Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
Introduction
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a luscious, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines a moist yellow cake with a rich caramel sauce and crunchy pecans. Topped with creamy whipped topping, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup pecan pieces
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Step 2: Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 3: Let the cake cool slightly, then use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly all over the surface of the cake.
- Step 4: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined.
- Step 5: Pour the warm sweet sauce evenly over the poked cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- Step 6: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface. Sprinkle with pecan pieces to finish.
Tips & Variations
- Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet before adding them for extra flavor and crunch.
- For a richer pudding-like texture, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the sweet sauce mixture.
- Use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping for a fresher taste.
- Swap pecans for walnuts if preferred.
Storage
Store the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow it to come to room temperature or warm a slice briefly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. The whipped topping is best served chilled, so avoid reheating the whole cake.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake flavor?
Yes, while yellow cake is traditional, you can try vanilla or butter cake mixes to complement the praline flavors.
Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight in the fridge, allowing the sauce to fully soak in.
Print
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring a classic yellow cake soaked with a rich praline sauce made from sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter. Topped with fluffy whipped topping and crunchy pecan pieces, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- Ingredients required by the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, water)
Praline Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
Topping
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping
- 1 cup pecan pieces
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make and Bake Cake: Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions, which typically includes adding eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Poke the Cake: Allow the cake to cool slightly so it remains warm but manageable. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the surface of the cake to allow the praline sauce to soak in deeply.
- Prepare Praline Sauce: In a saucepan set over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Pour Sauce over Cake: Pour the hot praline sauce evenly over the poked cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. This step infuses the cake with rich, buttery sweetness.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely at room temperature to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld perfectly.
- Add Topping and Pecans: Spread the whipped topping evenly across the cooled cake. Sprinkle the pecan pieces over the whipped topping to add crunch and nutty flavor. Optionally, mix vanilla extract into the whipped topping beforehand for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can toast the pecans lightly for enhanced flavor before sprinkling them on the cake.
- For a firmer topping, chill the cake after adding whipped topping before serving.
- Use a wooden spoon handle or a fork to poke holes evenly across the cake to maximize sauce absorption.
- This cake is best served chilled but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Butter Pecan Poke Cake, Praline Cake, Yellow Cake, Poke Cake, Pecan Dessert, Sweetened Condensed Milk Cake

