Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the kind of dessert that feels rich, nostalgic, and indulgent all at once. It brings together the warm, buttery flavor of pecans, the deep caramel notes of praline sauce, and the soft, tender texture of a poke cake that’s soaked with sweetness in every bite. This is not a light, forgettable dessert—it’s bold, comforting, and meant to be savored slowly.
At its heart, this cake is inspired by classic Southern flavors. Butter pecan has long been associated with comfort and tradition, while praline—made from butter, sugar, and pecans—adds a luxurious, caramelized depth that feels special and celebratory. When these elements come together in a poke cake, the result is a dessert that’s incredibly moist, richly flavored, and impossible to resist.
Poke cakes are beloved for their simplicity and reliability. By poking holes into a freshly baked cake and pouring a flavorful sauce over the top, you ensure that every slice is infused with moisture and taste. In this version, a warm praline sauce seeps deep into the cake, transforming a simple base into something extraordinary. The cake absorbs the buttery caramel flavor, while the topping adds texture, crunch, and visual appeal.
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions—but it’s also simple enough to make just because you’re craving something comforting and sweet. It’s the kind of dessert that draws people into the kitchen as soon as they smell it baking, and it rarely lasts long once it’s served.
Whether you’re a fan of pecan desserts, caramel flavors, or ultra-moist cakes, this recipe delivers on every level. Each forkful offers soft cake, rich praline sauce, crunchy pecans, and a smooth, creamy topping that ties everything together. It’s indulgent without being complicated, impressive without being fussy, and deeply satisfying from the first bite to the last.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake becomes a favorite the moment it’s served. First and foremost, it’s incredibly moist. Thanks to the poke cake method, the praline sauce soaks into the cake, ensuring that no bite is ever dry. The texture is soft, tender, and almost melt-in-your-mouth.
Another reason this recipe stands out is its flavor depth. Butter pecan provides a warm, nutty base, while the praline sauce adds rich caramel notes that feel indulgent and comforting. The combination is sweet without being cloying, balanced by the slight bitterness of toasted pecans.
This cake is also wonderfully forgiving. You can use a cake mix as the base or make the cake from scratch, depending on your preference and time. Either way, the praline soak elevates the cake into something that tastes homemade and special.
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is also a crowd-pleaser. It appeals to a wide range of tastes, making it ideal for gatherings where you want a dessert that everyone will enjoy. It’s familiar enough to feel comforting, yet indulgent enough to feel like a treat.
Finally, this is a make-ahead-friendly dessert. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld together. That makes it perfect for stress-free entertaining.
Preparation and Baking Time
Despite its rich, layered flavor, this cake is surprisingly easy to prepare.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 30–35 minutes
- Cooling & Soaking Time: 1–2 hours
- Total Time: About 2½ hours
Most of the time is hands-off, allowing the cake to cool and absorb the praline sauce.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix
- Eggs, oil, and water (as directed on the box)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Praline Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Topping
- 1 container whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
- Extra chopped pecans for garnish
- Optional caramel drizzle
Step-by-Step
Guide to Making the Recipe
1. Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Prepare the batter as directed, folding in the chopped pecans. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Poke the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes evenly across the entire cake. These holes allow the praline sauce to soak deep into the cake.
3. Make the Praline Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
4. Pour and Soak
While the sauce is still warm, pour it slowly and evenly over the poked cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely so the sauce can fully absorb.
5. Add the Topping
Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with additional chopped pecans and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
6. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors set and makes slicing easier.
Flavor Variations and Creative Twists
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is delicious as written, but it also lends itself beautifully to variations.
For an extra caramel-forward flavor, add a layer of caramel sauce between the praline soak and the whipped topping. This intensifies the sweetness and gives the cake an even more indulgent finish.
If you enjoy a hint of spice, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cake batter can add warmth and depth that complements the pecans perfectly.
You can also swap the whipped topping for a cream cheese frosting if you prefer a richer, tangier contrast to the sweet praline sauce. This turns the cake into something closer to a butter pecan cheesecake-style dessert.
How to Serve
This cake is best served chilled or slightly cool, when the topping is set and the praline sauce has fully soaked into the cake.
It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it an excellent dessert for brunch or afternoon gatherings. For a more decadent presentation, serve slices with an extra drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Because it’s so moist and flavorful, Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake doesn’t need much accompaniment. A simple plate and fork are all you need to enjoy it.
Tips & Variations
Toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the cake or sauce. This enhances their flavor and adds a deeper, nuttier aroma.
Pour the praline sauce while it’s warm, not hot. This helps it soak in without making the cake soggy.
Allow the cake plenty of time to rest after soaking. Rushing this step can result in uneven texture.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavor often improves over time.
Final Thoughts
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert for anyone who loves rich, buttery flavors and soft, moist cake. It combines the ease of a poke cake with the indulgence of praline sauce and toasted pecans, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and luxurious.
This is the kind of cake that people remember. It’s perfect for holidays, celebrations, and anytime you want to serve something that feels homemade and special without spending hours in the kitchen.
With its tender crumb, deep caramel flavor, and satisfying crunch of pecans, Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake proves that simple techniques can create truly unforgettable desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes. This cake is ideal for making ahead and often tastes better the next day.
Can I freeze Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake?
Freezing is not recommended once topped, but the unfrosted cake can be frozen before adding the praline sauce.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
You can slightly reduce the sugar in the praline sauce, but keep in mind it affects texture as well as flavor.
Can I use homemade cake instead of a mix?
Absolutely. A homemade butter pecan or vanilla cake works beautifully with this recipe.
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix
- Eggs, oil, and water (as directed on the box)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Praline Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Topping
- 1 container whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
- Extra chopped pecans for garnish
- Optional caramel drizzle
