BUTTER PECAN PRALINE POKE CAKE

 

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake: A Southern Dessert Dream Come True

If you're looking for a show-stopping dessert that's decadent, moist, and bursting with nutty caramel flavor, look no further than the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. This Southern-inspired treat combines the warmth of butter pecan cake, the sweet crunch of praline topping, and the richness of a gooey caramel drizzle — all soaked into every single bite.

It’s easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or when you just want to spoil yourself and your guests with something unforgettable.

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🍰 What Is a Poke Cake?

A poke cake is exactly what it sounds like: a baked cake that you poke holes into, then pour a filling or sauce over the top. The filling seeps into the holes, infusing the cake with extra flavor and making it incredibly moist.

In this version, we’re soaking a butter pecan cake with sweet praline sauce, then topping it with whipped cream and toasted pecans for a luscious dessert that tastes like pecan pie meets caramel cake.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box butter pecan cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box – typically eggs, oil, and water)

• 1 cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted for extra flavor)

For the Praline Sauce:

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade)

• 1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped

• Optional: a drizzle of caramel sauce or extra praline sauce

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

1. Bake the Cake

Prepare the butter pecan cake mix according to the package instructions. Stir in 1 cup of toasted pecans before baking for extra texture. Bake in a 9x13-inch pan and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

2. Poke the Holes

While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes all over the surface — about 1 inch apart. Make sure the holes go deep so the praline sauce can soak through.

3. Make the Praline Sauce

In a saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, and cream. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until everything is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

4. Pour It On

Slowly pour the warm praline sauce over the cake, making sure it fills all the holes. Let the cake cool completely so the sauce sets into the cake.

5. Add the Topping

Spread whipped topping over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with additional toasted pecans, and drizzle with caramel or leftover praline sauce for that irresistible finish.

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🥄 Tips for Success

• Toast your pecans for deeper flavor — just a few minutes in a dry skillet will do.

• Want to make it from scratch? Swap the box mix for your favorite homemade butter pecan cake recipe.

• This cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together in the fridge!

• Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.

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🎉 Perfect for Any Occasion

• Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert

• Potluck parties and family gatherings

• Birthday celebrations (especially for pecan lovers!)

• Sunday dinner finale

• “Just because” treats — no excuse needed!

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🌟 Final Thoughts

The Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is one of those desserts that never disappoints. It’s sweet, sticky, crunchy, creamy, and downright indulgent — the kind of cake that gets devoured every time you serve it.

So whether you’re trying to impress guests or treat yourself, go ahead and make this masterpiece. One bite, and you’ll know why it’s a Southern classic with a modern twist.