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Delicious Butter Pecan Poke Cake

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

Turn a basic yellow cake into something really special with this butter pecan poke cake. Sweetened condensed milk and caramel seep into small holes throughout, creating a soft and flavorful dessert. Its texture is a perfect mix—soft cake, creamy filling, and crunchy pecans on top. You’ll love how simple it is, yet guests will think it’s a masterpiece. Great for potlucks or celebrations, this cake is a modern twist full of praline and butter pecan flavors.
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Updated on Fri, 07 Mar 2025 05:20:23 GMT
Butter Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe Pin it
Butter Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe | cuisinegenial.com

An indulgent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake that perfectly balances sweet caramel with toasted pecans. The tender cake base is infused with rich praline sauce that creates pockets of caramel throughout, topped with crunchy pecans and a classic Southern praline finish.

Key Ingredients

  • Yellow Cake Mix: Forms the base layer
  • Unsalted Butter: Premium quality recommended
  • Large Eggs: Bring to room temperature
  • Pecans: Toast before using
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds moisture and richness
  • Caramel Sauce: Store-bought or homemade
  • Heavy Cream: For praline topping

Preparation Method

1. Prepare Oven and Pan:
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 9x13 pan and line with parchment. Toast pecans 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
2. Mix Cake:
Prepare cake mix using milk instead of water. Add melted butter and mix just until combined. Stir in toasted pecans.
3. Bake and Poke:
Bake 25-30 minutes. Cool 15 minutes. Create holes with wooden spoon handle.
4. Make Praline:
Cook butter, brown sugar and cream until thickened. Add vanilla and pecans. Pour half over cake.
5. Finish Cake:
Let cool completely. Top with remaining praline and pecans. Chill 4 hours.
Irresistible Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe Pin it
Irresistible Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe | cuisinegenial.com

Praline Tips

For perfect praline sauce, cook slowly and steadily. The sauce is ready when it coats a spoon and leaves a clean line when tested with your finger.

Temperature Guide

Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing. Let cake cool before poking holes. Praline sauce should be warm but not hot when poured over cake.

Make Ahead

This cake develops even better flavor overnight. Prepare up to 2 days in advance and garnish just before serving.

Storage

Keep refrigerated up to 5 days. Individual slices can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Important Notes

  • Always toast pecans for best flavor
  • Take time with praline sauce
  • Use room temperature ingredients
  • Allow proper cooling time
  • Monitor sauce temperature
Easy Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe Pin it
Easy Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe | cuisinegenial.com

Pro Tips

  • Use parchment paper lining
  • Make holes with wooden spoon
  • Reserve extra praline sauce
  • Toast extra pecans for garnish
  • Check cake early for doneness

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this cake in advance?
Absolutely, make it up to two days early and store it covered in the fridge.
→ How should I poke holes in the cake?
You can use a straw or the end of a wooden spoon for evenly spaced holes.
→ Is it okay to use a different flavor for the cake mix?
Sure thing! Butter pecan or plain white mixes work just as well.
→ Why is chilling the cake necessary?
Chilling helps the sauce set properly and gives the flavors a chance to meld.
→ Can this cake be frozen?
Yes, it can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to add whipped topping fresh after it’s thawed.

Butter Pecan Cake

This fluffy yellow cake has caramel-filled pockets and pecan toppings, making it an effortless treat that looks fancy.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cake Base

01 One box of yellow cake mix
02 Three large eggs
03 A cup of milk
04 Half a cup of melted unsalted butter

→ Topping & Filling

05 A cup of finely chopped pecans
06 One can of sweetened condensed milk
07 A cup of caramel sauce
08 Whipped topping to serve

Instructions

Step 01

Turn the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan to keep your cake from sticking.

Step 02

Combine the cake mix, eggs, milk, and melted butter in a big bowl and stir until you get a smooth mix.

Step 03

Pour the mix into the prepared pan and bake it for 25 to 30 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 04

As the cake cools down a bit, warm up the condensed milk and caramel sauce in a saucepan. Stir until they blend well together.

Step 05

Once the cake is cooled, poke holes in it and pour the warm sauce over top. Let it soak into the cake.

Step 06

Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours. Serve it cold with whipped topping and some more pecans sprinkled on top.

Notes

  1. Great for parties or celebrations
  2. Needs a minimum of four hours to chill
  3. Can be prepared in advance

Tools You'll Need

  • 9×13-inch pan for baking
  • A big bowl for mixing
  • A small saucepan to heat the sauce
  • Measuring cups and spoons for precise amounts

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This has dairy in it
  • Eggs are included in this recipe
  • Contains wheat or gluten ingredients
  • Pecans, which are tree nuts, are part of this dessert

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 4 g