BUTTER PECAN PRALINE POKE CAKE

Introduction

Imagine a moist butter pecan cake infused with caramel praline sauce that seeps into every bite, topped with a dreamy whipped topping loaded with more pecans. That’s the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake — indulgent, sweet, and irresistibly nutty.

Originating from the Southern praline tradition, this dessert blends the deep caramel flavor of brown sugar and butter with the soft texture of a classic poke cake. It’s the perfect mix of Southern charm and creamy decadence.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 box Butter Pecan Cake Mix (15.25 oz)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, for extra crunch)

For the Praline Sauce

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping

• 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream)
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, milk, and melted butter.
4. Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
5. Stir in chopped pecans if using.
6. Pour batter into the baking dish and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Remove from oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Praline Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Stir in brown sugar and cook until it starts to bubble.
3. Add heavy cream, vanilla, and salt — stir constantly until smooth and thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly (it should still be pourable).

Step 3: Poke and Soak

1. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the warm cake (about 1 inch apart).
2. Slowly pour the warm praline sauce over the cake, making sure it fills the holes.
3. Allow the cake to cool completely so the sauce sets inside.

Step 4: Top It Off

1. Once the cake has cooled, spread Cool Whip evenly over the top.
2. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
3. Sprinkle toasted pecans generously over the top.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

• Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
• Serve chilled or slightly cool — every bite melts in your mouth!

Methods & Tips

• For richer flavor, toast pecans in a dry pan for 5 minutes before using.
• If you love extra sweetness, drizzle an extra layer of caramel before serving.
• You can substitute Cool Whip with stabilized whipped cream if you prefer a less processed topping.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days — it tastes even better the next day!

History

The concept of the poke cake first appeared in the 1970s, when home bakers started poking holes into baked cakes to fill them with pudding, Jell-O, or sweet sauces for extra moisture. The Butter Pecan Praline variation is inspired by classic Southern pralines, a confection from Louisiana made with brown sugar, butter, and pecans — often served as candy or dessert topping. Combining both traditions gives us this irresistible Southern treasure.

Benefits

While it’s definitely a sweet indulgence, this dessert offers:

• Mood-boosting satisfaction — a little comfort food for the soul.
• Heart-healthy pecans that provide good fats, antioxidants, and minerals.
• Homemade freshness — no preservatives, no artificial flavors.

Everything in moderation, right?

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 420
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 48g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 36g

(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)

For the Lovers of Sweet Southern Desserts

If you adore Butter Pecan Ice Cream, Pecan Pie, or Praline Candy, this cake will steal your heart. It’s rich, nutty, buttery, and caramel-soaked — a dessert that makes any gathering feel like a warm Southern hug.

Conclusion

The Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is not just a dessert — it’s a celebration of comfort, flavor, and nostalgia. With its gooey praline filling, fluffy topping, and crunchy pecans, every bite feels like home.

Serve it at family dinners, holiday parties, or when you just need a little sweetness in your life — because some cakes aren’t just baked… they’re made with love and butter.