Desserts have a magical way of bringing people together, don’t they? Whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet evening treat, a deliciously indulgent dessert can make any moment special. Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug—rich, moist, and loaded with buttery, nutty flavors. If you’ve been looking for a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is impressive, this is it. Let’s dive into how to make this show-stopping cake from start to finish!
Why You’ll Love Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
This cake is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. It’s:
- Buttery and moist with a caramel-soaked base.
- Crunchy and sweet from the praline topping.
- Easy to make with simple, accessible ingredients.
If you love pecans and caramel, you’re in for a real treat!
Ingredients for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this decadent dessert:
Ingredient | Amount |
Butter pecan cake mix | 1 box (plus listed ingredients) |
Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz) |
Caramel ice cream topping | 1 jar (12 oz) |
Chopped pecans | 1 cup |
Butter | 1/2 cup |
Brown sugar | 1 cup |
Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then prepare the butter pecan cake mix as directed on the box. Once mixed, pour the batter into the baking dish and bake it until golden and springy to the touch.
Pro Tip: Use a toothpick to test if the cake is fully baked. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
2. Poke and Soak
When the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface. These holes will allow the luscious sweetened condensed milk and caramel to seep deep into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.
- Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the entire cake.
- Follow with a generous drizzle of caramel ice cream topping, ensuring it fills every hole.
3. Create the Praline Topping
This step is where the magic happens! The praline topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that takes the cake to another level.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
4. Assemble the Cake
Pour the warm praline mixture over the top of the cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure every corner is covered for maximum flavor.
5. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. This gives the layers of flavor time to settle and ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Tips for Success
Use Quality Ingredients
High-quality butter, fresh pecans, and real vanilla extract make a big difference in the overall taste.
Customize the Recipe
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on the praline topping for a sweet-and-salty twist.
- Swap the caramel topping for butterscotch if you prefer a slightly different flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 12 servings):
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
Calories | 420 |
Total Fat | 22 g |
Saturated Fat | 10 g |
Sugar | 38 g |
Protein | 4 g |
Carbohydrates | 50 g |
FAQs About Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to serve.
2. What if I don’t have a wooden spoon for poking holes?
No problem! You can use a fork, chopsticks, or even the back of a straw.
3. Can I use a homemade butter pecan cake mix?
Yes! If you have a homemade recipe for butter pecan cake, feel free to use it. Just make sure it yields enough for a 9×13-inch pan.
4. Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the praline topping?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk in place of heavy cream, but the texture may be slightly less rich.
5. How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
6. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake for up to three months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion: Time to Indulge!
Now that you know how to make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake, it’s time to treat yourself and your loved ones to this decadent dessert. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, this cake is perfect for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake a dessert that everyone will rave about.
Ready to try it out? Let us know how it turned out for you in the comments or share your own creative twists on this recipe!
Print
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake: A Decadent Dessert You’ll Love
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a warm, indulgent treat packed with buttery flavors, caramel, and a delightful pecan topping. With a moist, sweet base and a rich, praline finish, this dessert is guaranteed to impress. Perfect for any gathering or as an after-dinner indulgence, it’s easy to make yet incredibly decadent!
Ingredients
- 1 box Butter Pecan Cake Mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 jar (12 oz) Caramel Ice Cream Topping
- 1 cup Chopped Pecans
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Base: Preheat your oven and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Follow the cake mix instructions and bake until golden and springy to the touch.
- Poke and Soak: Once the cake is baked, while still warm, poke holes using a wooden spoon handle. Pour sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping over the cake to fill the holes and soak in the flavors.
- Make the Praline Topping: Melt butter in a saucepan. Add brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a boil. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
- Assemble: Pour the praline mixture evenly over the cake, making sure to cover every inch.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of sea salt to the praline topping or swap caramel with butterscotch for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American