Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm Southern hug in every bite. Rich, moist, and decadently layered with creamy praline sauce and whipped topping, this cake brings together buttery pecans, warm cinnamon notes, and a luscious caramel-like drizzle. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this is the dessert that delivers comfort and flavor in every forkful.
Originating from the Southern tradition of praline candies and pecan-laced confections, this poke cake variation is all about maximizing flavor and texture. The magic happens when warm praline sauce is poured over freshly baked cake, seeping into every hole and transforming a basic box mix into something truly extraordinary. It’s a shortcut recipe that feels anything but short on taste.
What sets this cake apart is the use of butter pecan cake mix as a base, which pairs seamlessly with the brown sugar and pecan-studded praline sauce. Once topped with a cloud of whipped cream and crunchy toasted pecans, every layer complements the next, resulting in a dessert that’s both balanced and indulgent. And if you have time to make it ahead, even better—this cake gets richer and more delicious as it chills.
Serve it at potlucks, holiday gatherings, or casual dinners—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple to assemble but impressive enough for guests. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a dessert that tastes like it came straight out of Grandma’s Southern kitchen.
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Chill Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, such as eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)
For the praline sauce:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the topping:
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup toasted pecan pieces
- Optional: caramel drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the cake: Preheat your oven and bake the butter pecan cake according to the instructions on the box, using a 9×13” pan. Optional: stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Allow the cake to cool for about 10–15 minutes after baking.
- Poke the cake: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Make the praline sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Stir frequently until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, becoming smooth and glossy. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Add the sauce to the cake: Pour the warm praline sauce evenly over the cake, making sure it fills the holes and coats the top.
- Cool and top the cake: Let the cake cool completely. Once cooled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface.
- Finish with toppings: Sprinkle the toasted pecan pieces over the whipped topping. If desired, drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the cake for at least 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, make the cake a day ahead.
Variations
- Homemade cake base: Swap out the cake mix and bake a butter pecan cake from scratch using flour, sugar, butter, and buttermilk for a more artisanal touch.
- Bourbon twist: Add a splash of bourbon (1–2 tsp) to the praline sauce for a grown-up version with a Southern kick.
- Spiced praline: Enhance the praline sauce with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for deeper autumnal notes.
- Cream cheese topping: Mix a block of softened cream cheese into the whipped topping for a tangier, richer finish.
Tips
- Don’t skip poking the cake: Those holes are crucial for soaking up the praline sauce, which is what makes this cake ultra-moist and flavorful.
- Toast your pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their nutty richness and adds a beautiful crunch to balance the creamy topping.
- Make ahead for maximum flavor: This cake tastes even better after a night in the fridge. The praline sauce sets and the flavors deepen beautifully.
- Serve chilled or at room temp: It’s delicious either way, but a slight chill enhances the creamy texture of the topping.
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the definition of Southern comfort—sweet, satisfying, and simple to make. Let it become your new signature dessert.
