Go Back

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

A soft, moist cake infused with a warm buttery praline sauce and topped with toasted pecans, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cake
  • 1 box Butter pecan cake mix Can use yellow cake mix as a substitute
  • 4 large Eggs Follow box directions
  • 1/2 cup Oil Can substitute half with melted butter for richness
  • 1 cup Milk Use instead of water for better flavor
For the praline sauce
  • 1/2 cup Butter Use real, salted butter
  • 1 cup Dark brown sugar Light brown sugar also works
  • 1/2 cup Evaporated milk Do not substitute with sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Rounds out the caramel flavor
  • 1 pinch Salt If using unsalted butter, add a small pinch
For topping
  • 1 cup Pecans Toast for extra flavor

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven and prepare the butter pecan cake mix according to package directions, using milk instead of water. Bake in a greased 9x13 pan until a toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, spaced about 1 inch apart.
Cooking the Sauce
  1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and evaporated milk. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until smooth and slightly thickened.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
Assembling the Cake
  1. Slowly pour the warm praline sauce over the cake, letting it sink into the holes. Sprinkle toasted pecans over the top and lightly press them in.
  2. Let the cake cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. For cleaner slices, chill it for an hour before serving.
  3. Serve warm or cold with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

This cake stays moist even after a few days. For a firmer crumb, let it chill longer before serving. Extra sauce can be drizzled over slices for enhanced flavor.