Delicious Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe

I remember the exact moment the Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake became a staple in my kitchen. It was during a cozy weekend gathering with close friends when I wanted something sweet but homey, something that felt like a warm hug on a plate. After a few attempts tinkering with different flavors, the recipe finally clicked—the perfect moist butter pecan cake soaked with luscious caramel and topped with that dreamy praline topping. I kept making the Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake over and over because it brings such joy to my kitchen and smiles to every table.

This cake fits right into my baking life as my go-to when I want to impress with ease. It’s one of those southern poke cake delights that feels fancy but is actually straightforward enough for weeknight baking. What I love most is how every bite offers that nutty caramel cake flavor that pairs beautifully with a sweet sauce dessert. Whether I’m sharing it after a family meal or sending a slice with a friend, the Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake feels like a little celebration.

If you’re looking for a dependable, comforting cake recipe to add to your repertoire, I encourage you to try this one. It’s friendly to bakers of all levels and delivers that incredible feeling when you pull a perfectly moist, caramel-soaked cake from the oven. Trust me, once you taste the buttery pecan cake with praline crunch, you’ll understand why it’s quickly become a family favorite. I’m cheering you on to bake up your own Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake soon!

1 box butter pecan cake mix (You can find this at most stores; I always add a bit extra butter flavor with a tablespoon of melted butter)

3 large eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

1 cup water

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (A key player in this caramel sauce dessert; great for adding richness)

1 cup packed brown sugar (For that nutty caramel undertone)

1/2 cup butter (Melted, to mix with brown sugar for the praline topping)

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (I like to roast them lightly first to bring out their flavor)

1 tub (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed

If you don’t have butter pecan cake mix, a simple yellow or butter cake mix works beautifully in this Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake too. Just add a teaspoon of pecan extract if you have it.

This cake is affordable because it uses mostly pantry staples – sweetened condensed milk and a box cake mix keep things easy on the budget. For quick prep, measure out your nuts and melt butter in advance. I store my pecans in the freezer to keep them fresh longer, which is a handy baking tip if you enjoy praline poke cake variations often.

Here’s my little trick that makes this Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake extra wonderful: lightly toast the pecans before chopping them. It adds a deeper, nuttier flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet caramel sauce.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or non-stick spray. This Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake bakes best in this size for even cooking.

2. Mix the cake batter: In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water until smooth. This step is simple but crucial—get it just right for that classic butter pecan cake texture. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

3. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly when this Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is ready! If your cake looks golden and springs back lightly when touched, you’re on track.

4. While the cake bakes, prepare your caramel sauce: Mix the sweetened condensed milk with the brown sugar and melted butter until smooth.

5. When the cake comes out of the oven, immediately poke holes all over with the back of a wooden spoon or a skewer. This technique helps all that luscious caramel soak deep into the layers of the cake, truly making it a praline poke cake experience.

6. Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top so it drizzles down into each hole. From start to finish, this Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake takes about an hour, including baking and topping prep. Multitask by whipping your topping or cleaning up at this point.

7. Sprinkle the chopped, toasted pecans over the warm caramel layer while it’s still sticky, so they stick nicely and create that classic nutty caramel cake crunch.

8. Allow the cake to cool completely before spreading the thawed whipped topping evenly over the whole cake. This final touch keeps the cake moist and adds fluffy sweetness.

If you want to save time, you can use pre-made caramel sauce, but mixing your own with sweetened condensed milk adds that homemade magic.

Remember, this is the step where a gentle hand makes all the difference with your Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake—don’t rush pouring the sauce or adding pecans.

Once assembled, pop the cake in the fridge for at least two hours before serving. This chilling step lets all the flavors meld beautifully.

I love serving this Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake at gatherings because it looks stunning and tastes like a treat without the fuss. My favorite way to enjoy it is on a quiet afternoon with loved ones—paired with simple vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee. The buttery pecan cake and that silky caramel sauce dessert balance the warm nut crunch perfectly.

For occasions, this southern poke cake shines at potlucks, family dinners, and birthday celebrations. You can quickly dress it up by dusting a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top or adding extra pecans for decoration. Leftovers? Oh yes. I turn mine into scoopable dessert cups with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra pecans. It’s a creative leftover idea that still feels just as special.

In one memorable holiday, I added a touch of pumpkin spice to the batter for a seasonal variation of the Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake—delicious and cozy! Something about the nutty caramel cake flavor makes it versatile across seasons.

If you enjoy this nutty caramel cake, you might also love this Butter pecan praline poke cake recipe for a slightly different twist.

Can I make this Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the cake and topping a day ahead, then refrigerate. It tastes even better the next day after the caramel soaks in.

What’s a good substitute for sweetened condensed milk in this praline poke cake?
Evaporated milk mixed with sugar is a workaround, but the classic caramel sauce dessert flavor comes from sweetened condensed milk.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes! Walnuts work nicely, but pecans add that signature southern touch everyone loves.

How can I adjust this Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake for a different pan size?
For an 8×8 pan, reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes; for larger pans, increase time slightly, watching closely.

Do I have to poke holes all over the cake?
Yes, those holes let the caramel sauce seep in, making it moist and flavorful throughout.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
I haven’t tested it myself, but some readers have tried gluten-free cake mix alternatives with success.

What if I want to skip the whipped topping?
You can use cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze instead for a different but delicious finish.

If you want to see a popular version, this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake offers a great visual and additional tips.

For those wondering if the southern butter pecan praline cake is really worth the fuss—here’s a community perspective on Is the Southern Butter Pecan Praline Cake good? that echoes my own experience. It’s a hit!

This Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake has a very special place in my recipe collection because it’s dependable, delicious, and always welcomes compliments. The deep butter pecan cake flavor combined with that silky caramel sauce dessert and the crunchy praline topping is pure comfort.

My Top Tips for This Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake:

• Don’t skip poking holes—you want that caramel soaked in beautifully.
• Toast your pecans lightly for extra nutty flavor.
• Chill the cake well before serving to let all the flavors meld.

Some variations I enjoy include adding a hint of cinnamon for warmth, swapping to cream cheese frosting in place of whipped topping, or folding in a handful of chocolate chips into the batter for a nutty caramel chocolate delight. The version getting requested most often from my family has to be the classic praline poke cake style—simple, sweet, and unmistakably crowd-pleasing.

Friends, I hope you make this Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake your own, tweaking it as you like and sharing it with the people you love. There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling a moist, caramel-dripping cake from the oven and seeing everyone savor it. Happy baking!

If you want to try some savory flavors before dessert, my Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Creamy Mashed Potatoes might be just right to start your day on a great note. Or try Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon for a light meal that’s full of flavor. For a sweet snack to pair, you can’t go wrong with these Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars—they’re simple and satisfying.

Let’s keep baking and sharing these joyful moments!