Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the kind of dessert that instantly feels like home. It is rich, buttery, and soaked with a sweet praline sauce that seeps into every bite. The soft cake combined with toasted pecans and caramel flavor creates a texture that is both tender and indulgent.

This cake is perfect for family gatherings, holiday tables, or anytime you want a dessert that truly impresses without requiring complicated steps. Each slice delivers that classic Southern butter pecan flavor with an extra layer of gooey goodness that makes it unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is incredibly moist thanks to the luscious praline sauce poured right into the cake. It is simple enough for beginner bakers but tastes like it came straight from a bakery. The toasted pecans add crunch, while the caramel notes bring warmth and depth. It is also a great make ahead dessert since the flavor gets even better as it rests.

What Makes a Poke Cake So Irresistible?

A poke cake stands out because of the way flavor is infused into every single bite. After baking, holes are poked across the surface, allowing a sweet filling to soak deep into the cake. In this version, the buttery praline mixture seeps down into the crumb, creating pockets of caramel richness throughout the entire dessert.

Ingredients for the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

This cake uses simple pantry staples along with a few key ingredients that give it that signature butter pecan praline flavor. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of moisture, sweetness, and texture.

Butter pecan cake mix provides the base and delivers that classic nutty flavor.
Eggs help bind the batter and create structure.
Vegetable oil keeps the cake soft and tender.
Milk adds richness and moisture to the crumb.
Sweetened condensed milk forms part of the gooey filling that soaks into the cake.
Brown sugar brings deep caramel notes to the praline sauce.
Unsalted butter creates a rich, silky praline topping.
Heavy cream helps form a smooth and pourable caramel mixture.
Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
Chopped pecans add crunch and that unmistakable buttery nut taste.
Whipped topping finishes the cake with a light and creamy layer.

How To Make the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Baking this cake is straightforward and rewarding. The magic happens when the warm praline mixture soaks into the freshly baked cake.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. In a large bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk. Mix until smooth and fully blended, making sure there are no dry pockets of mix remaining.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Bake according to package directions or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven.

Step 3: Poke and Soak

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake. Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.

Step 4: Make the Praline Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans.

Step 5: Pour the Praline Topping

Carefully pour the warm praline sauce over the cake, making sure it spreads evenly and fills the holes. Let the cake cool completely so the flavors can settle.

Step 6: Add the Final Layer

Spread whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for extra texture if desired. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Serving and Storing Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

This cake generously serves about 12 to 15 people, making it perfect for potlucks and celebrations. Serve it chilled for the best texture and flavor. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. The cake actually becomes more flavorful as it rests, since the praline mixture continues to soak into the crumb.

What to Serve With Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake?

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cool contrast to the rich caramel flavors of the cake.

Fresh Berries

Strawberries or raspberries bring a light and slightly tart balance to the sweetness.

Hot Coffee

A strong cup of coffee pairs beautifully with the buttery pecan notes.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

An extra drizzle of caramel sauce makes each slice even more decadent.

Toasted Coconut

Sprinkling toasted coconut on top adds another layer of texture and subtle sweetness.

Whipped Cream with Cinnamon

A touch of cinnamon in freshly whipped cream enhances the warm flavors in the cake.

Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you love this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake, you will probably enjoy these other sweet treats from Mia Plates.

Try this rich and classic Butter Pecan Pound Cake for another buttery pecan favorite: https://miaplates.com/butter-pecan-pound-cake/

Cool off with Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream that delivers creamy nutty flavor in every bite: https://miaplates.com/homemade-butter-pecan-ice-cream/

Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread is perfect when you want something simple yet packed with pecan goodness: https://miaplates.com/sweet-alabama-pecan-bread/

For a comforting Southern style dessert, Hillbilly Pie is always a crowd pleaser: https://miaplates.com/hillbilly-pie-poor-mans-pie/

Save This Recipe For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra pecans or drizzle caramel on top? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own, and questions are always welcome so we can bake smarter together.

Explore beautifully curated desserts and daily inspiration on Mia Recipes on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amarieg309/