for 7–9 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant—not burned!
Can I use all whipped topping? Absolutely—cream cheese adds tang, but you can skip it for a fluffier, lighter finish.
How to keep cake from sticking? Grease pan thoroughly, and if using whipped cream, frost only after cake is fully cold.
How to make it nut-free? Try toasted sunflower seeds or skip nuts entirely for caramel poke cake.
Nutritional Notes
This is a celebration cake—rich, sweet, loaded with healthy fats from pecans, and happily shared in reasonable slices. For lighter options, use light whipped topping and less sauce, but this recipe is pure Southern indulgence meant to savor—perfect for holidays, birthdays, and all your sweetest memories.
Final Thoughts
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake brings together the best of Southern baking and poke cake nostalgia. Satisfying, simple, and stunning in every slice, it’s a dessert that gets better with time and truly brings people together. Try it for your next gathering—you’ll have requests for the recipe and raves about every decadent, praline-drizzled forkful.
