Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake: A Southern-Style Indulgence

There’s something deeply comforting about poke cakes—they’re simple to make, yet they deliver layers of flavor and gooey goodness in every bite. When I first tasted a Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake at a church potluck in the South, I knew I had discovered dessert heaven. Imagine moist butter pecan cake infused with a rich caramel praline sauce, topped with a luscious cream topping, and finished with crunchy pecans. This dessert is like a warm hug, perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want a decadent sweet treat that will impress.

What Is Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a soft butter pecan-flavored cake that’s baked, poked with holes, and then soaked with a praline caramel sauce. The holes allow the sauce to seep deep into the cake, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. It’s then topped with a creamy frosting—often cream cheese or whipped topping—and sprinkled generously with chopped pecans. The result is a dreamy balance of sweet, nutty, creamy, and crunchy textures.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

This isn’t just any poke cake—it’s indulgence in a pan. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• The praline sauce turns a simple cake into something gourmet.
• It’s easy to prepare with pantry staples and a boxed cake mix base.
• It feeds a crowd, making it perfect for potlucks or parties.
• The pecans add just the right crunch against the moist, sweet cake.
• It can be made ahead, so it’s stress-free for hosts.

this Recipe

How Does It Taste?

Every bite is a perfect balance: soft, buttery cake with sweet notes of caramel, a creamy, silky topping, and a nutty crunch from pecans. The praline sauce is rich, sticky, and slightly salty, which keeps the cake from being overly sweet. It tastes like pecan pie met a butter cake and fell in love with caramel cheesecake—it’s that decadent.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

While this cake is pure indulgence, there are a few ingredient benefits:

• Pecans are rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber.
• Butter provides vitamin A and richness.
• Brown sugar adds minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium.
• Dairy-based toppings like cream cheese add calcium and protein.

It’s not exactly a health food, but when shared and enjoyed in moderation, it’s a delightful treat that brings joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 1 box Butter Pecan cake mix
• 1 cup milk
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Praline Sauce:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Creamy Topping:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½ cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
• ½ cup chopped pecans (for garnish)
• Optional: drizzle of caramel sauce

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Wooden spoon (for poking holes)
• Saucepan (for praline sauce)
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula

Optional Substitutions & Additions

• Use vanilla or butter cake mix if butter pecan is unavailable.
• Add toffee bits to the topping for extra crunch.
• Replace whipped topping with stabilized whipped cream for a fresher option.
• Swirl in cream cheese caramel drizzle for added indulgence.

How to Make

1. Bake the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare cake mix with milk, eggs, and butter according to box instructions. Bake in a 9×13-inch pan until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly.
2. Poke Holes: While warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
3. Make the Praline Sauce: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and pecans.
4. Pour Over Cake: Immediately pour warm praline sauce over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
5. Chill: Refrigerate cake for at least 2 hours to set.
6. Make the Creamy Topping: Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread evenly over chilled cake.
7. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped pecans and drizzle with caramel if desired.

What to Serve With

• A scoop of butter pecan ice cream for a double treat.
• A hot mug of coffee or latte—the bitterness balances the sweetness.
• A dollop of whipped cream for a lighter touch.

Tips for Success

• Poke deep holes so the praline sauce penetrates well.
• Pour praline sauce while warm for maximum absorption.
• Chill thoroughly before adding topping to prevent melting.
• Toast pecans for deeper, richer flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not poking enough holes: This leads to uneven soaking.
• Pouring sauce too late: It needs to be hot to seep properly.
• Overbaking the cake: Keep it moist, not dry.
• Using cold cream cheese: Always soften first for smooth topping.

How to Store & Reheat

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze slices by wrapping in plastic and placing in a freezer bag. Keeps for 2 months.
• Serve chilled or let come to room temperature—do not reheat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this a day ahead?
Yes! In fact, it’s best when chilled overnight.

Do I have to use pecans?
No, walnuts or even almonds can work, but pecans give the most authentic flavor.

Can I use homemade cake batter?
Absolutely! A scratch-made butter cake works perfectly.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of praline?
Yes, but praline sauce gives a richer, nutty flavor.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 480
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 42g
• Sodium: 370mg

Conclusion

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the kind of dessert that gets people talking. It’s rich, nutty, gooey, and creamy all at once the perfect Southern-inspired dessert to bring to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, a birthday, or simply craving something special, this cake will always deliver sweet comfort and joy.

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September 19, 2025 by Melissa