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Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe

This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe features fluffy cake soaked in praline sauce with butter, brown sugar, cream, and crunchy pecans.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Wooden spoon
  • Saucepan (medium)
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Skewer or fork (for poking holes)
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 1 box butter pecan cake mix or yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans lightly toasted

For the Praline Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

For the Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups whipped topping or whipped cream
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pecans

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x13-inch baking dish lightly.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Beat until smooth and well combined. Fold in the toasted pecans gently.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes—just enough so it’s still warm but not hot.

Step 3: Poke the Cake

  • Using a skewer or fork, poke holes all over the cake. Make sure they are evenly spaced so the sauce can soak in beautifully.

Step 4: Make the Praline Sauce

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and pecans.

Step 5: Pour and Soak

  • While the cake is still warm, slowly pour the praline sauce over it. Let it seep into the holes—it’s the magic moment of this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe.

Step 6: Cool Completely

  • Allow the cake to cool fully at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 7: Add Toppings

  • Spread whipped topping evenly over the cake. Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
  • Slice, serve, and enjoy every rich, buttery bite.

Notes

  • Toast your pecans before adding them for deeper flavor.
  • Don’t skip poking enough holes—this helps the sauce spread evenly.
  • Pour the sauce while the cake is warm for better absorption.
  • Chill the cake before serving for cleaner slices and better texture.
  • Use good-quality butter for a richer taste.
Keyword Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe