Dreamy Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Sweet southern butter pecan praline poke cake brings comfort straight to your dessert plate.

Layers of moist cake hide delightful surprises beneath a rich, caramel-like surface.

Southern bakers have long treasured this decadent treat for its indulgent texture.

Pecans add a delightful crunch that makes each bite memorable.

Maple and brown sugar notes dance through the creamy filling, creating complex flavors.

Drizzled with warm praline sauce, this cake promises pure southern charm.

You’ll want to savor every single decadent morsel of this irresistible dessert.

What Makes Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Special

• Master a decadent dessert with minimal baking skills required.
• Prepare this impressive cake in under an hour, perfect for last-minute gatherings or potlucks.
• Experience a heavenly combination of moist cake, gooey caramel, creamy topping, and crunchy pecans in every bite.
• Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion that calls for a show-stopping dessert that will wow friends and family.

All the Sweet Ingredients for Butter Pecan Poke Cake

• Butter Pecan Cake Mix: Sweet base with nutty pecan flavor, ready to simplify the baking process.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake.
• Water: Helps blend the cake mix ingredients smoothly.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and tender cake texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft, moist cake.

• Caramel Sauce: Rich, sweet layer that adds deep flavor and moisture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a creamy, sweet filling that seeps into cake holes.

• Heavy Cream: Base for light and fluffy whipped cream.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle aromatic flavor to the whipped cream.
• Pecans: Toasted nuts provide crunch and complementary butter pecan flavor.
• Pralines: Crushed candies add extra sweetness and textural contrast.

How to Bake and Fill This Gooey Cake

Step 1: Bake the Delicious Base

• Butter pecan cake mix
• Eggs
• Water
• Vegetable oil
• Sour cream

Beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Create the Gooey Caramel Filling

• Caramel sauce
• Sweetened condensed milk

Stir until the mixture is completely blended and silky.

Step 3: Transform the Cake with Magical Holes

Grab a wooden spoon handle and gently poke holes all over the warm cake. Slowly pour the caramel mixture, allowing it to seep into every delicious crevice. Let the cake cool completely.

Step 4: Whip Up the Dreamy Topping

• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip the ingredients until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overwhip.

Step 5: Decorate with Crunchy Goodness

• Toasted pecans
• Crushed pralines

evenly across the creamy surface.

Step 6: Chill and Indulge

Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. Slice and serve this decadent dessert that’s sure to impress!

Tips for Getting That Caramel Soak Just Right

• Enhance Cake Moisture: Poke holes while the cake is still warm to help the caramel and sweetened condensed milk penetrate deeply, creating a rich, moist texture throughout every slice.
• Prevent Overwhipping Cream: Watch the whipped cream carefully and stop beating when stiff peaks form to avoid turning it into butter, ensuring a light and fluffy topping.
• Toast Pecans for Deeper Flavor: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the cake to release their natural oils and enhance their nutty, aromatic profile.
• Customize Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the whipped cream topping to suit your taste preferences, making the dessert more or less sweet as desired.
• Make Ahead and Store Smartly: This cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making party prep easier.

How to Chill, Store, and Serve Poke Cake

• Store the butter pecan praline poke cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake stays fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. For a warm touch, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds on low power.
• Avoid leaving the cake at room temperature for extended periods. The whipped cream topping can become runny, and pecans might lose their crunch.

What to Pair With Butter Pecan Poke Cake

• Brew a rich, smooth caramel pecan coffee that echoes the cake's nutty and sweet flavor profile, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Splash a small amount of bourbon vanilla liqueur alongside the cake to enhance the deep caramel and pecan notes, adding a sophisticated adult twist.
• Serve a scoop of creamy salted caramel ice cream next to the cake slice, allowing the cold, sweet, and slightly salty elements to dance together on the palate.
• Prepare a warm spiced rum hot toddy with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, which will beautifully balance the cake's rich, sweet undertones and provide a cozy drinking companion.

Flavor Twists to Try Next Time

• Gluten-Free Edition: Swap the butter pecan cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream, use dairy-free condensed milk, and substitute sour cream with dairy-free yogurt to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Nutty Chocolate Spin: Incorporate chocolate drizzle instead of caramel, and mix chopped dark chocolate with pecans for a rich, decadent flavor profile that chocolate lovers will appreciate.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free caramel sauce, replace sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free alternative, and use stevia-based whipped cream to reduce overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly options.

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet southern charm meets pure indulgence in this butter pecan praline poke cake, where layers of moist cake drench in rich caramel and crunchy pecans. Rich flavors and creamy textures invite you to savor each delectable bite of pure comfort.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1 box butter pecan cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (120 grams) sour cream

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk

Topping and Garnish:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (100 grams) chopped pecans, toasted
• ½ cup (50 grams) crushed pralines (optional for extra crunch)

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Instructions

1. Craft the base by mixing the butter pecan cake mix with eggs, water, oil, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the batter achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
2. Transfer the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring even distribution. Position in a preheated oven at 350F and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes until a inserted toothpick emerges clean.
3. Remove the freshly baked cake and allow minimal cooling. While still warm, use a wooden spoon handle to create numerous strategic holes across the cake’s surface.
4. Blend caramel sauce with sweetened condensed milk in a separate container until fully integrated. Gently pour this decadent mixture over the perforated cake, enabling it to seep deeply into the created channels.
5. Allow the cake to reach complete temperature equilibrium at room temperature, ensuring the caramel thoroughly penetrates the interior.
6. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff, voluminous peaks form. Exercise caution to prevent over-whipping, which could compromise the cream’s delicate structure.
7. Once the cake has cooled entirely, generously spread the whipped cream across the surface, creating a smooth, even layer.
8. Embellish the cream topping with a lavish sprinkle of toasted pecans and crushed pralines, distributing them uniformly for visual and textural appeal.
9. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of one hour to allow flavors to meld and achieve optimal serving consistency. Slice and serve chilled for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake’s texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and more even baking results.
• Substitute gluten-free cake mix to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Allow caramel mixture to cool slightly before pouring into cake holes to prevent potential burning or separation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg