If you love rich, buttery desserts with a nutty crunch and a touch of sweetness that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to adore this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe. It’s a showstopper dessert that combines a moist butter pecan cake with creamy coconut pecan frosting and irresistible praline sauce, all enhanced with plenty of chopped pecans. Every bite melts in your mouth with incredible texture and flavor, making it a perfect treat for family gatherings, holidays, or whenever you need a little decadence in your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating the magic in this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe. Each component lends a unique character—from the buttery cake base to the crunchy pecans and luscious praline sauce, every ingredient contributes to a delightful harmony of flavors and textures.
- Butter pecan cake mix: The flavorful foundation that brings a rich, buttery nuttiness to every slice.
- Coconut pecan frosting: Adds creamy sweetness with tropical coconut undertones and extra pecan goodness.
- Large eggs: Essential for structure and a tender crumb.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering the nutty flavors.
- Milk: Helps create a perfectly smooth batter and adds a touch of richness.
- Chopped pecans: Twice the crunch—folded into the batter and mixed into the praline sauce for extra texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Key to the creamy, caramelized praline sauce that soaks into the cake’s pores for maximum flavor.
- Butter: Melts into the praline sauce and brings silky richness.
How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well to ensure the cake releases easily after baking. This simple prep sets you up perfectly for a smooth baking experience.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk to create a luscious, smooth batter. Don’t forget to fold in the 1/2 cup of chopped pecans here, which add delightful nutty bursts throughout the cake layers.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking at the right temperature and time ensures a beautifully moist and tender crumb.
Step 4: Poke the Cake
Once the cake is out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly but still warm enough to soak in the sauce. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly all across the cake. These holes are the secret to soaking up every bit of the luscious praline sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Praline Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens into a creamy, golden goodness. Mix in the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to bring that trademark praline crunch.
Step 6: Pour Sauce Over the Cake
Generously drizzle the warm praline sauce over the hole-poked cake, letting it sink into every nook and cranny. This step transforms the cake into a richly indulgent wonder, with intense flavors layered in each bite.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely so the sauce sets and the flavors meld beautifully. Once cooled, slice and prepare to impress your friends and family with this glorious Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe.
How to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate your cake presentation instantly. Consider topping slices with whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce to amp up the sweet nutty vibe of this dessert.
Side Dishes
This poke cake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream, which balances the buttery richness with cool, fruity freshness. A cup of hot coffee or tea also complements the cake’s deep flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe in individual parfait glasses layered with whipped cream and crushed pecans for a fancy dessert parfait. Another fun idea is to cut it into bite-sized squares and offer it as finger food at a potluck or holiday gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it securely to prevent freezer burn and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain its delicious texture.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, gently reheat a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This brings back some of that freshly baked softness and reawakens the praline sauce’s creamy luxury.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake mix instead of boxed?
Absolutely! A homemade butter pecan cake batter will work just as well and can add a personal touch. Just ensure it’s moist and not too dense for the best soaking effect.
What can I substitute for coconut pecan frosting?
If you don’t have coconut pecan frosting, cream cheese frosting or a simple buttercream will do. You might lose some coconut flavor, but the cake will still be divine with those luscious nuts and praline sauce.
How do I make sure the cake is fully soaked?
Poking evenly across the cake’s surface with a wooden spoon handle is key. Pour the sauce while it’s warm and don’t rush cooling—the sauce needs time to soak deep into those holes for that signature moistness.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free butter pecan cake mix and check all other ingredients for gluten. The poke cake method works perfectly with gluten-free batters too!
Is it okay to use salted butter in the praline sauce?
Yes, salted butter can add a subtle depth of flavor. If you do use salted butter, adjust any other salt in the recipe accordingly to keep the sweetness balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe is one of those desserts that instantly feels like a celebration—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of buttery cake, creamy coconut pecan frosting, and indulgent praline sauce makes it a standout treat you’ll want to make over and over. Trust me, once you try it, this cake will quickly become your new favorite go-to dessert for any moment that deserves a little sweetness!
Print
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a decadent, moist dessert combining the rich flavors of butter pecan cake with a luscious coconut pecan frosting and a warm praline sauce filled with chopped pecans. The poke cake technique allows the sweet praline sauce to soak deeply, creating a delightfully gooey and nutty treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 (15 oz) box butter pecan cake mix
- 1 (16 oz) can coconut pecan frosting
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Praline Sauce
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk. Mix these ingredients until the batter is smooth. Fold in the chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it’s fully baked.
- Poke the Cake: After baking, let the cake cool slightly for easier handling. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly all over the surface of the cake to allow the praline sauce to seep in.
- Prepare the Praline Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Finally, mix in the chopped pecans to infuse the sauce with buttery nutty flavor.
- Add Sauce to Cake: Pour the warm praline sauce evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes you created, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely so the sauce sets properly. Once cooled, slice and serve this indulgent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake to your guests.
Notes
- Ensure the cake has cooled slightly before poking to avoid breaking apart.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil or any other neutral oil.
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans before adding them to the batter and sauce.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This cake can be served warm or chilled according to preference.
