Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake (Southern Delight!)

Hello lovely readers! Today, I’m bringing you the ultimate Southern-inspired dessert — a Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. This cake is rich, moist, and loaded with buttery pecan praline goodness, making every bite feel like a celebration.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a birthday, or just craving something sweet, this cake will make you the star of the dessert table. And yes — it’s a Southern delight!

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Overview of the Recipe

What It Is

A tender, buttery cake poked with pockets of rich caramel or condensed milk, then topped with a luscious butter pecan frosting and crunchy pralines. It’s indulgent, festive, and Southern-approved.

Why You’ll Love It

• Classic Southern flavors — buttery, nutty, sweet
• Moist cake thanks to the “poke” method
• Perfect for parties and celebrations
• Easy to assemble yet impressive
• Sweet, crunchy, and creamy all in one bite

What It Tastes Like

Soft, moist cake infused with buttery sweetness. The pecan praline topping adds a caramelized crunch, while the frosting creates the ultimate creamy finish. Each bite is a little taste of heaven.

Ingredient List

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Cake Base

• 1 box butter or yellow cake mix (or homemade equivalent)
• Ingredients required by box mix (eggs, oil, water)

Filling / “Poke” Layer

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce or homemade caramel
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Butter Pecan Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Topping / Praline Crunch

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt

Tools Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Saucepan
• Whisk and spatula
• Knife or spatula for spreading frosting
• Spoon for praline topping

How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

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Step 1 — Bake the Cake

Prepare cake mix according to instructions and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 2 — Poke the Cake

Once the cake has cooled for 10 minutes, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke evenly spaced holes throughout the cake.

Step 3 — Add Filling

Combine sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract. Pour evenly over the holes, letting it seep into the cake.

Step 4 — Make Butter Pecan Frosting

Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and fold in 1 cup toasted pecans. Spread frosting evenly over the cake.

Step 5 — Prepare Praline Topping

In a small saucepan, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat until sugar melts and mixture thickens. Cool slightly, then sprinkle over frosted cake.

Step 6 — Chill & Serve

Chill cake for at least 30 minutes to set frosting and topping. Slice, serve, and enjoy the Southern delight!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence
• Perfect with sweet tea or coffee
• Great for holiday dessert tables or birthday celebrations

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Toast pecans before using to enhance flavor
• Let cake cool slightly before poking for best results
• Don’t overmix frosting to keep it light and fluffy
• For extra moistness, refrigerate the cake overnight before serving

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: 4–5 days in airtight container
• Freezer: Up to 2 months, frost after thawing if desired

General Information

The Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is inspired by Southern traditions where nuts, butter, and caramel create rich, indulgent desserts. The poke cake method ensures moisture and flavor distribution, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix or homemade flour substitute.

2. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely — it works perfectly.

3. Can I prepare the praline topping ahead of time?
Yes — make it 1 day in advance and store in an airtight container.

4. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts give a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.

Conclusion

This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a decadent Southern dessert that combines soft cake, creamy butter pecan frosting, and crunchy praline topping. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a sweet indulgence at home.

Other Poulef favorites:

• https://poulef.com/easy-chocolate-chip-quickbread/

Follow me on Pinterest for more decadent desserts:
👉 https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	50g
Sugar	32g
Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	10g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	210mg

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