Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Okay, so you have to try this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake! It’s sweet, creamy, and super gooey in the best way. Trust me, once you take a bite, you won’t be able to stop.

I made this the other day, and oh my gosh, the buttery pecans and that yummy praline sauce? So good. The cake is soft, and when you poke the holes, all that sweet caramel goodness sinks right in. Every bite is like a little piece of heaven!

If you love easy desserts that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen, this is it. I made it for my family, and they couldn’t get enough—it was gone in minutes! You’re gonna want to make this again and again.

Let’s get baking! Grab your ingredients, and I’ll show you exactly how to make this delicious cake. You’re gonna love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-Moist and Decadent: The praline topping seeps into every hole, making each bite buttery and rich.
• Quick and Easy: Uses a cake mix to save time, but tastes homemade!
• Perfect for Pecans Lovers: Loaded with pecans for a crunchy, nutty texture.
• Crowd Favorite: Ideal for potlucks, parties, or when you just want to treat yourself.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Key Ingredients

Here’s what makes this cake so special:

• Butter Pecan Cake Mix: The base of the cake, giving it that rich buttery flavor.
• Coconut Pecan Frosting: Adds texture and enhances the nutty flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Soaks into the cake, adding sweetness and moisture.
• Chopped Pecans: Provide the signature crunch in both the cake and praline topping.
• Butter: Adds richness to the praline topping, making it extra creamy.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings

• Makes 12 servings
• Need more? Double the recipe for larger gatherings!

Difficulty

• Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps, minimal prep, and impressive results.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand or stand mixer
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Spatula
• Toothpick or skewer (for poking holes)
• Small saucepan

Ingredients for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

For the Cake:

• 1 box butter pecan cake mix
• 1 can (16 ounces) coconut pecan frosting
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup chopped pecans

For the Praline Topping:

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup chopped pecans

How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat everything together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the chopped pecans for that perfect nutty crunch.

2. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. Poke the Cake

Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Using a toothpick, skewer, or the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the cake. These holes will allow the praline topping to soak in, making the cake extra moist and flavorful.

4. Make the Praline Topping

While the cake is cooling, prepare the praline topping. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and butter. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.

5. Pour the Praline Topping

Slowly pour the warm praline topping over the poked cake, letting it seep into the holes. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top. Allow the cake to cool completely so the topping can set perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

How to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

This cake is delicious on its own, but here are some fun ways to serve it:

• With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a swirl of store-bought whipped topping for extra creaminess.
• Topped with Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
• Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Add an extra layer of sweetness with a light drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Garnish with Extra Pecans: Sprinkle more chopped or candied pecans on top for added crunch and decoration.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a simple, elegant touch.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

How to Store Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• At Room Temperature: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 1-2 days.
• In the Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier!
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: Warm a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if you prefer a warm, gooey texture.
• Oven: Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes for multiple slices.

Variations for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add a Chocolate Twist: Drizzle melted chocolate over the praline topping or mix chocolate chips into the batter.
• Use Different Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a unique flavor.
• Make it Boozy: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the praline topping for an adult version of this cake.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Coconut Lovers: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the praline layer for added texture and sweetness.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Poke Deep Holes: Make sure the holes go deep enough so the praline topping seeps all the way into the cake.
• Use Fresh Pecans: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality pecans. Toast them lightly before adding for extra nuttiness.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cake in the last few minutes of baking. Overbaking can dry it out.
• Let It Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing to ensure the praline topping sets properly.

Nutrition

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	420
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	65mg
Sodium	320mg
Total Carbohydrates	50g
Sugars	35g
Protein	5g

Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.

FAQs About Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This cake tastes even better the next day as the praline flavor has time to soak in. Store it covered in the fridge.

Q: Can I substitute the coconut pecan frosting?
A: Yes! You can swap it for regular pecan frosting, or if you prefer, leave it out and the cake will still be delicious.

Q: Can I make this without nuts?
A: Definitely. Just skip the pecans, but keep in mind the cake will lose some of its signature crunch.

Conclusion

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the perfect mix of buttery richness and nutty goodness. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, family gathering, or just because, it’s sure to impress. With its simple prep and indulgent flavor, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation!