If you’re searching for a dessert that embodies Southern charm, indulgence, and melt-in-your-mouth comfort, look no further than the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. Imagine a moist butter pecan cake that’s poked all over, then drenched in a warm caramel-praline sauce, and finished with crunchy toasted pecans and a silky drizzle of caramel. Every forkful combines nutty richness, buttery sweetness, and gooey caramel goodness.
This cake isn’t just delicious—it’s a true celebration of Southern tradition. Known for pralines, pecan pies, and buttery cakes, the South has gifted us desserts that linger in memory. The Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake takes these flavors and turns them into a simple yet show-stopping dessert you can make at home.
Whether you’re preparing it for holidays, Sunday suppers, birthdays, or potlucks, this cake never fails to impress. And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to master it. With a boxed cake mix base and a homemade praline sauce, this cake is the perfect blend of convenience and from-scratch charm.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the ultimate Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake—including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, serving suggestions, variations, storage methods, and even FAQs. By the end, you’ll feel confident enough to bake this cake and customize it to your taste.
What Makes This Cake Special?
There are countless poke cakes out there, but this one has a few stand-out qualities:
- Southern flavors in every bite – Toasted pecans, pralines, and caramel sauce bring authentic Southern sweetness.
- Irresistible texture – The moist cake soaks up caramel sauce, while pecans add crunch.
- Easy yet impressive – Starts with a cake mix, but tastes homemade.
- Crowd-pleasing – A guaranteed favorite at potlucks, holiday tables, or casual family dinners.
- Flexible – Can be adapted with flavor twists like bourbon, cream cheese topping, or chocolate drizzle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake
- 1 box Butter Pecan cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a richer flavor)
For the Praline Sauce
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), melted
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Whipped cream or Cool Whip (optional, for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Butter Pecan cake mix according to package directions, but add vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Pour the batter into the dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Poke the Cake & Make the Sauce
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake. Make sure the holes go deep so the sauce seeps through.
- In a saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the warm praline sauce evenly over the cake, letting it sink into the holes.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
- Sprinkle toasted pecans on top of the cake.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving (this helps the flavors meld).
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Drizzle extra caramel right before serving for gooey goodness.
Tips for Success
- Toast the pecans – This deepens their flavor and adds extra crunch.
- Poke deep holes – The deeper the holes, the more praline sauce will soak in.
- Pour sauce while warm – Warm sauce seeps better into the cake.
- Chill before serving – Resting time allows the sauce to absorb and flavors to blend.
- Use quality caramel – Homemade caramel elevates the cake, but store-bought works fine too.
Variations to Try
This cake is delicious as written, but here are some fun twists:
- Bourbon Pecan Poke Cake – Add 2 tablespoons bourbon to the praline sauce for a boozy kick.
- Chocolate Swirl – Drizzle melted chocolate or fudge sauce with the caramel for a turtle-cake vibe.
- Cream Cheese Frosting – Spread cream cheese frosting over the top before adding pecans.
- Coconut Pecan Twist – Sprinkle shredded coconut along with the pecans.
- Pumpkin Spice Pecan Cake – Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon + ½ teaspoon nutmeg to the cake mix for a fall-inspired version.
What to Serve with Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
This cake is indulgent on its own, but pairing it with the right side makes it even better:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
- A drizzle of chocolate or white chocolate sauce
- Fresh berries for a tart contrast
Storage & Freezing
Storing
- Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Serve chilled or let it sit at room temp for 20 minutes before serving.
Freezing
- Wrap unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap + foil.
- Freeze up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Add toppings after thawing for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, the cake tastes better after chilling overnight because the praline sauce soaks deeper into the cake.
Q2: Can I use homemade cake instead of mix?
Absolutely. A scratch-made butter pecan or yellow cake works perfectly.
Q3: Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
Yes—walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts are great alternatives, though pecans are the classic choice.
Q4: Does it need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the praline sauce and toppings. Refrigeration keeps it fresh and prevents spoilage.
Q5: How do I toast pecans?
Spread pecans on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 6–8 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Final Thoughts
The Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a dessert that combines Southern tradition with effortless modern baking. With its moist cake, gooey praline filling, and crunchy nut topping, it’s a guaranteed showstopper for any occasion. Whether you serve it at Thanksgiving, Easter, a birthday party, or just a casual weekend dinner, it will be the dessert everyone asks for again and again.
So go ahead—bake it, chill it, and enjoy a slice of pure Southern comfort.
