Butter Pecan Praline Poke is a delightful dessert that has captured my heart with its moist texture and rich praline flavor. This cake is bathed in a luscious praline sauce, topped with fluffy whipped cream, and garnished with toasted pecans, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion. When I take the first bite, I am met with the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, reminding me of cherished family gatherings. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make butter pecan dessert that will surely become a favorite in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Praline Poke
This butter pecan dessert is not just delicious, but it also brings several delightful benefits:
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Moist and flavorful, thanks to the rich praline sauce.
- Great for gatherings; serves up to 12 people.
- Versatile: serve chilled or at room temperature.
- A wonderful combination of butter pecan and praline flavors.
- Ideal for any season, especially during holidays.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic pecan praline poke cake that everyone will love!
Ingredients for Butter Pecan Praline Poke
Gather these items:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) butter cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
- 2 cups whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (for garnish)
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling, optional)
How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and water. Mix according to package instructions until well combined.
- Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 4: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then poke holes all over the top using a fork or skewer.
- Step 5: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Step 6: Let it boil for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans.
- Step 7: Pour the warm praline sauce evenly over the cooled cake, making sure it fills the holes.
- Step 8: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
- Step 9: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the chilled cake.
- Step 10: Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
- Step 11: Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Butter Pecan Praline Poke
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh pecans for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the praline sauce.
- Experiment with flavored whipped cream for a unique twist.
Best Ways to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke
This pecan poke cake with butter is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Here are some serving ideas:
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
- Top with additional caramel sauce for a stunning presentation.
How to Store and Reheat Butter Pecan Praline Poke
To store, simply cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3-4 days. For meal prep, you can make the cake ahead of time and assemble it when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Pecan Praline Poke
What’s the secret to perfect Butter Pecan Praline Poke?
The secret lies in the quality of your ingredients. Using fresh butter and pecans will enhance the flavor significantly. Additionally, ensuring the cake is well-soaked with the praline sauce is key to achieving that moist texture.
Can I make Butter Pecan Praline Poke ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making ahead. Prepare the cake and praline sauce, then assemble and chill it a day prior to serving. The flavors meld beautifully overnight.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Butter Pecan Praline Poke?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure you accurately measure your ingredients, particularly the wet ones. Also, poke enough holes in the cake to allow the praline sauce to soak in thoroughly for maximum flavor.
Variations of Butter Pecan Praline Poke You Can Try
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some exciting variations:
- Try using a chocolate cake mix for a chocolatey twist on the classic.
- Incorporate shredded coconut into the praline sauce for a tropical flair.
- Substitute the pecans for walnuts or almonds to change the nutty profile.
- Experiment with different flavored whipped creams, such as maple or hazelnut.

For more delicious recipes, check out Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken or Apple Bundt Cake Recipe. If you’re interested in other desserts, you might enjoy Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake as well!
For tips on baking techniques, visit King Arthur Baking for expert advice.
Print
Delicious Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a moist cake soaked in a rich praline sauce, topped with whipped cream and pecans.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) butter cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
- 2 cups whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (for garnish)
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and water. Mix according to package instructions until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then poke holes all over the top using a fork or skewer.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Let it boil for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans.
- Pour the warm praline sauce evenly over the cooled cake, making sure it fills the holes.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the chilled cake.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use fresh pecans for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
