Rich, nutty, and dripping with caramel-like goodness, Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a showstopping dessert that never fails to win hearts. This cake delivers everything you could want in a Southern classic: a buttery crumb, crunchy roasted pecans, and that signature sweet praline sauce that seeps into every bite. If you love your desserts decadent, a little sticky, and irresistibly melt-in-your-mouth, you’re going to want to bookmark this recipe. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or just a night in, Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is as fun to make as it is to eat.

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake adds something delicious to the experience—flavorful cake, toasty pecans, and creamy fillings come together for maximum indulgence. Even better: the recipe relies on pantry staples and some delightful shortcuts, so it’s simple to whip up without much fuss.

Butter pecan cake mix: Delivers the rich, nutty foundation and a head start on incredible flavor.
Coconut pecan frosting: Melty, sweet, and packed with coconut and more pecans for extra texture and moisture.
Eggs: Bring structure and richness to the batter—don’t skip them!
Vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the cake ultra-moist with a soft, tender crumb.
Milk: Enhances the cake’s creamy flavor and ensures a supple, not-too-dense texture.
Chopped pecans: Dotted throughout the batter and sauce for that signature crunch and toasted aroma.
Sweetened condensed milk (for the sauce): Provides that luscious, sticky-sweet base for the praline sauce to soak right into the cake.
Butter (for the sauce): Adds rich, golden flavor to the sauce and makes it silky-smooth.

How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—a simple but essential step to guarantee a great rise. Grab your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish, give it a good coating of grease (don’t forget the corners!), and lay out all your ingredients. This makes it super easy to move through each step without scrambling for anything last minute.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, oil, and milk. Grab your electric mixer and beat everything together until completely smooth and luscious. You want the batter to look creamy, slightly thick, and well combined. This is when those kitchen aromas start to hint at the cozy treat ahead!

Step 3: Stir in the Pecans

Gently fold in the chopped pecans—don’t overmix, just a few swift turns will do. These nuts will toast up as the cake bakes, giving bursts of earthy crunch to every slice. Pour the batter into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula so it bakes up flat and gorgeous.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick poked right in the middle comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine, just no raw batter). The tantalizing scent of pecans and butter will fill the kitchen, making the wait absolutely worth it!

Step 5: Poke and Prep for the Magic Sauce

Once your cake is out of the oven, grab the handle end of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over—not too close, not too far apart, just enough so the sauce can seep down through every layer. This is what makes Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake so uniquely tempting: the sauce will travel into every bite, keeping the crumb super moist and flavorful.

Step 6: Make and Pour the Praline Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the sweetened condensed milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and add the chopped pecans, stirring constantly. As soon as everything’s blended and glossy, remove from heat. Slowly and evenly pour this praline sauce over the warm cake, taking care to cover every inch and fill every poked hole. Stand back and watch as it gets absorbed!

Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Savor

Let the cake rest and cool—which allows the praline sauce to set into the crumb. Slicing into it too soon means you might miss that signature gooey effect, so be patient! Once set, cut generous squares and serve up the goodness.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with an extra scatter of chopped pecans, a delicate drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream. A little sprinkle of sea salt takes it into salted-caramel territory, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes every serving pure heaven.

Side Dishes

Since Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is blissfully sweet, it pairs nicely with something simple and refreshing—think chilled berries or a fruit salad. A cup of strong, unsweetened coffee or black tea also helps balance the richness, making for a truly thoughtful dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform the presentation for holidays or parties by cutting the cake into bite-sized cubes and layering with whipped cream in parfait glasses. Or, serve it warm in bowls and drizzle with extra sauce for an old-fashioned “cake pudding” vibe. For outdoor gatherings, prepare as cupcakes and pour praline sauce into each for personal-sized treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge. The cake actually tastes even better the next day, as the sauce has extra time to soak in and mingle with the flavors. It keeps fresh and moist for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this cake! For best results, slice the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake and wrap each piece individually before sealing in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you like your cake a little warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings back that gooey fresh-baked taste and loosens up the praline sauce perfectly. Just keep an eye on it so you don’t overcook and dry it out.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! If butter pecan isn’t available, yellow or spice cake mix works well in a pinch—just note that the flavor profile will change slightly. Add a pinch of extra chopped pecans and even a splash of maple extract for added richness.

Do I need to toast the pecans before adding them?

Toasting brings out even more nutty aroma, so if you have a few extra minutes, spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. But you’ll still get wonderful flavor directly from the package if you’re in a hurry!

Does Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake need to be refrigerated?

Because of the sticky praline sauce and the addition of frosting in the batter, it’s best to keep the cake refrigerated—plus, it slices cleaner when cold and lasts longer.

Can I prepare Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake a day ahead?

Yes! In fact, making this cake ahead lets the sauce soak deeper and creates a more flavorful, moist dessert. Assemble the cake, let it cool, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to poke holes in my cake?

Use the handle of a wooden spoon for wide holes that grab the most sauce. Don’t worry about making them precisely spaced—just aim for holes every inch or so across the cake surface for maximum saturation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that stops the show and instantly makes any gathering feel special, don’t hesitate to try Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. It’s delightful to make, even better to share, and bound to become a new favorite—from my kitchen to yours!