Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

 

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake: Decadent, Nutty, and Irresistibly Gooey

If you’re searching for a dessert that screams indulgence, look no further than Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. This cake is a showstopper: moist, buttery, and filled with rich, gooey praline flavor that seeps into every bite. The combination of butter pecans, sweet caramel-like syrup, and creamy frosting makes this cake a true crowd-pleaser for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

A poke cake is simple magic—prick holes in a soft cake, pour in a luscious sauce, and watch it soak in for maximum flavor. Topped with buttercream and crunchy pralines, this cake is both elegant and comforting, offering the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

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Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Moist and flavorful—every bite is buttery and sweet

• Easy to make with a boxed or homemade cake base

• Poke technique ensures the praline sauce penetrates the cake

• Perfect for entertaining—impressive without being complicated

• Customizable—add extra nuts, drizzle, or whipped cream

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Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 box yellow or butter cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Praline Poke Filling

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup butter

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Frosting

• 1 tub (16 oz) cream cheese frosting or homemade buttercream

• Optional: additional pecans or praline pieces for garnish

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Instructions

1. Bake the Cake

1. Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions (or your favorite homemade recipe).

2. Bake in a 9x13-inch pan and allow it to cool slightly.

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2. Poke the Cake

1. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes evenly across the surface of the warm cake.

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3. Make the Praline Filling

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk over medium heat.

2. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and chopped pecans.

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4. Pour Over Cake

Slowly pour the praline sauce over the poked cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Let it cool completely to allow the flavors to meld.

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5. Frost the Cake

1. Spread cream cheese frosting or buttercream evenly over the top of the cake.

2. Sprinkle extra pecans or praline pieces for garnish.

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6. Chill & Serve

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Slice and enjoy the gooey, nutty, buttery magic in every bite.

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Tips for the Perfect Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• Don’t skip the poke step—it’s the secret to a fully infused, gooey cake.

• Toast your pecans lightly for extra depth of flavor.

• Use homemade frosting if you want a richer, creamier top layer.

• Make ahead—this cake tastes even better the next day when the flavors meld.

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Why This Cake Is a Crowd-Pleaser

The Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake has everything a dessert should: soft cake, gooey filling, creamy frosting, and crunchy pecans. It’s indulgent without being intimidating and simple enough for any home baker to tackle. Whether for a holiday feast, birthday party, or cozy family dessert, this cake is guaranteed to get rave reviews.