Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Decadent, rich, and downright addictive, Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a dessert that brings Southern charm and indulgent flavor to every bite. This ultra-moist cake is drenched in a buttery praline sauce that seeps into every nook and cranny, making each slice a heavenly experience. With the delightful crunch of pecans and the sweet fusion of butter pecan and coconut flavors, it’s no wonder this cake is often the star of any dessert table.

What makes it even better? It’s a breeze to make with a cake mix base and a few easy add-ins. Think of it as the close cousin to our Caramel Turtle Poke Cake—both rich, easy, and oh-so-satisfying. If you’re in the mood to wow a crowd or just treat yourself, this poke cake is calling your name!

What is Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake?

So, what exactly is a Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake? Besides being a mouthful to say, it’s a glorious combination of butter pecan cake infused with a luscious praline sauce. The “poke” part comes from the method—poking holes in the freshly baked cake so the sauce can soak in, creating layers of moisture and flavor that are simply irresistible.

Why do we call it that? Because it tastes like a sweet Southern praline got cozy with a butter pecan ice cream and decided to become cake! As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—and this dessert proves it every time. Give it a try, and you might just fall in love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake has everything going for it:

• Irresistible flavor: Rich butter pecan cake with a creamy, nutty praline sauce soaked into every bite? Yes, please!
• Easy ingredients, gourmet results: With a cake mix and canned frosting, it’s fuss-free yet tastes like you spent hours baking.
• Textural delight: The tender cake combined with crunchy pecans and silky sauce creates a perfect balance of textures.

It’s the kind of dessert that makes people ask for the recipe—and go back for seconds. If you’re a fan of our Chocolate Toffee Poke Cake, you’re going to love this sweet, buttery twist. Try it once, and it’ll become your new favorite!

How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Quick Overview

This poke cake is as simple as mix, bake, poke, and pour! It’s ready in under an hour, and the payoff is a moist, flavorful dessert that feels like something you’d find at a family reunion or festive gathering.

Ingredients:

For the 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

For the Sauce:

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

Step-by-Step:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×11-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, coconut frosting, eggs, oil, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
3. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans and pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Remove the cake from the oven and immediately use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
6. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the condensed milk and stir well.
7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the remaining chopped pecans.
8. Remove from heat and slowly pour the sauce over the warm cake, allowing it to fill the holes and run down the sides.
9. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving. Store in the refrigerator for best results.

What to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake With:

This rich cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of butter pecan or vanilla ice cream. For drinks, consider serving with strong coffee, sweet tea, or a spiced chai latte to balance the sweetness. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans for a little something extra.

Top Tips for Perfecting Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• Don’t skip the poking step: The more holes, the more sauce soaks in for ultimate flavor and moisture.
• Use a spoon to guide the sauce: Pour it slowly so it gets into the holes evenly.
• Let it chill: Refrigerating the cake helps set the sauce and enhances the flavor.
• Use toasted pecans for a deeper, nuttier flavor in the topping.
• Swap frosting flavors if desired—try caramel or maple for a twist!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It actually tastes better after a day as the flavors meld together. This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature. If freezing, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I make this cake in advance? Yes! It actually gets better after sitting for a day, so feel free to make it ahead of time.

What can I substitute for coconut pecan frosting? If you can’t find it, try a can of caramel frosting or make a quick homemade version using sweetened coconut and chopped pecans in a butter base.

Is this cake overly sweet? It’s definitely rich, but the nuts and butter balance the sweetness nicely. Serve with coffee or tea to cut the richness.

Conclusion

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for butter pecan lovers and sweet tooths alike. With its gooey sauce, crunchy nuts, and soft cake base, every bite feels like a celebration. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself to a slice of something special, this cake delivers Southern flavor with a homemade touch. Go ahead, poke and pour your way to dessert heaven!